About Online Learning
In many ways, online learning is no different from taking classes in the traditional way—in a classroom on campus. For example, online students at Bay Path College pay the same tuition and learn from the instructors who are highly qualified and who most likely also teach on campus. In addition, your transcripts are identical regardless of whether you take your courses on campus or online. Finally, online learners are required to learn the same material as face-to-face students do, but online learners do not learn by sitting in a classroom and listening to an instructor's lecture. Online students learn by:
- spending the time and the effort needed to read all resource materials, such as textbooks and study guides
- watching any required videos
- completing any written assignments
- participating in asynchronous weekly online discussions with their instructor and classmates
- satisfactorily completing any examinations
Typically, there are no scheduled class sessions in a Bay Path College online course—you log in to your course site and participate according to your schedule each week! But be ready for extensive interaction—with your facilitator and other students through e-mail, voice mail, and the Internet.
- expect to learn the same material that you would in a face-to-face class
- expect to spend on average 9-12 hours per week per course. Just because "classroom" time is greatly reduced, it does not mean that learning time is similarly reduced
- expect to have assistance from your instructor. Distance Learning does not mean that you are on your own. Your instructor is available and eager to assist and guide you in your learning and answer your questions throughout the course
Orientation to Online Learning
When you register for an online course, you will be automatically enrolled in EXT 099: Orientation. This non-credit, course can be accessed through the academic course managment system once you receive your username/password. The course is required of all graduate online learners. You will become acquainted with effective online learning strategies and practices and will learn how to navigate the academic course management system. Successful completion is required (with a grade of P) in order to enroll in an online course. This course is self-directed and takes approximately four hours to complete. If you have any questions, please contact Amber Vaill at avail@baypath.edu.
