How do online courses work?
Most online courses are offered at the beginning of each semester and additional intake sections start the first business day of each month . We will supply you with an instructor and the course to begin your virtual learning experience. You choose the time and place to “attend class” (access is available 24/7 for the duration of the course) . Whether it is from work or home, you simply access your coursework, lectures, and submit your assignments electronically as specified by your instructor. Prior to the start of classes, students will receive (via Canada Post) a letter with a “user ID” and a “password” as well as instructions to access courses. Technical support is available via a toll free help line. Basic computer, file management, email and browsing skills are required. Please note that some courses may have mandatory group work and mandatory chats where you will be required to be logged into your course at specific times for specified periods of time.
In online courses, students “attend” class by accessing the class web pages and completing assignments according to the class schedule. Students communicate regularly with the instructor and classmates via e-mail and online discussion forums. Durham Tech’s online courses are NOT self-paced, independent study courses. Students are required to complete assignments according to the class schedule, to maintain regular contact with the instructor, and to participate in online class discussions. For some courses, attending scheduled on-campus activities is required. Online courses run on the same semester schedule as on-campus classes.
Blackboard is a web-based learning environment that allows students and faculty to participate in virtual classes. C.O.D. Online courses are delivered via the C.O.D. Blackboard system. Students need to purchase a textbook but they access instruction, course supplementary materials and assignments in their Blackboard account. Students can turn in assignments, receive feedback, view grades and participate in virtual class discussion in Blackboard. Most courses include online testing; therefore, students won’t need to travel to campus.
All you need is a computer, an Internet connection, and an Internet Service Provider. From the Getting Started page we provide you with instructions for logging on to our system. Once you are logged on, the courses you registered for are available. Within each course you may find a course syllabus, course content, communication tools, and/or tests. Your instructor will communicate with you via email to supply assignments and due dates.
An online course brings C-GCC to you through your home or work computer. Class sessions, course material, exercises, and more are accessible any time and any day convenient to you. All of your coursework, including discussions, groupwork, and writing assignments, are all done electronically. You simply log into your course through a web browser, and you’re in class.
