On Line information page

Does the Nursing, Respiratory Therapist, Radiograph and other programs at HFCC recognize these onLine courses.

YES. Also, the Director of Nursing, Dr. Katherine Bradley has wanted these available onLine courses for many years.

Will these courses have more content to learn (be tougher) than the on campus sections of Biology 233 and Biology 234?

No. They are just a different way of learning the same material. ONE MAJOR DIFFERENCE:--You will stay at home and learn the same material at your concenience. NO parking problems. The textbook is cheaper by 60% (as of now). You will study in your pajamas if you choose. Come on line when you choose within the week. There are many other benefits for you.

Will the classes start the semester and end the semester on the same dates as regular on campus courses?

YES. The difference is during the weeks of the semester. You will be at home or at work learning on line but need to complete the course by the end of the semester. The syllabus will outline your schedule through the semester (just as if you were on campus but are not).

You will need to study on schedule according to the course syllabus that will be available at the start of the semester. You cannot become a slackard. Just as in the regular lecture classroom, deadlines will be part of the course schedule to finish on time by the end of the semester.

If curious, interested or somewhat inquisitive then Click here.

The online student possesses unique qualities. The online students of today consist primarily of working people who are trying to better their opportunities. This however is changing, as more and more young and older people become aware of the online model. The traditional school will never go away, but the virtual classroom is a significant player in today’s educational community. Corporations are using the online model to train technical professionals while private and public universities redefine the world as their markets. The market for students is expanding rapidly. Become one of them.

Below is a brief series of questions that may help decide whether online learning matches your personality type, learning preference and surrounding environment. Please rate yourself on the following statements with a YES or NO.

1 - I have (or am willing to obtain) access to a computer and an Internet connection at home or a place I can study from.

2 - I feel that high quality learning can take place without having face-to-face interaction.

3 - The part of education I enjoy the most is the discovery of new information and ideas.

4 - I can dedicate 4 to 6 hours a week (anytime during the day or night) to participate in the learning process.

6 - Prioritizing tasks -- and then accomplishing them before their deadlines -- is one of my strong points. I am not a procrastinator.

8 - I feel comfortable reading/viewing material from various sources (textbooks, articles, Websites) and integrating it on my own.

10 - I believe in the value of introducing critical thinking into the learning process.

11 - I am comfortable working independently and do not feel the need for constant attention and direction from the instructor.

12 - I think increased learning will take place through sharing work, life, and educational experiences as part of the learning process.

13 - I am comfortable with sending email, browsing websites, and using new technologies.

14 - I have a high need to take a distance learning course now-- to enter an HFCC program or transfer to another college.

15 - My lifestyle (family, work, or personal schedule) makes it difficult for me to attend courses during the day.

17 - I am not threatened by the computer and understand how to download files and access web sites.

If you answered YES to at least 13 of the above then read on. You probably are suited to take and pass on ON-Line Biology 233 course.

If you're unfamiliar with the concept of online learning, allow me to give you a brief overview. Online courses are an exceptionally accessible, flexible resource.

Come to class whenever it's convenient for you by choosing when and where you participate in class (asynchronous learning). Your course is conducted according to a schedule, but there are no "live" classes to attend. Instead, lectures, course work, and discussions all take place at your convenience. You choose the place - at home, at school, traveling and even on vacation - wherever you have access to a computer, modem, and an Internet Service Provider (ISP). You'll get the same high-quality instruction and course content that you demand, but without the day-to-day obstacles that prevent so many of us from pursuing other goals. With online learning, commuting to campus and paying for child care are things of the past. You attend class while still in your pajamas and there are no parking problems.

Most people who have taken an online course will tell you that until you've taken one, you can't really know what it's like. Everybody makes the experience unique in some way.

Imagine on your first day of class, you enter an empty classroom. There's a large corkboard on one wall and across the room is a row of twenty or so lockers, each with a person's name on it. Each locker has sort of a mail-slot large enough to deposit notes or similar items.

On the corkboard is a friendly note to the class from your instructor along with a copy of her lecture. Your instructor invites you all to come back within the next few days and pin onto the board any questions or comments you have about the lecture, the class, or anything related to the class.

