Is Online Learning Right for Me?
For many busy professionals, online learning is an ideal route without the drawbacks of on-campus education. With increased flexibility, networking opportunities and support, it’s no surprise that the number of online students has seen steady growth in the past few years.
While online learning can be a great option for some students, the online format isn’t for everyone. Distance learning takes a high level of commitment, some technical experience and certain personal attributes to succeed. Successful online learners come from all kinds of backgrounds and industries, but they share these characteristics:
Self-starter
If you’re able to motivate yourself, online learning might be ideal for you. Traditional, on-campus students have professors and peers to remind them of deadlines. In an online platform, you are accountable for your assignments, so a high level of self-discipline is necessary.
Tech-experienced
To pursue an online program, technology expertise is not necessary, but some technology experience is. Online students must be able to operate a computer and navigate online resources, programs, and message boards.
Inquisitive
Online learners must be curious and eager to learn. Pursuing graduate-level education means you’re ready to build upon your foundation and develop your expertise. Online students must be even more eager because of the time commitment and independence an online program affords.
Easily adaptable
From new technology to updated platforms, online programs are constantly evolving. If you can adjust your learning style and are comfortable with change, online learning might be right for you.
Computer Access
ACTS delivers its academic programs using an online learning management system (LMS). Students need a computer with reliable internet access. Computers must have speakers, a microphone, and webcam (built-in or external).
Broadband Internet Access
A fast internet connection ensures that you can navigate through our Student Portal, Populi, quickly and efficiently. If you are in a public space, a mobile device with a data connection (3G, 4G, or LTE) or your typical coffee shop Wi-Fi connection will be sufficient.
Software Requirements
Students must have or be able to access the following:
Our LMS and student portal is called Populi. The technology requirements to operate Populi can be found here or https://support.populiweb.com/hc/en-us/articles/360052082373-Technical-requirements-What-you-need-to-use-Populi.
Microsoft Word (online or desktop version, must still be a supported version with updates and security patches by Microsoft)
Google Consumer Account (basic account)
The time required for each course can be identified by how many semester credit hours each course is worth.
A semester credit hour is an amount of work that reasonably approximates:
Not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately 14-15 weeks for one semester, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
At least an equivalent amount of work as required above through other academic activities as established by St. Athanasius and St. Cyril Coptic Orthodox Theological School leading to the award of semester credit hours.
For example, for a 3 semester credit hour course, the student will have faculty instruction for 3 hours a week for 14-15 weeks and will be required to commit 6 hours a week to reading, research, writing, and consultation for that class, or a reasonable equivalent.
The workload and time requirements do vary by course depending on course structure and length. Please always consult the syllabus and the professor if you have any questions.