What is Online Learning?
Contact: Admissions
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| 800.322.5817
Imagine yourself as an online learner with the ability to “attend" class anytime and anywhere you have internet access – at home, at work, at the library, or even at your local coffee shop!
At United, you now have the ability to complete some courses online, coming to campus rarely or not at all through online and hybrid courses.
When you take an online class, discussions take place through postings, you communicate via email or chat, and your assignments are submitted electronically. Although much of the coursework is completed independently, there are established deadlines, enrollment periods and completion dates. Assessments of your work may be given to you online, through a proctor in your area, or even through a local church or library. Distance courses generally follow the same schedule (term) as traditional face-to-face courses and require at least as much time. They provide the same quality of education as our traditional courses with the added flexibility of attending class from any location with Internet access.
A hybrid class combines elements of an online class and a traditional face-to-face class. They require attendance at scheduled sessions either on campus or other locations near you for lectures, practicums, or formation experiences. The time you spend in class remains the same, but many hours normally spent in the face-to-face setting will be replaced with online contact hours. Face-to-face time varies from course to course, but will be posted with the course enrollment offering.
PC or Mac Operating System
PC: Window XP or Windows 7 (Starter or Home Editions will work fine)
We currently do not support Windows 8
MAC: OS 8 or higher
Ram
1 GB (gigabyte) or more
Hard Drive
10 GB or more
Browser
Internet Explorer 7 or higher or Firefox 3.6.6 or higher
Audio
Soundcard and speakers and/or headphones
Display
CRT or LCD, 15" or larger; resolution should be 600 X 800 pixels or higher.
Software
Media Player
PC: Windows Media Player 11 (FREE VERSION)
Mac: Download current version of Flip4Mac (FREE VERSION)
Current version of Adobe Reader (FREE VERSION)
Word Processing Software
Examples: Microsoft Word, Open Office (free), iWork, etc.
Internet Access
A "broadband" connection is highly recommended; a "dial-up" connection may frustrate the user. Broadband is defined as: Upload transfer rate of at least 1.0 megabits/second (or higher), and Download rate of 2.0 - 4.0 megabits/second (or higher). Typical DLS, ADSL, and Cable TV Internet connection easily meet these requirements.
The link below will take you to a quiz that will help you decide if you are ready for an online class.
It will give questions that address important issues for students considering online learning.