How Online Learning Works

In many ways taking an online course is similar to taking a face-to-face course. Your course will have a specific starting and ending date and a professor who will provide you with a syllabus, assignments, and other information about the course. Whether you take a face-to-face or an online course at NJCU, the content and the quality of the instruction remain the same. Since online courses require no face-to-face meetings, this gives you an opportunity to participate in an outstanding learning experience that is flexible and convenient.

What most students find different about online learning is the way in which they will be communicating with their professor and other online learners and how course content is delivered. Most courses at NJCU utilize WebCT, a learning management system with built in tools for communication, collaboration, content delivery, and assessment. You don’t need any special software installed on your computer to use WebCT and you can access your course anywhere you have access to the Internet and a supported web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer).

What’s Inside Your Course?

When you log into your course in WebCT, your professor will provide materials (e.g., syllabus, lessons, assignments, etc.) to guide you through whatever is required to begin and keep pace with the course. You should plan on logging into your course on a regular basis and expect to devote at least the same amount of time to it as you would to a face-to-face course. You will most likely be communicating with your professor and classmates through e-mail and discussion, both of which are built into WebCT. So, you will not need a separate e-mail address to participate. There is also an online chat that will allow you to communicate in real-time with your professor and classmates. Your instructor may also ask you to post your assignments or take a quiz both of which can be completed within WebCT.

Getting Started/Getting Help

NJCU provides a free online tutorial to assist you in getting started with your first online course. This tutorial is designed to provide you with the information and skills necessary to become a successful online learner. In addition, continued support is available throughout the semester through the Office of Online Learning. You may also contact the DL Support Team via e-mail at any time. A member of the Team will get back to you within twenty-four hours - even on weekends.

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