- Are Distance Learning courses accredited?
- How do I register for a Distance Learning course?
- Do Distance Learning courses cost the same as other courses?
- Are Distance Learning courses easier than taking classroom courses?
- What is involved in taking a Distance Learning course?
- How do I know if Distance Learning is for me?
- Is financial assistance available?
- I attend another college/university. Can I take a Distance Learning course and have it count towards my degree requirements?
- How much time do I have to complete the course?
- Do I have to come on campus during the semester?
- Who can I contact if my question is not answered here?
Are Distance Learning courses accredited?
Distance Learning courses are accredited and considered the equivelent to any traditional classroom course. You can review the accredited courses offered through Distance Learning by looking at the DL Course Listings.
You are advised to consult with an academic advisor before starting any course of study or academic program.
How do I register for a Distance Learning course?
You register for Distance Learning courses in the same way as for any traditional classroom course. You can review the accredited courses offered through Distance Learning on the DL Course Listings .
If you are an Ashland student, register as you would for any course. If you are a new student or a guest student, select the appropriate link for registration assistance.
Seminary Registration
Do Distance Learning courses cost the same as other courses?
Distance Learning courses have the same cost as traditional classroom courses with the exception of Seminary courses which have an additional $25 fee per credit hour. For rate and fee schedule see
Are Distance Learning courses easier than taking classroom courses?
No. You will spend as much time, if not
more, on your distance class as you would for the same course taught in a
classroom. Since you will not have a face-to-face relationship with your
instructor, you might have to do some additional reading.
The learning processes in a Distance Learning class are "learner centered."
There is no regular prompting by the instructor to read, study and complete
assignments. You must be motivated and disciplined to learn. It is helpful to
set a daily study and work schedule and stick to it. Distance Learning is not
for everybody. See "Is It For Me?" and
"What is Distance Learning?" for more information.
What is involved in taking a Distance Learning course?
Distance Learning courses are designed to bring college courses to your home or any location. Once a student registers and pays for the course, the instructor provides information regarding the on a course Web site or in the form of video streamed over the web, along with actual VCR tapes, audiotapes, textbooks, study guides, and other printed material. You work through the course with the help of a syllabus and other instructions provided by your instructor. Your instructor is available through e-mail, telephone, and office hours to answer your questions.
Regular due dates for assignments, a learning and testing schedule, and beginning and ending course dates corresponding with the academic calendar create a flexible and convenient classroom for you at home or in other locations.
Most students take some time to adjust to the Distance Learning format. They must become comfortable with the methods of online communication (Web-based course) and working without attending courses or face-to-face meetings with the instructor. Here are some tips for getting comfortable at a distance:
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Take time to review all the help documents and details about the course that are provided by your instructor. Additional help materials regarding your course or distance learning, in general, may be available independently.
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Spend some time browsing through the class materials. If you are taking a Web-based course, browse through the course site and explore the various course areas by clicking on the course navigation buttons.
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Learn to manage your time. You may find yourself spending either too little time on the important material, or too much time. Set aside an adequate amount of time on a regular basis each week to work on the class. By creating and sticking to a routine, you can stay up with the assignments and with the interaction that is required.
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If taking a Web-based course, print out pages from the Web site for reference and review them away from the computer. Because the Web is such a changeable medium, however, always check the Web site for updates and revisions to the pages you have printed out.
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Set priorities and pay close attention to what your instructor says about course requirements.
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Ask right away for help if something doesn't make sense. Call or send an e-mail to your instructor.
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Communicate with your instructor on a regular basis.
- Familiarize yourself with training that is available through the tech.ashland.edu website
- Not all computers are created equally. You must have a MAC or PC that is up to date enough to be able to access lessions over the web. When taking a web based class you must have a broad band connection to the internet. A telephone connection will not allow you to interact and down load media from your class. View Distance Learning Technology Requirements
Distance Learning is not for everybody. See "Can You Be a Successful Distance Learner?"
How do I know if Distance Learning is for me?
Distance Learning courses allow you to conveniently take accredited courses from home. The flexibility and convenience of Distance Learning provides busy persons the opportunity to fulfill their educational goals and needs with minimal interference with their work or family schedules. As a Distance Learning student, you will find that you have greater control over the learning process and can customize your learning time in a way that best suits your specific schedule.
Is financial assistance available?
Financial assistance is available for all Distance Learning courses. For more information on available financial assistance visit the Financial Aid site.
I attend another college/university. Can I take a Distance Learning course and have it count towards my degree requirements?
Many students from other colleges and universities take distance courses on a transient basis. Check with your registrar for procedures.
How much time do I have to complete the course?
Distance Learning courses follow the same timelines as traditional on-campus courses. Your instructor will issue a syllabus with course assignments and deadlines. When the term ends, so does your distance course.
Do I have to come on campus during the term?
Some Distance Learning courses require you to come on campus or center a few times during the term.
Who can I contact if my question is not answered here?
For general information about Distance Learning Courses, see the contacts page.
