How Does Online Learning at Maranatha Work?
Online learning at Maranatha is not a glorified correspondence course. Our online classes have established deadlines similar to residential courses that keep you moving through the material. On the other hand, you don't have to be online at a specific time of day, so you can schedule your assignments to get done when you want.
What Is Online Learning Like?
To facilitate discussion and student learning, you will regularly post (write short articles or responses generally under 300 words) to discussion boards or forums, allowing you to interact with each other and the teacher on a topic. Reading assignments and papers are also standard expectations.
Several courses supplement the material with video clips or synchronous sessions.
Will I Be Good At This Class?
Our online courses, designed to keep you motivated and move through classes, are taught in an 8-week cycle. Although you can frequently work ahead on assignments, regular deadlines (similar to a class structure) help you to stay focused on the current discussion and keep you moving through the content as a group and not an individual.
Online learning is designed to give you more opportunities to be engaged in the content and to interact, so you’ll be doing lots of reading, writing, and critical thinking. If you enjoy this kind of learning, you’ll do well in an online course.
How Much Technical Knowledge Do I Need?
Not too much. If you can work in and understand a basic email program, you can understand our learning management system. Most instructors require you to write papers in Microsoft Word.
What Kind of Computer Stuff Will I Need?
You will need access to a good internet connection, preferably high speed (cable or DSL). You’ll need to make sure that you have the free Adobe Flash player installed. Our learning management software works best with IE7+ or Firefox 2.0+ browsers. You will need to disable your pop-up window for the LMS.
You may use a PC (Windows XP) or Mac (10.3 or higher). (Basically, if your computer is less than three years old, you’ll probably be fine.) Webcams and webcam software are optional. You are encouraged to have the latest version of virus protection software installed (i.e. MacAfee Virus Protection, OneCare).
Office 2007 is recommended; you can buy a student version for $60.
Some courses might suggest some additional software or hardware (i.e. a math class), but check the course webpage for any details related to the course.
If a course uses synchronous sessions, you might have some additional requirements.