Distance Education :: Resources for Students

Online Course Expectations

If you are interested in pursuing an Online Course, then there are several things that you will want to consider:

1. Online Courses generally require MORE work than on-campus courses, because you are responsible for learning the material on your own, and must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the material via electronic communications with your instructor and fellow students.
2. Online Courses require a commitment toward self-management that is not as prevalent in on-campus courses. You are presented with schedules and goals that are your responsibility to meet. Much of your work needs to be done on a weekly basis, and it is your responsibility to track when those assignments/tests are due, and to ensure that you complete them within that period.
3. You, the student, are expected to have at least a basic knowledge of the use of computers and their interaction with the internet. Such knowledge is not a prerequisite, but a lack of knowledge can cause many headaches if you run into problems or situations you do not understand.
4. The Instructors and Support Staff will do their best to assist you with any problems that you encounter, but they will not always be able to problem-solve issues that arise on every individual personal computer. If you had someone help set up your computer, or set up your connection to the Internet for you, it would be prudent to have them available to assist you if you encounter problems accessing the Cabrillo online curriculum. (The person that sets up your personal computer will know more about what has been installed and/or customized on your computer than a Technician at Cabrillo will.)
5. You may be required to make adjustments to your web browser and computer to allow the use of the Blackboard Learning System. You may be required to turn in assignments in specific formats for specific courses. Once again, the Instructors, and Support Staff will assist as much as possible, but an understanding of these topics will aid in making your experience less problematic.
6. In the worst case scenarios, some users with older, problematic, or proprietary systems have had to resort to utilizing the student-access computers in the Computer Technology Center (Aptos), the Computer Technology Center (Watsonville), or the Cabrillo College Library to complete their Online Course work. It’s prudent to consider a back-up plan in case you encounter a problem.
7. Please keep in mind that the majority of an online course will be completed with the use of computer technology; as with most technology there is a learning curve present in online courses that must be taken into consideration.
8. The Online Courses at Cabrillo can be wonderful experiences presenting a degree of freedom that on-campus courses do not have, but with freedom comes personal responsibility. Preparation, self-management and dedication will empower you to succeed with your Online Course.