Definitions
What is an Internet Class?
An Internet, or online course as it is sometimes called, is conducted almost, if not entirely online. Orientation for the course is handled in one of three ways; 1) some instructors may require that you attend a mandatory orientation for the course 2) some instructors will provide a video tape of the course orientation and make it available at the school library 3) while other instructors may provide orientation information via email. 100% of classroom time in an Internet class is in an online, virtual classroom. In an Internet course you will have reading assignments, homework assignments that must be submitted electronically (attached to an email) and tests that will all be done over the Internet. Some instructors may require that you come to the campus to take tests in an approved testing center.
The fact that there is no traditional classroom time in an Internet based course can have its advantages and disadvantages. In most online classes you can work at your own pace as long as assignments and tests are completed by their due dates. You may schedule your class work around your work and families schedule. You will save time that you would normally spend commuting to and from the campus. The disadvantage is that you will not have the benefit of an instructors lectures or face-to-face interaction with your instructor and other students. Students who succeed in this format are typically goal oriented and self-disciplines. Communication in an Internet based class is achieved through discussions, chats, collaborated assignments and email.
Internet courses are true college courses. You will get the same number of credits towards a degree or certificate taking an Internet course as you would if you took it in a traditional format. You will know which courses are being offered in the online format by the course's section number. All Internet courses have a section number in the 30 range.
To take an Internet course you must have access to a computer with Internet access in order to complete work in your virtual, online classroom. You may use your home computer or any of the available computers on campus. Internet courses may not be for every student. You should take the Online Readiness Quiz (make this a link to the Readiness Quiz) to see if your learning style is compatible with the Internet format. If your computer skills are not where they need to be to be successful in this type of course, College of the Mainland offers many computer and keyboarding classes that can get you ready for learning online.
What is a Hybrid class?
Hybrid courses combine both an online and a classroom component. Generally the class will meet 50% of the time in a traditional classroom setting while the other 50% of the class will be held in a virtual online classroom.
Although this format may change slightly depending on the course, a hybrid format allows more flexibility for the student. In a traditional class that meets twice each week, the student will only have to commute to campus once each week. The instructor may use classroom time to lecture, moderate discussions, supervise labs or give tests. Your instructor will explain how classroom time will be spent during the first meeting of the course. Hybrid courses are true college courses. You will get the same number of credits towards a degree or certificate taking a hybrid course as you would if you took it in a traditional format. You will know which courses are being offered in a hybrid format by the letter H in the course's section number.
To take a hybrid course you must have access to a computer with Internet access in order to complete work in your virtual, online classroom. You may use your home computer or any of the available computers on campus. Hybrid courses may not be for every student. You should take the Online Readiness Quiz (make this a link to the Readiness Quiz) to see if your learning style is compatible with the hybrid format. If your computer skills are not where they need to be to be successful in this type of course, College of the Mainland offers many computer and keyboarding classes that can get you ready for learning online.
What is an Enhanced Class?
Enhanced classes are traditional classes that have been made better through the use of Blackboard. Some teachers will post their course documents, class schedules, course announcements and grades online. Others might provide practice quizzes for you to improve your knowledge. These are traditional classes that require you to attend the entire scheduled class on campus. If your course is schedule to meet twice each week then you will have to be present on campus twice each week.
Instructors are enhancing their courses to provide better communication with their students. You do not have to wait until your next scheduled class to ask your instructor a question. You can go online 24/7 and communicate with your instructor and other students using the Blackboard discussion board and email.
While enhanced classes are not online classes you will still need access to a computer with Internet access and some basic computer skills to take advantage of the courses added features. You should contact your instructor to find out if your course is an enhanced course and what type of computer skills you will need to succeed in the course. If your computer skills are not where they need to be to be successful in this type of course, College of the Mainland offers many computer and keyboarding classes that can get you ready for learning online.
What is a Telecourse Class?
A Telecourse uses videos to deliver course content. The videos enhance the assigned printed material by allowing the student to observe demonstrations, lectures and labs. The student can check out the required videos from the College of the Mainland library. In addition, some of the videos are broadcast on University of Houston's Channel 8. Entry into this type of course requires that you have the hardware necessary to view the videotapes. You will be required to attend an orientation for the course and perhaps come to campus to take tests in an approved testing center. Some courses may require attendance 2-3 times during the semester to review course content. Communication with the instructor is done through the use of voice mail and email.
