Distance Learning faqs

The following information is available in PDF form for
printing purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Courses - PDF

Frequently Asked Questions about NetCampus - PDF

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ONLINE COURSES

• Can I access my online course through CampusCruiser?
No.  CampusCruiser is the web portal used by Widener University that offers e-mail, registration, announcements, and other functions to the entire campus community. However, you can access an online course through the WebStudy:  http://widener.webstudy.com/
Please review the WebStudy Informational Handout.

• Do online courses begin and end at different times than regular on-campus courses?
No.  Online courses start and end on the same dates as evening courses.

• Do online courses have final exams, just like regular on-campus courses?
Maybe:  During the week of final exams, your online instructor will let you know if you will be taking an exam online or submitting a final paper.

• Can I submit my work whenever I am ready?
No.  Online courses have weekly schedules and due dates for readings, postings, and tests. Your instructor will let you know what to do each week and you will have to submit work on a regular, weekly basis, just like a class on campus.

• Do I have to be online at the same time as everyone else in class?
Maybe:  Some online instructors use the live chat function of WebStudy to hold office hours or conduct live chats online. Your instructor will make you aware of any requirement to be online at a certain date and time.

• Are online courses easier than on-campus courses?
No.  The content of online courses is identical to that of on-campus classes. In fact, they require more discipline and maybe even more time, because students have to read the material by themselves and keep up with the coursework and writing.

• Can I check my online course whenever I want to?
Yes.  Class participation is crucial to success online. Threaded e-mail discussions are the heart of the course and the main way everyone communicates. Participation requirements will vary from course to course, but your instructor will let you know how often to be online and what you need to do in order to meet participation requirements.

• Do I need to have a computer background to take an online course?
No.  Successful online students need to be able to perform the following tasks comfortably:
o Send and receive e-mails
o Send and open e-mail attachments (Word files)
o Use Microsoft Word
o Manage files in Word
o Function in online library databases
o Perform basic research on the Internet
o Be able to use a browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape ` Navigator
.
• Can I use a program other than Microsoft Office and Word to submit my work in NetCampus?
No.  Students must have access to Microsoft Office and Word in order to complete writing assignments for distance learning courses. They may have access from their own home computers, through work, or by using a university student computer lab. Instructors do not have to accept student work that is not completed in Microsoft Word.

• Are only certain types of students successful in a NetCampus course?
Yes!  Distance learning is not for everyone. We know from research that students who are independent learners, highly motivated, disciplined, and good time managers perform well in distance learning courses. To find out if you are a good candidate for a distance learning course, take this quick self-assessment (see link below for assessment).

Distance Learning Self-Assessment

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NETCAMPUS

• Can I access my NetCampus course through CampusCruiser?
No.  CampusCruiser is the web portal used by Widener University that offers e-mail, registration, announcements, and other functions to the entire campus community. However, you can access an NetCampus course through the WebStudy:  http://widener.webstudy.com/
Please review the WebStudy Informational Handout.

• What is NetCampus?
NetCampus courses are accelerated ane hybrid courses offered on the Wilmington, Delaware and Exton, Pennsylvania campuses by University College.  In the summer, Net Campus courses are also offered  on the Chester, Pennsylvania campus.  Net Campus courses combine weekly class meetings with online learning activities in an accelerated seven-week format.

• Is it important that I attend all seven NetCampus meetings?
Yes!  It is absolutely crucial that students commit to attending all NetCampus meetings. Your instructor will design the course with weekly schedules and due dates for readings, postings, and tests. You will have to submit work on a regular basis, just like a 14-week class on campus.

• Are NetCampus courses a good choice for busy, working adults?
Yes!  Students, especially adults, juggle many responsibilities along with school. Our students have found that NetCampus courses allow them more flexibility and convenience in scheduling school around work, family, and other responsibilities.

• Are NetCampus courses easier than regular 14-week courses?
No.  NetCampus courses are merely more convenient because you do not have to come to campus for 14 weeks, but they are not easier. In fact, they require more time because students have to keep up with the coursework and writing in a shorter, seven-week period.

• Are only certain types of students successful in a NetCampus course?
Yes!  Distance learning is not for everyone. We know from research that students who are independent learners, highly motivated, disciplined, and good time managers perform well in distance learning courses. To find out if you are a good candidate for a distance learning course, take this quick self-assessment (see link below for assessment).

Distance Learning Self-Assessment

• Do I need to have a computer background to take a NetCampus course?
No.  Successful NetCampus students need to be able to perform the following tasks comfortably:
o Send and receive e-mails
o Send and open e-mail attachments (Word files)
o Use Microsoft Word
o Manage files in Word
o Function in online library databases
o Perform basic research on the Internet
o Be able to use a browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, FireFox, Safari or Netscape Navigator.

• Can I use a program other than Microsoft Office and Word to submit my work in NetCampus?
No.  Students must have access to Microsoft Office and Word in order to complete writing assignments for distance learning courses. They may have access from their own home computers, through work, or by using a university student computer lab. Instructors do not have to accept any student work that is not completed in Microsoft Word.

Widener University
University College
Kapelski Learning Center, Room 120
One University Place
Chester, PA 19013-5792
tel: 610-499-4282
fax: 610-499-4369
university.college@widener.edu

Delaware Campus  
Widener University
University College
Polishook Hall
4601 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803
tel: 302-477-2216
fax: 302-477-2220
university.college@widener.edu