One of the lockers has your name on it and, sure enough, the combination you received earlier opens the lock. Inside is a welcoming note from your course manager with useful information like what textbooks you'll need and the names and phone numbers of the other students. You learn that other students, the instructor and the course manager each have their own locker and anything you put into a lockers slot will only be seen by that person. Messages you put up on the corkboard can be seen by anyone who comes into the room.

The note tells you that you're welcome to drop by any time you like, the classroom is never locked, and it's quite safe because strangers can't get in the building.

In the days that follow, each time you visit the room you find more and more notes on the corkboard. You notice people pinning up replies to notes and other people pinning replies to those replies! Sometimes there are long chains of notes, virtual conversations that are often lively and spirited. Other days there are no notes.

In your locker you find notes -- from your instructor commenting on an assignment you've turned in, from a classmate asking for your interpretation of a lecture point, and from your course manager who noticed you hadn't picked up the latest lecture and just wanted to check that everything was OK.

Sometimes, when you go to the room, you notice one or more fellow students are also there. That lets you chat live and "in-person." You even leave occasional notes for some or all of the class, inviting them to come to the room at a certain time for a discussion. It isn't long before you expectantly look forward to your visits to the classroom, eager to read the responses to your latest notes, see questions others have posted, pick up assignments and, in general, stay up to date with everybody.

By now, the personality of many of your classmates has shown through. You've begun to enjoy communicating with them not just as other students but as people. Some have posted photos of themselves on the board and you've talked to several on the phone so you know the faces and voices behind the notes. It amazes you that some of them come from so far away. It must cost them a fortune in gas money to drive all that way so often!

There's no shortage of personal, one-to-one contact in an online course. Besides e-mail, class members can invite each other to meet in live "chats."

Before you started the class your one worry was that your online class would be a dry, solitary experience -- a sort of electronic correspondence course. But now you realize you're actually more engaged with this class than almost any other "regular" class you've taken.

What is an instructor-led course? Just like a traditional course, your online course has an instructor. He or she develops the curriculum, conducts the class, gives the assignments, answers questions, leads discussions, and assigns grades.

What is an instructor-facilitated course? Learn at your own pace with the guidance of a course guide. Course videos and textbooks are delivered directly to you. Online discussions allow you to share ideas with other enrolled students. Evaluator feedback on your assignments is provided.

What is a self-paced course? Often referred to as independent study, self-paced courses allow you to work on your own in a non-classroom setting. There are no instructors and most courses do not have a start and end date. On line courses are NOT self paced.

When does my class meet? Technically, there are no class times. Online courses are conducted "asynchronously," which means individuals complete readings and tests when it is convenient. However, a course syllabus provides dates to complete the assignments.

Will millions of other people be taking my class at the same time as me? No, enrollment in each online class is limited. Most classes are rarely larger than 20 students.

What kind of computer or other hardware do I need? Any PC or Macintosh computer will be fine. You'll also need a cable modem and a connection to the Internet. Computers usually purchased within the past two years will exceed the software and hardware you need.

Will I need to buy and learn to use complicated software? We provide all the software you'll need free of charge as part of course fees. It's designed especially for online learning and allows anyone with even basic computer skills to be up and running in no time. In addition, you'll receive a free online orientation in advance, to assure that you're completely up to speed when your class begins.

How much time do I get to complete a course? Most courses have a start date and an end date. In between, the schedule of course work, assignments and due dates are determined by each instructor or in the case of self-paced courses, by you! The fall 2007 course is completed by the 2nd of December just as the on campus courses.

Who will help me if I run into a technical problem? Every course has its own Course Manager who is your primary contact for questions or problems that involve the mechanics of taking your class..

Is my online course part of a larger classroom course? No, every online course operates independently. They are designed and conducted especially to take advantage of the online format.

Will I get a grade? Yes. It is earned through passing on lecture and lab tests.

Can I get a degree online? Henry Ford Community College currently does NOT offer a total degree on line. We do however, offer many courses such as Biology 233 and Biology 234 on line. Also, check the college’s web site for a listing of all on line courses (http://hfcc.edu)

What if I start a class and decide it's just not for me? Refund requests will be accepted through the fourth business day after the course begins. If you're not completely satisfied before the refund deadline, just let us know and we will cancel your enrollment. This time perior for withdrawl is "The drop and add week"

Below is a brief series of questions that may help decide whether online learning matches your personality type, learning preference and surrounding environment.

One drawback or item to consider