Online learning is becoming one of the best ways for adults to learn. But...online learning is not for everyone. Certain work habits, learning styles, and skills contribute to a successful online learning experience.

FISRT, there is a difference between webinars and online courses. Webinars are one hour, live web events that start and end at a certain time. We offer 4-6 webinars per month, usually for $14.99. Online courses are 5-week online learning experiences built on asynchronous learning (learn anytime, anywhere). These are ususally priced at $299.00 for the 5 week experence and taught in collaboration with the Pacific School of Religion.

Online courses, also referred to as "Internet", "Distance Learning", "Web-based" or "WWW" courses, provide busy leaders an excellent opportunity to pursue their educational goals at times and locations convenient to them. An online course uses a computer and the Internet to deliver lessons and for interaction between the student, instructor and other students. Online classes allow flexibility of time and place while the objectives and content of the courses are essentially the same as those offered in the traditional classroom setting.

In an online course, the student accepts responsibility for learning outcomes. Rather than face-to-face lectures, the instructor's role is that of facilitator and guide, to provide information through online course materials and learning activities accessed through the Internet. Course material presentation will vary according to instructor design. The instructor will provide feedback and evaluation as the student completes weekly class sessions, homework and projects.

In addition to the instructor, other sources of information will be important. Books and printed materials, as well as web-based resources, will be essential. Another significant source will be other students enrolled in the course.

Online learning emphasizes process - involving more than information accumulation and memorization. In online courses, high levels of collaboration and interactivity are required to seek, evaluate, and process the almost limitless amount of available and useful information.

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Is an online course for you?

Use the following self-assessment to help you determine if you are ready to take an online class from the Center for Progressive Renewal. The assessment covers both technical as well as learning style considerations. This is strictly a self assessment tool, so give yourself honest answers.

Learning Style Considerations

• Are you self-starter, able to motivate yourself to work?
• Do you enjoy working and learning on your own, rather than as a part of a group?
• Can you budget your time and set schedules for yourself to get work completed on time?
• Are you willing to speak up when you have a question?
• Do you usually read and understand the textbook without help?
• Can you communicate adequately in writing? Can you understand and follow instructions given in writing rather than orally?
• Are you comfortable participating in a class where you are not physically present and may not know the instructor or the other students?

Technical Considerations

• Are you comfortable with using computers?
• Do you know how to print?
• Do you have basic navigation skills such as, minimize and maximize Windows, browser back and forward?
• Are you able to create, save, and manage files on your computer?
• Are you comfortable installing or upgrading computer software?
• Do you have word processing skills?
• Can you copy and paste text or graphics across applications (using the clipboard)?
• Are you comfortable using email, including sending and receiving attachments?
• Do you know how to find information on the Internet?
• If you do not have your own computer, can you get to campus to use the computer lab or arrange to use some other computer at least two hours per day?

A majority of "yes" answers indicates that you are a good candidate for success in an online class. A few "no" answers may point out areas that you should strengthen or address, but you may still decide that an online class is a good choice for you.

Many "no" answers may indicate that your chances for success would be greater in a traditional class setting at this time. As your skills and experience grow, you may decide to revisit the option of online learning.

If after answering these questions you are still unsure if an online class is right for you, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at the Center for Progressive Renewal - we will help you discern.