faqs for on-line learning.

Q: What courses are being offered on-line?

A: Each semester, the School will post a schedule of classes that can be taken face-to-face or on-line.

Q: Who can take an on-line course?

A: On-line courses are offered to any student who is admitted to the School and who has taken the course prerequisites.

Q: What technology do I need to take an on-line course?

A: The minimum requirements for technology include a computer with broadband Internet access. On-line courses will be taught through the Blackboard medium. Most course materials will be posted in PDF format–students can download the Adobe Acrobat reader for free. Some audio and video files may also be posted by the instructor, and the technology required to receive these files can also be downloaded for free.

Q: Will I have a chance to get to know the instructor and other students in an on-line course?

A: Yes. All on-line courses include a face-to-face orientation at the beginning of the semester. Courses may be offered entirely on-line, or with a combination of on-line and face-to-face learning opportunities. The instructor will seek to build a learn community among students, and will respond in a timely fashion to your e-mails.

Q: Is a course taught on-line course much different from a course taught face-to-face?

A: On-line learning is student-centered and student-driven. Course objectives will be the same as for classes taught face-to-face. Assignments for on-line courses may be the same as face-to-face, or they may be altered slightly to fit the on-line environment. Course materials will be posted weekly, and regular interactions with other students and the instructor will be expected.

Q: What are the benefits of an on-line course?

A: Courses taught on-line offer students flexibility in when and where they will study. You will not need to travel to campus each week nor find a place to park your vehicle. Class discussions can be more thoughtful on-line and shared more equally between all students.

Q: What types of students are most likely to be successful in an on-line course?

A: Students who are self-motivated, are able to work independently and manage time effectively, are self-disciplined, have an active learning style, are comfortable and competent with technology, and are communicative with instructors and other students. Successful students in an on-line course tend to be older than average, have a more serious attitude, and have completed a previous on-line course.

Q: Will I need to be on-line at specific times?

A: Occasionally, some instructors may want to offer virtual office hours or class discussions. Other times, an instructor may invite a national expert to engage in on-line discussions with students. These dates and times are posted at the beginning of the semester.

Q: Where can I get more information on on-line learning?

A: UNO’s “Distance Education Survival Guide” can be found at: http://mycampus.unomaha.edu/guide.php.

You can also find many articles in the professional literature--here are several articles on the use of on-line learning in social work education:

Barnett-Queen, T., Blair, R., & Merrick, M. (2005). Student perspectives of on-line discussions: Strengths and weaknesses. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 23(3/4), 229-244.

Biggerstaff, M. A. (2005). Social work ethics on-line: Reflective learning. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 23(3/4), 245-257.

Petracchi, H. E., & Patchmer, M. E. (2001). A comparison of live instruction and interactive televised teaching: A 2-year assessment of teaching and MSW research methods course. Research on Social Work Practice, 11(1), 108-117.

Petracehi, H. E. (2000). Distance education: What do our students tell us? Research on Social Work Practice, 10(3), 362-377.

Roberts-deGennaro, M., & Clapp, J. (2005). Assessing the virtual classroom of a graduate social policy course. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 25(1/2), 69-90.

Smith, P. R., & Wingerson, N. W. (2006). Is the centrality of relationship in social work at risk with IVT? Journal of Technology in Human Services, 24(2/3), 23-37.

Wernet, S. P., Olliges, R. H., & Delicath, T. A. (2000). Postcourse evaluations of WebCT (Web Course Tools) classes by social work students. Research on Social Work Practice, 10(4), 487-504.

Wilke, D., & Vinton, L. (2006). Evaluation of the first web-based advanced standing MSW program. Journal of Social Work Education, 42(3), 607-620.