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Our online courses are accessed over the internet and allow the instructors and students to interact and learn together through 15 weekly units. The learning activities include textbook readings, written assignments and classroom discussion boards each week? |
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How does an online class differ from a live classroom? |
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Online classes use the same textbooks and learning objectives as the live classroom setting would, but in different ways. Our online courses are heavily project-based and discussion-board driven. The week's content from the textbooks, PowerPoint slides, and video is augmented with written assignments – often pieces of a portfolio project or capstone project at the end of the course. The assignments encourage comprehension and application of the subject and make the knowledge something tangible by applying it in a real-life situation. These questions (usually one or two) are carefully focused on the main topic of the unit. They are written to help students critically evaluate the topics in light of their own experiences or knowledge. After posting their own responses, students are required to challenge or defend what they believe among their classmates and instructor. If done well, the discussion board can be one of the most rewarding activities of the course. |
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What are the benefits of online classes? |
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The obvious benefit is that students can "attend class" and study on their own schedule. Even though students work together weekly through study units, they can all schedule their coursework at whatever time works best for them and fits into their jobs or ministries.
Even though these classes are not face-to-face, the small size of our online classes – from 10-20 students – allows students to often experience more interaction from their instructor and classmates then they might in a regular classroom. Our goal is that technology helps the learning process and makes it more accessible to students everywhere. |
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What students will the online classes help? |
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In particular, our target audience is adults who already have a career or ministry and want to further their work through education. Many of our students will be those who cannot move from where they live due to work, ministry, or family interests. Instead of making them come to a classroom, we make the classroom come to them.
Grace University's mission is to develop servant leaders for the home, the church, and the world and online courses help meet that mission. |
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Does Grace University offer a full degree online? |
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Right now we offer class that can be transferred into an degree-seeking program, like our Excel degree completion program, but we do not yet offer a full online degree. An Associate's Degree will be available soon - check often for updates! |
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How do online classes differ from independent studies? |
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While independent studies require little interaction between other students and the instructor, online courses require that students begin and end the class together. Each week students discuss topics together and turn in assignments that are graded by the instructor. This structured and interactive environment helps many students succeed since it’s more like a traditional classroom, yet it allows students to study on their own schedule during the week. |
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How long does a class last? |
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15 weeks |
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Is there a recommended weekly routine for studying? |
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Ideally students will access their online class three times during the week to review the weekly assignments (early in the week), upload assignments and post discussion questions (later in the week), and reply to discussion posts (at the end of the week). Time-intensive activities such as textbook reading, written assignments, and even composing the initial discussion entry can be done off-line, on a specified day reserved for homework.
Students will do best who:
- Understand what is expected of them each week by reviewing the introduction video, learning objectives, and learning activities early.
- Set aside a block of time early in the week for reading.
- Set aside a block of time for completing assignments.
- Stick to their routine.
- Ask the instructor for help or guidance when needed.
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When do classes begin and end for the semester? |
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- First week of class: August 26, 2007
- Last week of class: December 8, 2007
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How much time will the class take each week? |
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A 3-credit hour course requires 7 to 8 hours of study time each week. |
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What happens if I’m gone a couple weeks during the semester? |
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Our courses are designed so students can complete the reading, assignments and discussion questions on their own schedule during the week. If for some reason the student will not have access to the internet for a week or two, the instructor should be contacted to make special arrangements. |
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What kind of computer hardware and software is required? |
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Required Hardware:
- A computer connected to the internet (high-speed internet recommended)
Required Software:
- Windows XP or Mac OS 10.
- Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Office (or equivalent)
Suggested plugins:
- Flash Player
- QuickTime player
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Will I have technical assistance? |
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Students can contact the university Help Desk from 8am – 10pm Monday through Thursday and 8am – 5pm on Friday.
- Online Help Desk: , then click Help Desk.
- Phone: (402) 449-2904
- Email:
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