School of Professional and Continuing Studies/Hybrid Online Course

Introduction

Course Schedule

Online Learner Readiness Survey

Registration

Technical Requirements


Introduction
Many students choose online courses to enjoy the flexibility and convenience of taking courses that meet the multiple demands of work and family. 

SPCS hybrid online courses are Asynchronous (you can log on anytime, anywhere) and combine traditional classroom components and online learning experiences and activities.  They are designed for highly motivated students with good writing skills who require the flexibility of online study but also desire some in person classroom instruction. 

These instructor-led credit-bearing online courses are offered in a 6-week format  -  with your first class meeting held on campus (where you meet your instructor and fellow classmates as well as receive blackboard and course information) and then, the five online classes are delivered using the Internet and Blackboard LMS 7.1.

While taking online courses, students and their instructor will build an online community where ideas are discussed and exchanged using a variety of effective tools and resources. 

Successful completion of online courses requires time management, project management, and good basic computer skills.  Choose from the following online courses :

Hybrid Online Course Schedule
First and last class meetings are scheduled on campus*

Summer Online Courses
Section	Course	Title	Instructor	Day	Credits
Summer 1 - May 21 - June 28, 2007
9OLSU	BUS 123	Introduction to Business	Shaw	M	3
9OLSU	BUS 241	Statistics	Brooker	T	3
9OLSU	PSY 111	General Psychology	Richmond	T	3
Summer 2 - July 2 - August 9, 2007
9OLSU	BUS 131	Principles of Management	Shaw	M	3
9OLSU	BUS 133	Principles of Marketing	Guillette	T	3
9OLSU	BUS 231	Legal Environment of Business	Romano	M	3
9OLSU	SOC 113	Introduction to Sociology	Richmond	T	3
9OLSU	CIS 103	Microcomputer Applications	Staff	M	3

Instructions:  Please read the following questions and ask yourself:     1.  How comfortable are you with technology?
     2.  How self-motivated are you to complete tasks?
     3.  Do you have good time management skills?
     4.  Are you able to work independently without direct supervision?
     5.  Is communicating entirely by reading and writing a satisfying method of learning for you?

Some characteristics of Successful Online Learners include: Discipline to complete projects by deadlines instead of waiting until the end of the semester.
Motivation to read, write, and participate fully in class activities.
Time to devote approximately 12 hours a week to a 3-credit course.
Ability to work independently and in teams.
Flexibility in dealing with technology problems.
Self motivation does not procrastinate. 
Ability to learn from the printed word. Majority of material and communication happens through reading and writing. 
Can ask questions when they do not understand. 
Access to a current computer and the Internet. 
Good, basic computer skills. 
Time management skills. 

Registration
You may register for a Hybrid online course in person, by mail, phone or fax.  Students must possess basic computer skills, such as sending and receiving email and attachments, cutting and pasting, and minimizing/maximizing screens.  Access to a computer and the Internet is required. 

Technical RequirementsIBM Compatible Computers (Minimum Systems Requirements)
   Functional Windows or Better (Windows XP Professional recommended)
   3 GB of Free disk space
   Internet Service Provider (Internet connection) 56K or better (DSL or Cable modem recommended)
   256 MB of RAM
   Sound card and speakers or headphones
   Printer (recommended)
   Ability to install software
   CD drive
   Up-to-date antivirus software
   Up-to-date Anti-Spyware software
   Support for computer and Internet connection

Browser Software for BlackboardTo use Blackboard you must use a compatible web browser.  These are the current recommendations from Blackboard:
If running Windows 2000 or XP
- Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher
-Netscape 4.78 or 7.1 or higher
If running Macintosh OS10.2
-Internet Explorer 5.2
-Netscape 4.78 or 7.1 or higher
-Safari 1.0
If running Macintosh OS 10.3
-Internet Explorer 5.2
- Netscape 4.78 or 7.1 or higher
-Safari 1.1

Additional Software
Microsoft Office is the standard operating software.  You will either need Office or a compatible office suite.  If using a compatible suite of products you must know how to save files in Office format. 

Online Learner Readiness Survey
Are you Ready to Take an Online Course?