Distance Education
What is Distance Learning?
The term Distance Learning is used to identify a method of receiving course content that is delivered using technology - either interactive two-way video delivered to downlink sites in southwestern Oregon or over the internet around the world. Southern Oregon University provides two undergraduate online degree completion programs. One in Business Administration and one in Criminology & Criminal Justice. A Bachelor's in Early Childhood Development and a Master of Education is delivered through two-way video and online. Courses delivered through Distance Learning are taught by the same faculty and meet the same course objectives as on campus classes.
The online programs allow students to access their coursework 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the internet. At Southern Oregon University we use Blackboard to deliver the course content. The syllabus, assignments, discussion board, course documents, lectures, and schedule of readings are all available in your Blackboard site. Students can contact the professor and classmates through email or the discussion board.
Assignments, projects, and homework are submitted online as e-mail attachments or placed in a digital “drop-box” via the class website. Tests, quizzes and the course evaluation are administered online. Students must complete the course during the length of the term or take an incomplete.
Taking a course online does provide students with a degree of convenience and flexibility, while maintaining the learning objectives of the face-to-face class. It is important to note that online classes are not "easier" than face-to-face classes. Students are held accountable for participating in class through the discussion board, turning in assignments, and interacting with their instructor and peers. Courses require a good deal of both reading and writing, along with self-discipline and self-motivation.
Distance Learning Success
The online environment is not suitable for all students. Following are some traits of successful online students:
- Flexible and open-minded about the online experience
- Willing to actively participate, share ideas and ask questions in online discussions
- Motivated and disciplined about class work and assignments
- Manages time well
- Willing to invest 6-9 hours each week on each course
- Organized
- Knows how to use and has access to a computer
- Comfortable with both reading course material and communicating in writing
- A visual learner – one that learns best by reading and writing
