Distance Learning

Web-based courses are available to students who have a computer with an Internet connection. You will receive instructional material via the Internet and communicate with your instructor and other students through e-mail and electronic bulletin boards. Most course activities will take place through the Brightspace system, which is Eastern’s web-based platform for online classes.

If you are interested in taking a web course, you should be aware that certain skills are necessary to succeed in this mode of learning. You should possess fundamental computer and academic competencies, including:

• Good reading and writing skills
• Keyboarding skills
• Word processing skills
• Internet navigation skills
• E-mail sending and receiving skills
• Distance-learning software skills (Brightspace).
  Students will have access to video-based Brightspace training as part of their orientation.

Hybrid courses use a combination of formats to deliver instruction to students. Hybrid classes may be a mix of web-based instruction (Internet), face-to-face instruction, video distance learning and/or web conferencing. The Class Schedule will note if a class is a hybrid class and the percentage of instruction face-to-face and percentage of instruction through distance technology. Face-to-face meeting times will also be listed in the Class Schedule. Your advisor or the instructor can answer questions concerning a specific hybrid class.

The video distance courses provide “real-time” instruction. Using technology, you can see and hear your instructor at all times, even though you are located in different geographic locations. You can ask questions and your instructor can provide immediate feedback. Most of these courses require fundamental skills such as e-mailing and posting on discussion boards. If registering for one of these courses, students must complete a Brightspace orientation session.

Online or distance learning classes often give students a sense of anonymity or make one feel less inhibited. The following guidelines are general rules for internet etiquette or “Netiquette.”

• Remember there is a person or people on the other end. Do not write anything you would not say to someone in person. Abusive or offensive posts will not be tolerated.
• Assignments in online classes are just as important as assignments in face-to-face classes. It is important to use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation. Do not use text slang or lingo.
• For online discussions, stay on topic. If you want to communicate with another student about personal issues or an issue not related to the topic, email or chat with that individual separately.
• Think before you write. Class discussions may be controversial. If a topic or post has provoked strong feelings, write your post and save it. Wait for an hour, then read it again before you post it.
• Word process assignments and discussion posts. Write assignments and discussion posts in Microsoft Word or a similar word-processing software. Use the spell-check and grammar-check functions to proofread your assignment.