What Is Online Learning?
Online learning, sometimes called distance learning, refers to educational programs conducted via the internet. Online learning has become an increasingly popular choice over the years because of the flexibility it allows in terms of scheduling and location. Online students can study from any location with an internet connection, and sometimes even attend their classes on their own schedules.Students of online programs can conduct their coursework online, including reading texts, seeking support, interacting with peers and instructors, etc. Online college and university programs make use of reading assignments, discussion groups, collaborative peer work, videos and other resources.
The Online Learning Experience at University Road At University Road we offer accredited, online degree programs. Our unique programs are designed so that our students can study to their own schedules, wherever they are in the world. All you need is an internet connection – and any will do.
Learning Materials and Textbooks
All learning materials and textbooks at University Road are Open Education Resources (OER). OER are free collections of teaching and learning materials as well as academic and research texts. University Road courses are built using reading assignments and other OER materials carefully selected by our instructors and course developers. These revolutionary free resources are an opportunity for students to gain access to a wealth of wisdom that supports and enhances their studies at University Road
A 100% Online Education
University of the Road uses Moodle, an online Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver our courses entirely online. While it’s not necessary to be physically present in a classroom, students at University Road are part of a strong and lively online academic environment. Courses are led by qualified instructors who guide and support students throughout each course. Students also engage with one another through online discussion forums and peer-to-peer reviews in small classes with personal attention.
Courses are built from reading assignments and discussion forums. Video materials are also available to students, but only as extra learning material, and it is not mandatory to watch them. Our virtual labs and online internship options ensure that students at University Road can successfully conduct their entire academic experience online, wherever they are located.
Working Together at University Road
Online student forums and peer review groups are one of the most valuable aspects of theUniversity Road experience. Thanks to our strong online community, students make connections from all around the world. This is a resource for sharing information, wisdom, and support, as well as for building a vibrant, international network.Students at University Road participate in a system of peer assessments. Through grading and reviewing classmates’ work, students sharpen their critical skills and benefit from classmates’ assessments as well. The final grade is based on a combination of peer-graded work, instructor-graded work, graded quizzes and a final exam.
Working with Qualified Advisors, Mentors, and Instructors
All students are assigned a program advisor at the beginning of their course of study at University Road. Advisors are there to help students succeed in their degree programs. Ready to answer questions, offer support and give advice, our program advisors are a key part of our educational system.
Students may also have a chance to work remotely with a mentor. Our mentors are members of our global UR community and industry-leading professionals. Mentors are there to help our students identify and achieve their professional and academic goals.
In addition, students receive one-on-one feedback and guidance from their instructors. For each course, students have an online learning journal, which is only seen and graded by instructors. These journals ensure that students have regular, personal access to their instructors and give instructors insight into each individual student understands the material and their progression in the course.
Working Independently
Students at University Road have the freedom to study according to their own schedules. Our classrooms can be wherever our students want, so long as there is an internet connection. Students are provided with self-administered quizzes to help understand course material and prepare for tests. Every course assigns a weekly reading assignment and discussion assignment (to be completed in the group forum). Some weeks, students have a written assignment/activity or a programming assignment (depending on the course of study). Students communicate with their instructors through the learning journal and via email, messaging.
There are a series of tasks that students are required to complete each week. These may include:- Learning Journals
- Discussion Forums
- Discussion Forums
- Self-administered Quizzes
- Graded Quizzes
Learning Journal
Students are encouraged to use a learning journal to document activities, record questions/problems they may encounter, reflect on the learning process, and draft answers for course assignments. Instructors may also choose to assign specific topics and/or relevant questions as a weekly learning journal entry. The learning journal must be updated on a weekly basis, because its entries will be directly assessed by instructors as a part of a student’s final grade. Unlike the written assignments, a student’s learning journal is only seen by the instructor and not the student’s peers.
Quizzes
Courses contain three types of quizzes – self-administered quizzes, graded quizzes, and a review quiz. These quizzes may contain multiple choice, true or false, or short answer questions. The results of the self-administered quiz will not count towards the final grade, but students are strongly recommended to complete it to ensure they have adequately understood the course. Along with the reading assignments, the results of the self-administered quiz should be used as part of an iterative learning process, to thoroughly cover and test understanding of course material.
Students should use the results of their self-administered quiz as a guide to go back and review relevant sections of reading assignments. Similarly, the review quiz does not count towards a student’s final grade, but should also be used to assist in a comprehensive review and full understanding of all course material, in preparation for the final exam. Lastly, the results of the graded quizzes do count towards the final grade. Specific instructions on the format and content of the graded quizzes are provided by each instructor.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (Program Requirements)
Students at University Road must fulfil certain requirements to successfully pass each course, as well as to obtain their degree:
Students must earn a minimum amount of credits. This amount varies per program. Students must earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 in all coursework completed at University Road. Students must complete all required proctored exams.
Graduation
When students have successfully completed all of their required courses, they can apply for graduation through the student portal. The Student Services department will check that all requirements have been met. If they have been, a signed diploma will be mailed to the student’s postal address. After graduation, students are eligible for the university's alumni group, which is a great resource for networking and job-searching. Students will also have continued access to our career service center after graduation.