ShipOnline Home > Before you register

Before you register for an online course:

Prior to registering, the following steps will ensure that an online course is right for you:

Step 1: Distance Learning Overview

Step 2: Is Distance Learning Right for Me?

Step 3: Do I have the computer skills necessary?

Step 4: Do I have the proper Computer Hardware/Software necessary for online courses?

Step 5: Review the Bb Orientation for Students

Distance Learning Overview

Distance Learning takes place when students and faculty members are separated from each other by location or time. Distance Learning courses usually have little or no requirement for "live" meetings--whether in a physical location or across the Internet. However, there sometimes may be requirements for meetings throughout the semester--please check with the professor for more details. By offering flexible and convenient access to the course materials and assignments, Distance Learning is attractive to a wide variety of students.

Distance Learning courses can take many shapes

• Combination of Face-to-Face, Videoconferencing, and Online Web Courseware
• Combination of Face-to-face & Online Web Courseware
• Online Web Courseware & Video streaming

The online classroom environment is based on Blackboard technology, an online courseware system. Instructors provide lessons, reading selections, and hands-on assignments. 

Back to top

Is Distance Learning Right For Me?

There are a number of factors that you need to take into consideration in order to determine if Distance Learning is right for you:

• You should determine your learning style and self-discipline to make sure that you will be motivated to complete online coursework. Many distance classes are very focused and intense, with much independent work required.
• You need to find out what kind of time requirement will be expected of you. Some classes may require you to visit campus and meet with faculty or attend videoconferences--while others may be exclusively online.
• Although there is ample opportunity for faculty-student interaction as well as collaborative group learning, much of the coursework is done independently. Will this independence suit your learning style?

How well would distance learning courses fit your circumstances and lifestyle? Here's a quick quiz to help you figure out if distance learning is a good match for your personality and learning style.

Take the quiz now

Distance Learning programs provide an attractive alternative to people of all ages with busy schedules or limited access to local educational programs. However, Distance Learning programs may not be the right choice for everyone! In order to help you become a successful Distance Learning student, here are some questions you can ask yourself to determine if this type of education is really the right format for you.

Back to top

What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is the online system adopted the the Pennsylvania System of Higher Education for administering distance education courses. This system provides an enhanced learning environment with access to course content and sharing, online assessments, student tracking, assignment management, and virtual collaboration.  The Blackboard Learning System is well recognized for its ease of use.

Back to top