In this conclusion to our two-part “Online Learning in Real Life” post, let’s take a look at the mechanics of Acadia’s online courses. You’ve selected an online course, but now what? How do they actually work?
The basics
Whether it’s online or on-campus, a course is a course. Just like a typical on-campus course, much of your learning will come from assigned text and readings. This will be supplemented by assignments, quizzes, and other learning activities delivered online. The exact mix of learning methods varies by course, with some courses including more interactive elements or projects that will encourage you to explore your local community.
Easy as ACORN
If you’ve taken a course on-campus in the last several years, the online learning experience will be surprisingly familiar. Our online courses are all built atop ACORN (Acadia Courseware Online Resource Network), Acadia’s version of the popular Moodle Learning Management System.
If you’re new to this type of university experience, you needn’t fear. ACORN is reliable, easy to understand, and it provides a central location for all your course material and information. Since the course is delivered entirely online, there might be more content and activities than you’re accustomed to seeing, but you’ll feel right at home. If you’ve studied in a Moodle course at other university, you’ll find an Acadia online course to be very similar.
Student services
While you won’t be on campus, you’ll still have access to a host of Acadia University resources, including the Vaughan Memorial Library. A variety of other student services are also available. If you are a learner with special needs, the campus accessibility office may be able to assist in your online learning experience.
How to effectively study online
Since you won’t have any dedicated class time, having a proper study space becomes even more important than it is for a campus course. Choose some study spaces you can rely on, whether it’s a home office, the local café, or even the couch. Don’t underestimate the importance of having somewhere relatively quiet and free of distractions where you can work on your course. Without a professor to hold your attention in class, it’s up to you to stay on track and focus on your work.
It’s also important to stay in contact with your professor. Your professor is available to answer questions and provide guidance.
Our most successful students tend to establish a schedule that works well. While the main advantage of online courses is their flexibility, you still need a gameplan to get work done. Without set class times and a professor reminding you of deadlines, a schedule can help keep you honest and on the right track. We recommend that you start with the recommended schedule and timeline that most professors include with their courses. While the time of day and exact mechanics are up to you, these recommended timeframes will often provide the best outcome, or at least a good measuring stick for your progress.
This goes without saying, but don’t leave everything until the last minute: not only will you be stressed and rushed, but you may not give Acadia faculty and staff enough time to mark your assignments, book your exam, etc.
Study that fits you
If you want to keep studying over the summer, but you aren’t planning on staying in Wolfville, you can continue your studies at Acadia. Register no later than May 31, and you can complete the course before your return to campus for Fall semester. Keep in mind, however, that courses are designed to be completed in up to 6 months: completing an online course over your 3-month summer will require a more aggressive study schedule. Contact us if you have questions about the pace of courses, or how to fit online learning in your daily life.
Dealing with the unforeseen
If you need help, you’ll be ably to rely on your professor and our friendly and responsive client service staff at Open Acadia.
Sometimes life happens. If you’ve registered for a course but haven’t really gotten started after a few months, you can still make it work. Contact your professor: they can help you adjust your study schedule and suggest a new timeline. We want you succeed, and we’re going to do what we can to make sure you do. Depending on your progress in the course, we may also be able to grant you an extension.
Finishing up
Currently, we do not offer online exams, but this may be much less of a problem than you think it is. Your exam can be proctored at one of many local institutions or locations. Most of our courses have exams, but some don’t — this may also be an option for you.
Once you write your exam, it’s over right? Well, yes and no. One last thing: we’d really appreciate it if you could fill out our course evaluation. Yes, we do read them. Course evaluations help us improve the overall online learning experience, particular courses, and gauge interest in future offerings. Even if you’re not planning on taking an Acadia online course again, your feedback will help us make learning a better experience for someone else.
