FAQs for Online Learning

The School of Continuing Studies offers both Online and Self-Study (Distance PDF) courses as an alternative to traditional classroom learning. These courses allow you to take charge of your own learning experience and adapt your studies to a busy schedule.

Whether you study Online or in Distance PDF format, both your Instructor and the textbook(s) used in your course reflect the same high standard as those for in-class courses.

Except for a course whose final assessment is project-based, all our Self-Study (Distance PDF) courses are supported by proctored exams scheduled and taking place in a location near you where you live.

Registration Questions

1. How does Online learning differ from Self-Study Distance learning programs?
2. What kinds of tools and resources will be available as part of my online program?
3. What are the advantages of taking an online course?
4. How do I enroll in an online course?
5. When do I receive my course materials? How are they delivered?

Technical Questions

1. What is Blackboard?
2. What does my computer need in order to use Blackboard?
3. Do I need to install new software to take an online course?
4. How do I ask for hellp?

General Questions

1. Will it ever be necessary for me to come to the School for classes?
2. Will I learn as much from my online courses as I would in a traditional classroom?
3. Can I start my course at any time or are there specific dates for the sessions?
4. When are my assignments due?
5. How long does it take to get my assignments back?
6. Is it necessary to do the assignments?
7. Do I need to go online at any particular time?
8. What support can I expect from my instructor?
9. How and where do I write exams?
10. How do I register to write my exam?
11. If I can’t write the exam on the scheduled date, what are my options?
12. How many online courses can I take at one time?
13. Are all SCS courses offered through Online Learning?
14. Are textbooks required for online courses?

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Answers for Registration Questions

1. How does Online learning differ from Self-Study Distance learning programs?
   

   Online Courses

   • The U of T online host server called “Blackboard” is used to deliver online courses.
   • Registered students are emailed with log-in access (username, password) to Blackboard.
   • When students log-in, they will be brought to a home page that will have several features available to them, in accordance with the requirements of the course.
   • All material is posted including notes, assignments and any reference material that the instructor would like them to view.
   • There is an administration feature where students can apply for examinations, view instructions and any other administrative items that they should be aware of.
   • Students may also be invited to join discussion groups or interactive forums.
   • Links to other sites may be posted if the instructor thinks they are necessary.
   • Students submit assignments online.
   • Instructors post marked assignments/results online as well.
   • Students are allowed to email instructors with questions, but assignments cannot be submitted by email.
   • Instructors may choose to administer mid-term examinations online, but final examinations take place in proctored examination centres.

    
   The primary difference between Online and Self-Study (Distance PDF) is the level of interactivity between the instructor and the students, and also among classmates. For instance, discussion groups allow students to post questions that can be debated between classmates; a very useful tool not available to our distance students

   At SCS, Online learning is just one option in our distributed learning program. It may make use of a range of interactive audio-visual materials and activities, including audio-supported PowerPoint presentations, bulletin boards, threaded discussions with your colleagues and instructor, and opportunities to put your assignments and projects online. Your learning experience is enhanced by a wide range of audio-visual and Internet resources that make it easy for you to select the best learning support tools for your personal style of learning.

   Self-Study (Distance PDF) Courses

   • Assignments are in PDF format, and are posted on the U of T online host server called “Blackboard”.
   • Registered students are emailed with log-in access (username, password) to Blackboard.
   • When students log-in, they will see categories for Course Notes, Course Assignments, and Examination Application (I believe there is also a link to instructions).
   • Clicking on these categories will open up PDF documents that they can view or print.
   • Students submit assignments by email directly to instructors.
   • Instructors return marked assignments to students by email.
   • Examinations take place in proctored examination centres.

    
   Replacing paper delivery of this course with PDF documents and email communication has proven to be a faster and more efficient way of delivering a distance course. Students may still work at their own pace, and marked assignments are returned much more quickly than ever before.

   Blackboard is only used to post the PDF documents; interactive tools such as discussion groups, posted forums, etc, are not available in this format.

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2. What kinds of tools and resources will be available as part of my online program?
   Your SCS online course is led by an experienced educator/facilitator who is an expert in his/her field and who has been specially trained in the use of e-learning teaching techniques and tools, including webinars, PowerPoint presentations with voice narrations, simulations, online textbook resources, and threaded discussion strategies.

3. What are the advantages of taking an online course?
   There are several:
   • You can ask questions without having to wait until you come to class and you can expect more individualized answers.
   • You can search online for internet resources instantly using the live links in your class materials.
   • You can work on your course at your own speed and whenever you want to, even on your breaks and lunch hours. This greatly increases your productivity.
   • There are no travel costs because you can literally attend anywhere that you can go online.
   • You have direct, personal access to your instructor via e-mail and can share your ideas in a threaded discussion.

    

4. How do I enroll in an online course?
   The procedures for enrolling into an online course are the same as for enrolling into any of the School’s other courses. Please visit our How to Register page.

5. When do I receive my course materials? How are they delivered?
   For online courses, you will receive your access information, a UTORid and a Password on the course start date. Course materials are posted on the course site and available to you after you log into Blackboard, the courseware. You will be using U of T’s Portal, http://portal.utoronto.ca for your course, either online or in PDF format.

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Answers for Technical Questions

1. What is Blackboard?
   SCS uses the Blackboard learning management system for all of our online courses. Many in-class instructors also use this system to enhance their students’ learning experience.

2. What does my computer need in order to use Blackboard?
   To ensure compatibility with the various software technologies used in online courses, the following is a list of recommend operating systems and web browsers to access Blackboard.

