website maintained by the Distance Learning Committee

Distance Learning Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1. What is an online course?
    2. How do I enroll in online courses?
    3. How do I know if distance education is right for me?
    4. Do online courses cost more than face-to-face courses?
    5. Who teaches distance learning courses?
    6. How is distance learning different from a traditional course offered at UNF?
    7. What are the skills that I need to have in order to be successful in an online course?
    8. What are some distance learning tips?
    9. What if I have never taken an online course and I don’t know how to do it?
    10. What if I need technical support?
    11. If I am taking an online course, is there a specific day or time I have to go online?

  • What is an online course?
    Online courses are conducted over the Internet and typically do not have regular meetings in a physical space. Class activities, including most instructor/student communications, are conducted via the course Web site. At UNF, we define four types of distance courses:

  • Web-Based Course Delivery (W)
    Web-based courses are delivered via the Internet and are accessible anywhere at any time. Web-based courses may include an initial face-to-face meeting and may utilize proctored testing procedures. Course lectures, content discussions, faculty member to student and student to student communications, and all other course management procedures are handled using the Internet.

  • Hybrid Course Delivery (H)
    Hybrid courses utilize Web-based delivery techniques, but also utilize some synchronous or live class meetings. Hybrid courses may use video/audio/Web conferencing to facilitate synchronous exchanges or may require face-to-face meetings between students and faculty members for a portion of the course. A majority of course content is delivered using the Web.

  • Enhanced Course Delivery (E)
    Enhanced courses utilize traditional, regularly scheduled, face-to-face class meetings but make substantial use of the Web and other information technologies to provide course content and learning activities.

    FEEDS Model (F)
    The Florida Engineering Education Delivery System (FEEDS) provides distance education to engineering students statewide by a number of methods including Internet technologies, CD, DVD, and videotape. Courses are typically recorded from live face-to-face meetings and are delivered electronically (WebCasting) or, in some circumstances, by courier to multiple remote sites throughout the State. Further information on FEEDS is available at http://www.unf.edu/ccec/feeds/.

    Courses utilizing any of the above methods will be designated in the UNF Course Schedule as DL courses using a letter indicating the delivery method (W, H, E, F).

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  • How do I enroll in online courses?
    Students register for distance learning courses during the normal registration period at UNF. Visit the Registration Calendar: http://www.unf.edu/registrar/regdates.html

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  • How do I know if distance education is right for me?

    This page contains links to online quizzes and surveys that can help you evaluate your readiness for distance learning.

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    Do online courses cost more than face-to-face courses?
    No. Tuition and Fees for distance courses are the same as the Tuition and Fees for traditional courses. Refer to this page to find out current Tuition and Fees.

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    Who teaches distance learning courses?
    Distance learning courses are taught by the same experienced faculty members who also teach face-to-face courses.

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    How is distance learning different from a traditional course offered at UNF?
    Distance learning provides flexibility and convenience for students to access distance learning courses from any location and at any time of the day. The primary difference is in the delivery of the course (online verses in the classroom) and not in the course content.

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    What are the skills that I need to have in order to be successful in an online course?
    As a distance learner, you will be more successful if you have or acquire the following skills: at ease with technology, self-motivated, solid reading and writing skills, self-disciplined and effectual time management skills.

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    What are some distance learning tips?
    To be successful in a distance learning course, you should stay with the schedule on the course syllabus, check Blackboard for announcements, assignments, readings and discussions frequently, actively participate in discussion board forums by reading all discussions posted by your classmates and by your instructor and posting your own responses and questions, practice excellent written communication skills and enjoy the flexible and collaborative learning environment of a distance learning course.

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    What if I have never taken an online course and I don’t know how to do it?
    Students should have some general computer knowledge before starting a course. Information Technology Services offers sessions entitled “Introduction to using Osprey email and Blackboard” during the second week of each term. It is recommended that distance learning students attend one of these sessions. For more information and for a session schedule, visit http://www.unf.edu/dept/its/students/bb_osprey.htm.

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    What if I need technical support?
    Contact the ITS Support Center - This is a student's one stop help shop.

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    If I am taking an online course, is there a specific day or time I have to go online?
    Most distance learning courses are "asynchronous", which means students can log into their course any time during the week to do course work. Just like in traditional courses, students will have assignments that must be completed on time. Sometimes, “synchronous” participation in a distance learning course is required. Synchronous participation may include activities such as face-to-face meetings or use of the Virtual Classroom and Virtual Chat.

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