How Does It Work?

The courses are taught via the World Wide Web. All you need is a computer with a CD-ROM drive and a network browser, such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. Students will receive a CD-ROM of digitized video and use an Internet Browser to access all course content.

Course content will be in the form of readings and outlines on the web and separate readings from the literature. There will be discussion groups, student projects, and assignments on the web. You will have extensive interaction with the instructor, who is teaching this course as part of his or her regular teaching load.

The only difference is that you will not be in a classroom. You can take a college credit course from your own computer.

Will I receive college credit?

Students taking the course will receive either undergraduate or graduate credit from Northeastern University. You may register online and pay in-state tuition for the course.

Check with your local university. Many universities will accept this course as part of your degree. For example, with approval, students from Western Maryland College may use this course for their plan of study.

How will the course work?

All course content will be delivered via an extensive web site. The web site will contain outlines and discussions of the readings. All assignments will be posted on the web as well as study guides and quizzes. There is a bulletin board where all students can post questions to the instructor and the class, so there will be class discussion.

Students will receive CD-ROMs with digitized video examples. You will be
clearly instructed on when you need to view the videos.

The class will be what is called a "paced course" - meaning that there will be regular assignments and a requirement to participate in discussions. If you are looking for a course to just learn on your own, self-paced, where you do not have expectations to fulfill, this is not the course for you.

If you register for the course, expect that you will spend as much time on it as if you were taking a course where you show up to classes. The only difference is that you can interact with your instructor in your pajamas, grin.

There will only be 25-30 students accepted for the class so that the instructor can interact with all the students.

Computer Requirements

You must have 2-4 hours per week access to a Pentium-based PC or Powermac computer with a CD-ROM. A 33-56K (or faster) modem connection is also required for Internet access. You should be able to play Quicktime movies. A free player is available from Apple, and is provided for you by the course. You will spend time logged into the web site for the course, so you should be able to spend time on the computer with Internet access.

Computer Skills Requirements

You should know how to use an Internet browser, such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. You should be comfortable with sending and receiving e-mail, although the e-mail discussion group is embedded in the course web site, and not through your e-mail software.

If you are not confident that you have the above skills, you should have access to an individual who would be able to help you. Although the instructor can help, it is difficult to provide technical support from a distance.

Is your learning style compatible with distance education?

Something to consider is whether this is the course for you. Distance education is a different experience. There are many positive aspects about it. But you should consider whether your style of learning is appropriate for distance education. You can complete a questionnaire that will help you determine what your learning style is. You might also check out the prerequisites for the course.

Cost

The tuition for our courses is highly subsidized by our grant. The books and all materials
are included, as well as the cost of your trip to Northeastern during the 3rd semester.
For the most up-to-date information about costs, please contact us.