Preparing for Online Learning
Are you new to distance education? Use this page to determine if online learning at 老司机福利网 is right for you. Find tips for succeeding in online courses, technology requirements and resources and information on how to enroll in online courses at SLU.
Online Readiness Assessment
Distance education allows you to take courses and pursue skills or a degree on your own schedule; however, distance education presents a different set of challenges than traditional on-campus courses. Explore this to determine if it's right for you.
Tips for Success in Online Courses
All the online courses offered during winter session and many summer session courses are accelerated. Accelerated courses usually run four, six or eight weeks, but they contain the same content as a traditional 15-week course. Accelerated courses operate at a faster pace than traditional length courses, and it is common to have weekly (if not daily) assignments, quizzes or exams.
As such, it is important to keep up with the coursework and to commit to going online daily. For example, a three-credit hour winter session course runs for around four weeks. Essentially, this is almost 130 hours of coursework compressed into four weeks. You should plan to spend a minimum of 31 to 32 hours a week on your coursework.
- Organization: Read the syllabus! At the beginning of the course, take note of all assignments and exams. Keep track of due dates and plan time for coursework in your schedule.
- Time management: You should allocate time every day to complete your readings or assignments. If you fall behind in an accelerated course, it becomes almost impossible to catch up.
- Engagement: Actively participate in your online course. This includes contributing to discussion boards, emailing your professor and checking your SLU email daily.
- Focus: You may be balancing multiple responsibilities while taking your accelerated course. Make the most of your study time by setting up a distraction-free work zone.
- Take a break: Don鈥檛 forget to include some downtime in your schedule to help you recharge. This will give you a boost to tackle your next task.
Things to Consider
- Is the course foundational for your major?
- Because of the accelerated pace, retention can be a problem. It might be better to take the course during the regular semester or a longer summer session.
- Do you have the time to commit to the course?
- If you are going on vacation or will be without internet for several days over break, it will be hard to keep up with the pace of coursework.
- Do you have the drive to complete the course?
- Online learning, in general, requires self-motivation. This is especially true in an accelerated format.
If you decide to enroll in an accelerated course, be sure to take advantage of all the student resources available. You can find more information on the SLU Distance Education Student Resources website.
Technology Requirements and Resources
Minimum Technology Requirements
A high-speed internet connection is required for students enrolled in distance education courses and programs. At a minimum, students need:
- Regular access to a high-speed/broadband internet connection
- A functional computer with:
- Current internet web browsers
- A web camera
- Headset or microphone/speakers
Additionally, each school/college has minimum technology standards. Your distance program or course also may require additional technologies. Please check your course syllabus and/or your Canvas course site for any additional technology requirements.
Bandwidth Recommendations
To maximize your ability to access your online course materials, please refer to the following information regarding bandwidth minimums and bandwidth testing.
Bandwidth for online learning recommendations
Internet Browsers and Plug-Ins
SLU uses the Canvas Learning Management System for online courses. Canvas works with most internet browsers except Internet Explorer.
You can verify if your browser is supported on the .
Canvas Resources
Both SLU Information Technology Services and Canvas offer a variety of resources for students. Support is available within Canvas using the Help button on the main navigation bar. The number for Canvas support is 314-977-4000 (option 3). Additionally, you may refer to this list of online resources:
Information For Enrolling in Online Courses
- For more information on course offerings and scheduling, visit .
- If you are a traditional undergraduate student at SLU registering for a course in the School for Professional Studies and need assistance, please contact the School for Professional Studies at 314-977-2330 or sps@slu.edu and an SPS adviser will assist you.
- Visit the Summer and Extended Studies webpage for information on taking online courses during summer or winter sessions.