I’ve compiled some FAQs from other sources here, but please don’t hesitate to post a question in the “Important Questions” forum on eperalta.org if the answer to your question doesn’t appear here. Or, if you have a personal question, you may email me directly at scotthoshida@gmail.com.
(from: http://www.eberkeley.org/home/?page_id=206#enroll3)
What’s the difference between an online course and a hybrid course?
Online courses have no class meetings and students complete all work online over the internet. Hybrid courses meet about once a week and students complete the remaining hours online over the internet. An instructor may hold an orientation meeting at the beginning of the semester for the course. If orientation information is not available on Passport or the online course websites, students should contact the instructor for details.
How do I know if online classes are for me?
You will do well in online classes if you can:
- Use the computer.
- Work independently with a minimum amount of classroom supervision.
- Read and follow printed instructions.
- Manage your time.
- Work on your classes at home, at work, or other distance education venue.
- Contact your instructor when you need help with the course.
- Regularly work, complete, retrieve, and send projects and homework online.
- Use the Web to interact and chat with instructors and classmates.
- Work on class projects at times that best fit your busy schedule.
From: https://www.baker.edu/online/departments/admissions/faq.cfm#q9
Is an online course easier than an on-ground course?
The level of difficulty should be about the same. The focus of the work is different, however. For example, all of your focus in an online course is on reading and writing. This is not the case in an on-ground classroom setting where part of your participation is listening. Aural learners may have difficulty in accepting this more visual learning process.
Other FAQs:
How do I turn in assignments?
There are a variety of ways to turn in assignments, which can be confusing. First, there are discussion boards where you post responses to my questions and to other student posts. Next, there are assignments where you upload files to the website. I will grade both of those on eperalta.edu. The last place where you turn in assignments is turnitin.com.
How many hours of work will this class take per week?
I generally tell students that if you multiple the number of units of the class times 3, you will have a general approximation for how much the average week of work will feel like. So, a 3-unit course will take about 9 hours of work per week. Of course, some weeks will be incredibly busy, especially when you are writing and revising papers, but other weeks will be light. The number of hours also is highly dependent on your reading, writing, and typing speed, so take that into account as well.
I enrolled in this online class because I needed the class, but I’m not sure if it’s for me. What should I do?
Online classes are different than face-to-face classes because all of your interactions with students occur through your computer. If you do not feel comfortable working on a computer regularly, then you might find this course challenging. Of course, developing a familiarity with online environments and work is a great skill to take with you to future classes and work!
I’m lost. Your instructions aren’t clear, and I’m not exactly sure how to figure out what I should do first?
One of the best places to ask questions is the “Important Questions” forum where you can post a question and anyone who knows the answer will respond, and I’ll respond as promptly as I can. There’s a video overview of the virtual classroom, and if you watch that I hope it will help you understand how to better find instructions for each assignment.
How will you grade my participation in this class?
Your participation grade is dependent largely on the number and quality of your posts in the different discussion boards. (Note: I should include a rubric to help students see how they are graded). I will also take into account people who help others by responding to questions in the “Important Questions” forum, or who generally provide assistance and support to their peers.
This whole online learning experience feels different than face-to-face classes? How can I get the feel for these classes?
Yes! The online environment is something very new to most people in the world, so please don’t feel intimidated by it. One way to get started is to make sure you give yourself enough time to get through the orientation and different assignments. If you have questions, post them on the “Important Questions” forum or email me directly. I, too, am new too online teaching and learning, so I’m constantly working to improve my classes. Any questions you might have.
I’ve missed a lot of forums because I’ve had a lot of problems with school and life. What should I do?
First, I’m sorry that you’ve been struggling to find a balance between your classes and the rest of your life. It can be challenging to try to stay on top of your work. The best way to work this out is in person. Please come to one of my office hours with the work that you’ve missed a plan for getting back on track. While I cannot guarantee that I will allow you to make up the missed work, I will consider your plan in order to make a final decision. If you absolutely cannot meet me in person, you must come to my chat hours, and we can discuss this by phone and/or text chatt.
