Your path: Is Online Learning Right For You
Is Online Learning Right For You?
Trying to decide between on campus classes and online classes? Learn which is the best fit for you.
On Campus Classes
Marylhurst's on campus classes are small and intimate. You will be in class with an average of 10 classmates. Most weekday classes meet for 3 hours once a week.
On campus classes are the best option for students who:
- prefer face-to-face social interaction with classmates and instructors;
- prefer to have concepts explained on a blackboard or whiteboard;
- like to have an immediate response to questions;
- rely on explanations to help them understand assignment requirements and reading materials;
- are best supported by the structure of knowing that they must be at a specific place at a specific time;
- benefit from reminders to complete assignments on time; and
- have the flexibility to take a course at another time, should the course fill.
Online Classes
Like on campus classes, Marylhurst limits the number of students who can enroll in an online class to ensure that everyone receives personal attention.
An online class is an excellent option for students who:
- are comfortable with computer technology;
- want the flexibility of being able to participate in a particular class on days and at times and places that are convenient for them;
- are proficient at expressing themselves in writing and at gathering course information through reading;
- don't require face-to-face social interaction with instructors or classmates;
- are independent and self-motivated;
- often plan to complete tasks ahead of time;
- are able to figure out directions and concepts on their own;
- realize that they will not immediately receive comments on their work or answers to their questions.
Online students balance the freedom to participate throughout the week with the reality that the class will require more of their time than a face-to-face class, because they read and write their in-class communication.
Tips for New Online Students
There is usually an adjustment period for most students as they learn the rhythm and patterns of online communication. Here are some tips for getting comfortable:
1. Take time to review all the Help files available.
2. Spend some time navigating your way through the class, clicking on all the buttons and text links.
3. Set designated blocks of time to work on the class. It's very easy to spend either too little or too much time on the class; your time management skills will be critical.
4. Download or print out pages for reference and review away from the computer.
5. Set priorities. Pay close attention to what your instructor says about class priorities.
6. Ask for help if something isn't going right, whether it's a technical issue or something to do with the class environment.
We understand your time is limited; don't spend too much time trying to solve a problem. The Center for Learning & Technology staff is here to help.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- What do I need to take an online course?
- What happens in online classes? Is it like independent study?
- How much time do I need to spend in an online course?
- Do I have to read every discussion posting?
- What is considered "appropriate behavior" in an online classroom?
- Is there an orientation for online students?
- Do I need a textbook? What about library resources?
- What do online courses cost?
- How can I learn more about a specific class?
- How do I register?
- Once I've registered, how do I access the course?
Q: What do I need to take an online course?
First, you'll need reliable Internet access.
You will also need word processing software, such as Microsoft Word. You may be asked to download browser plug-ins such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or Macromedia's Flash player. Some courses may require the use of a spreadsheet program, such as Excel.
For current system and technical requirements, refer to the Angel Help Desk.
System & Technical Requirements
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Q: What happens in online classes? Is it like independent study?
No, it is not independent study. Marylhurst online classes are designed to bring the best features of on site classes to your desktop. You have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and students from all over the world – and benefit from their knowledge and experience.
Marylhurst online courses are designed to promote interaction and discussion.
An online class revolves around a bulletin board, where general discussion takes place. Depending on the class, your instructor may utilize any number of additional features including private mail, real-time chat, assignment dropboxes, linked glossaries, online quizzes, student presentation areas, calendar tools, audio/video files and more.
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Q: How much time do I need to spend in an online course?
You should allot a minimum of 6 hours a week for a 3-credit course. If you have excellent reading comprehension and writing/typing skills, your time will be less than the average student.
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Q: Do I have to read every discussion post?
Just as you would be expected to listen to your classmates in an on site class, you will be expected to read every comment in online discussions – but you don't have to respond to every post.
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Q: What is considered appropriate behavior in an online classroom?
Marylhurst University policy states that electronic communications conducted in the course of a class are "public" communications in the same way that classroom exchanges are public. Your instructor and other students are bound by the same principles of respect, professionalism and concern, as you would find in any interaction in one of the University classrooms or offices.
If you feel that these principles have been compromised in some way, please discuss this directly with your instructor. If this does not result in a satisfactory resolution, contact the Center for Learning & Technology.
Q: Is there an orientation for online students?
Yes, Marylhurst provides an online tutorial and demonstrations at Student Services Saturday events on campus each quarter.
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Q: Do I need a textbook? And what about library resources?
Most online courses do require a textbook, although more instructors are using resources on the Web to support their classes. You should be prepared to download materials in most classes. Books are available from the Marylhurst Bookstore.
Library resources are provided through Shoen Library. Students have online access to full text journals, interlibrary loan services, reference services and other usual library services. Before you can use the library's resources, you must have a student ID card.
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Q: What do online courses cost?
The same tuition and fees as Marylhurst's on-campus courses. There are no additional costs for online courses.
Q: How can I learn more about a specific class?
The quarterly Schedule of Courses, complete with course descriptions, is available about 6 weeks before the start of the term.
Download the Schedule of Courses
Q: How do I register?
If you are an enrolled or admitted student, you can register online.
How to Register
Tuition Payment Options
Q: Once I've registered, how do I get access to the course?
Your username and password are assigned automatically when you register for courses, and is the same as your My Marylhurst login:
- username: your student ID
- password: the last 6 digits of your Social Security Number (International Students: your password may be the last 6 digits of your I-94 number)
- NOTE: You may change your Angel password; but this will NOT change your My Marylhurst PIN.
On the first day of the term, login with your username and password. You will find links to your online course sites, plus links to University resources, materials and announcements.