   Windows

   • x86-compatible PC running Microsoft Windows XP / Vista (32-bit or 64-bit)/ 7 (32-bit or 64-bit). Be sure to update your Windows system regularly.
   • Recommended Web browsers: Internet Explorer 8, Firefox 3.6 or higher. Note that some Blackboard features are not supported in Internet Explorer 9. Do not use any Internet Explorer 64-bit version to avoid compatibility problems.

   Apple

   • Apple Macintosh running Mac OSX 10.5 “Leopard” or Mac OSX 10.6 “Snow Leopard”
   • Recommended Web browsers: Sarfari 4.0 or higher, Firefox 3.6 or higher

    
   Please note that Google Chrome is not supported by Blackboard. For up-to-dated operating systems and web browsers supported by Blackboard, please visit http://kb.blackboard.com/x/1IIQAw.

   If you have specific questions about equipment and platforms that are not answered here, please contact us at learn@utoronto.ca or by phone at 416-978-2400.

3. Do I need to install new software to take an online course?Your online courses may ask you to preview audiovisual materials with programs such as Windows Media Player, Acrobat Reader, RealPlayer, VLC Media Player, and Adobe Flash. These are free and when you are enrolled in an online course, you will be given instructions on how to download the latest version of these programs, as well as how to add any others that may be required later.
    
4. How do I ask for help?
   If you have difficulty in accessing your online materials, submitting your assignments or emailing your instructor, please call 416-978-2412 or 1-800-310-0006, allowing 48 hours for a reply.

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Answers for General Questions

1. Will it ever be necessary for me to come to the School for classes?
   All aspects of your online course can be done in a “virtual” environment and can be augmented with e-mail, regular mail, telephone or fax, so except for writing your final exam, you won’t have to travel to take part in your course.

2. Will I learn as much from my online courses as I would in a traditional classroom?
   All our online courses feature the same high level of instruction. In fact, many of our students take online courses along with an in-class course in order to complete their certificate faster. Whichever learning format you select, your course will continue to be supported by a proctored, standardized in-class exam and an exemplary university-level textbook and by experienced instructors. Online courses offer greatly enriched multimedia components and increased opportunities for interaction with both the instructor and online colleagues. Often your questions are answered more quickly, in greater depth and with more relevance than in a regular classroom.

3. Can I start my course at any time or are there specific dates for the sessions?
   Like In-Class course, Online courses begin on specific dates at the beginning of the semester. Start dates are listed in the calendar as well as on our website. Alternatively, you may call 416-978-2400 or email us at learn@utoronto.ca.

4. When are my assignments due?
   For the courses in PDF format, the assignment due dates are shown in the Student Information Booklet.
   For the online courses, the course online/syllabus will usually show the due dates. Please check the due dates with your instructor if you have any uncertainty about them.

5. How long does it take to get my assignments back?
   Allow for a two-week turnaround for each assignment.

6. Is it necessary to do the assignments?
   Generally, assignments and/or final projects are worth between 20% and 50% of your final grade, depending on the course. If you do not submit your assignments, the marks assigned to them will be deducted from your final grade. For courses in the Languages and Translation area, all assignments and the final project must be submitted to obtain a passing grade. Late assignments may be accepted at the discretion of the instructor and/or the Program Area.

7. Do I need to go online at any particular time?
   Depending on the course, occasionally you may be asked to take part in webinars or chats that are held at specific times, but in general you can study whenever it is convenient.

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8. What support can I expect from my instructor?
   In all cases, your instructor will provide guidance and support by email. In addition, feedback will accompany each marked assignment. For online classes supported by Blackboard and Epsilen, your instructor may also choose to post instructions and comments in the course announcements section, and on the course discussion board.

9. How and where do I write exams?
   Final examinations, where applicable, are conducted at locally situated, proctored exam centres. Exam can be scheduled almost anywhere in the world. See the Course Information link for sites.  Exams are held in the morning and the afternoon. If you are taking two courses, your exams will be staggered – one after the other. If you are taking more than two, contact the School to make special arrangements.

   There is a supplementary charge of $125 for students outside Canada and the U.S.

10. How do I register to write my exam?
    Complete the examination form included in the Course Information Link and submit it by the deadline stated on the form.  We will acknowledge your request within two weeks of receiving it, and a reminder with information about the exam location will be sent to you two weeks prior to the exam date.

11. If I can’t write the exam on the scheduled date, what are my options?
    If you are unable to write a scheduled exam for any reason, you may apply to write an alternate exam. The fee for this service is $150.00 and the application form is found here or call 416-978-2400 and we will mail one.

    Please note that if you fail a final exam, you are not eligible to write an alternate. You’ll have to take the course again.

12. How many online courses can I take at one time?
    Online learning can be very demanding and requires a considerable time commitment. If you are willing to make this kind of a commitment, you may take more than one course at a time in Business and Professional Studies. Taking more than two or three online courses at a time is not generally advised. The online Translation courses must be taken one at a time, in sequence.

13. Are all SCS courses offered through Online Learning?
    Only the courses listed in the Online Learning section of our webpage are offered online.

14. Are textbooks required for online courses?
    Textbooks are required for all courses unless otherwise stated. These are not included in the course fee and can be purchased separately online at www.uoftbookstore.com or by telephoning 416-640-5840 or 1-888-662-6368 approximately two weeks before your course starts. Provide your course number and section to make sure you get the correct edition of the textbook. Home delivery is available for a small fee.

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