One of the most common questions about "online" courses is "How do they work?" This brief overview will address some of the basics to orient you to our distance teaching methods. Drexel University currently uses a shell called WebCT Vista for the delivery of web-based courses. Currently, across Drexel, more than 130 courses utilize WebCT Vista. The Engineering Management courses are also supported via WebCT Vista for web-based delivery.

Courses consist of Lecture, Class Material, Textbook REadings, Discussions, Homework, Quizzes, Midterm, Final Examination, Projects, Presentations, Chats, Etc. For distance learning, each class element is supported by a technology. The Professor for the class prepares a detailed syllabus that shows the assignments and deliverables required for successful completion of the class. As a student it is important to thoroughly understand the requirements set forth in the syllabus. Courses are not self-paced. All assignments are due when scheduled. Business travel is not an excuse for "absence from a distance learning class.

Lectures are either pre-built in slides with audio voice over, or the lecture is captured via A/V server in the classroom and streamed real-time to desktop and/or archived for later review. There is typically one lecture per week for the 10 weeks that encompass a Drexel Term.

Class Questions are posted by the student in the WebCT shell. The professor answers the questions for all students to see the answers.

Class Discussions are posted by the professor for the students and professor to discuss during the week.

Homework assignments are set forth in the Assignments section of WebCT with due dates. The students upload their work to the WebCT server. Graded homework is returned to the students with comments or a model answer.

Synchronous Chat is utilized by some professors who require that students participate. This function is also available to student groups who are working on joint assignments.

Examinations and quizzes are used to assess student progress. Some quizzes are timed; others are like "take-home" exams with a longer time window. Quizzes and examinations are uploaded to the WebCT server in the assignmnets area.

Classes proceed week-by-week according to the syllabus with the grades in homework, quiz, examinations, projects and class participation all weighted to produce the final course grade. The grade weightings are shown in the syllabus.

The class syllabus lists the class requirements. The professor specifies the evaluation and assessment methods for the class. Please review the syllabus thoroughly to understand the requirements prior to beginning the class.

WebCT Vista, like any other shell requires some "getting used to." You may do this by clicking the link for the WebCT Demo and then using Demo/Demo (case sensitive) for userid/password.

If you have further questions you can send them to EGMT

Important Links

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