Taking courses online offers candidates the flexibility of time and location for their learning.  You can take courses in the convenience of your own home or at school after hours, wherever there is access to the Internet. By not having to travel, you save time and money.

2.  Are online classes like taking a correspondence course?

Unlike a correspondence course (or some other online programs) where you are left to fend for yourself, in online courses, you are paced through the course syllabus in an atmosphere that encourages collaboration with classmates along with independent work.

3.  What will I be doing in an online class?

Professors will engage you in synchronous (real time) and asynchronous discussions and presentations just like they would in face-to-face and web-based classes. As you exchange ideas with others, you will learn how other schools and organizations deal with the same challenges you face in your educational setting.  You will learn course content by reading textbooks, articles, trade books, and our recently updated SHSU electronic library, as well as information you obtain from the Internet.  You will be engaged in several “field-based” activities where you will collect information on-site in your school district. You will hear (and see) your professor share ideas through lectures and conversations delivered through such venues as MSN Messenger, Pod-casting, Tegrity and PowerPoint presentations.

4. How is learning online different from face-to-face classes?

      In a totally online program, all advisement, coursework content, coursework submissions, interviews and examinations are web-based using the SHSU email and Blackboard system, along with other electronic media.
      The curriculum (syllabus) for our online and face-to-face courses is the same.  Online courses require as much if not more time than traditional face-to-face classes.  The reason for this is because instead of sitting and listening to the class lecture or presentations, you have to read, reflect and analyze the course content yourself, as it is presented through a variety of media.  You have to be highly active—not passive-- about your learning. 
      Secondly, you will spend time online (Blackboard) in asynchronous discussions with other classmates, much like you would in a face-to-face class.  While these are not at the same time, you do have to read and respond to other people’s comments within a few days in order for discussions and collaboratively problem solving to be effective.
       Thirdly, there will be rare but important times when you are asked to participate synchronously—together in real time. During these times, you may be presenting to the class or a group through PowerPoint presentations, the virtual classroom tools, or by conferencing with the professor about your work—all through “live chat”.(virtual classroom) or audio or video conferencing..  Your professor will work a schedule around your class or work schedule so that you will be able to participate.
        Keep in mind, while online learning takes more computer time, that is time you may have spend driving to and from class (depending on how far away you are!).

 
5.  Do I ever have to come to campus for any of my classes?

No.

6.  How does the costs of SHSU online classes compare to other educational institutions?
Click on the link Cost Comparisons.

7.   Do online classes cost more or less than face-to-face classes?
           
Generally, online classes cost approximately $________more per course than traditionally delivered classes, due to the extensive amount of technology support, online resources and professor’s time that is made available to each individual student. We make an effort to keep costs of textbooks and other resources for the class down by providing CDs and DVDs on loan and through the sharing of electronic documents.