Expectations for Online Study

Guidelines for Good Online Practices

These are suggested practices for the student and the professor. These expectations are the ideal for effective online learning.

Students are expected to log on and respond to notes 5 out of 7 days. This attendance requirement is critical for group participation and community learning.
Students should spend the same amount of time on an online course as they do for an on-campus course.
Students are expected to complete all assignments on the due dates provided by the professor by 12:00 midnight (MST).
The online learning ecology supports collaborative and community learning. Competition is discouraged since we are all working toward the same goals in a learning community.
Students are expected to submit strong academic work that reflects graduate level education. Discussion Group messages should be well formed with accurate grammar and spelling.
Since the online class is only 6-8 weeks long they are considered intensive courses. It is critical that a student not fall behind in the learning process. If extraordinary circumstances arise, exceptions can be made for the student to make up work but this is to be arranged with their current professor.
Students can expect approximately 20-25 hours of course work per week.
Students are to use inclusive language in all writing assignments. This is a policy of the School of Theology and Christian Ministries.

Log in to the class to check notes daily. It is recommended that you do this a couple times a day (Sundays can be set aside as “non-working” days). It is very important that you maintain your presence online.)
Respond to student questions within a 24-hour period. There will be times when you need to be away for a day, and that is okay, but make sure you communicate this to the students. Students will expect timely responses.
The online course should accomplish the same learning outcomes as an on-campus course.
Course assignments should be supported by web-based assignments and information available via the web.
Course assignments should include the use of the NNU's library online resources.
Assignments need to be graded in a timely manner, usually within a week of submission. Since the online class is intensive, feedback on assignments are imperative.
The role of the online instructor is to be a facilitator of learning, not someone who only provides transmissive education.
The instructor needs to demonstrate flexibility, openness, diversity, concern, and sincerity in the online classroom. It is very important to create an ecology of learning that is supportive and respectful of each person.