At Point University, we offer several online degree programs for busy adults. There are many benefits of online education, also known as distance learning or e-learning. Online learning is revolutionizing colleges around the country, but people often have questions about how it works.
5 FAQ’S About Distance Learning Programs
Here, we answer some of the most common questions we hear about pursuing online education at Point University.
Online learning gives everyone the ability to get a degree, whether you’re right next door to a Point University campus or live halfway across the world. As long as you have a computer with internet access, you can get an online degree. Of course, as a valued member of the Point community, you’re always welcome on campus, and professors and staff will be here to support you both in person and online.
1. Is an online degree worth less than an ‘in-person’ degree?
Absolutely not! You will be held to the same rigorous academic standards as our offline students, and your degree will reflect the hard work you’ve done to get it. Online learning is an increasingly common way to take courses, and an online bachelor of science or associate of arts degree is just as desirable as a conventional degree – plus, it shows future employers that you’re able to work independently and manage your time, and that you’re tech-savvy.
2. Do I have to log in at the same time every day?
The beauty of online learning is that you can set your own schedule. We all have hectic lives, and adult students in particular don’t always have a consistent routine. Point University offers two types of online courses. The first type is asynchronous, which means that everyone logs in at his or her own convenience. You don’t have to log in at the same time every day.
You can also sign up for video courses, in which a class is taught by an instructor and sent simultaneously over the web. In these courses, you and other online students participate in a ‘virtual classroom’ where you can interact and communicate with each other and your professor in real time.
3. What are my responsibilities?
As a self-guided student, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are active in your online class. You should participate in an online activity at least once a week, whether you’re posting to a discussion forum, submitting an assignment, or asking the instructor a question. Most classes have an introductory assignment, so you can virtually ‘meet’ your classmates and instructors. You should make sure you complete these assignments prior to the scheduled start date.
4. So can I hand in my assignments whenever I want?
Most work must be completed within a certain time frame, but these deadlines are usually ‘soft’ – you don’t have to hand it in at an exact time on a certain date. Plus, you’re welcome to work ahead if you are able to. Online learning is just as fast paced as conventional classes, and you don’t want to fall behind. If you aren’t current with course assignments, you won’t be able to actively participate in the online course discussions, and you won’t receive full credit for the work.
5. What if I need help?
Our online students may not be here in body, but they are certainly a part of the Point community in spirit! You have access to every resource we offer here at Point, including the Educational Resource Center, personal counseling services, Spiritual Formation Opportunities, and the Center for Calling and Career. We are here to help you every step of the way, and you should never hesitate to come to your instructor or the counseling center with specific or general questions about a course, the program, or your spiritual life.
The bottom line is that online learning is designed to work for you. Online classes take advantage of the best parts of academia – one-on-one and small group discussions, interaction with peers and instructors, videos and multimedia presentations – and allow you to complete your education on your own terms. Call or email us today to find out more about how online learning can help you earn the credentials you need to succeed.