Online Learning
Online Learning encompasses eLearning and Hybrid courses that use the Canvas Learning Management System to facilitate the courses.
eLearning
eLearning courses provide the most flexibility for students, as they are taught completely online. Your class work and interactions with your instructor and fellow students occur primarily online. Online instruction may be supplemented with printed or online textbooks, online content from textbook publishers, and online discussions, video lectures, quizzes and assignments. Some courses require proctored testing. Email, discussion groups, and group work provide a high degree of student-to-student and student-to-instructor interactivity. Most courses follow a schedule provided by the instructor with specific assignment due dates. Online courses have equivalent requirements and outcomes as face-to-face courses.
Hybrid Courses
Hybrid courses meet on campus, but replace some on-campus meetings with online instruction and interaction. Some courses may have as few as two or three on-campus meetings; others may meet weekly or on a more regular basis.
Not all hybrid courses have the same requirements for number, days, and times of face-to-face meetings. Additionally, hybrids may meet at any of our physical campus locations.
Technology Requirements
Students should review the computer requirements before the start of a course:
- PC (Windows 7/8/10) or MAC (iOS 10.6+). (iPads, Chromebooks & Surfaces, etc. are not fully supported)
- High-speed internet connection
- Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print PDF's
- Microphone and webcam
- Office 365 is provided to all Bucks students for free
- Web Browsers:
- Firefox
- Chrome
- Internet Explorer 11+
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari 6+
Proficiency in using word processing programs, web browsers and email is also recommended.
Who Should Take eLearning and Hybrid Courses?
Self-motivated and self-disciplined students who can handle college level work and who are comfortable studying independently are successful in these courses. Online Learning provides the flexibility that mature students need to juggle their many responsibilities while advancing their career and personal goals in a more convenient manner. Successful eLearning and hybrid students include those with full-time jobs, parents with young children, the elderly, those on rotating work schedules, the disabled, and anyone who has difficulty traveling.
There is a strong correlation between a student's success in online classes and his/her maturity, past educational performance, and motivation. Students who are aware of the additional work and discipline required to excel in an online class are much more likely to succeed in that environment.
Some students mistakenly sign up for eLearning courses believing the courses will be easier or the workload lighter because there are no regular face-to-face meetings. In reality, eLearning (and hybrid) courses often require more work and self-discipline than their face-to-face counterparts. For example, students should plan a minimum of 6-9 hours per week for each 15 week (standard semester) online course, 12-15 hours per week for each 8 week course and 10 hours per day for each Wintersession course.
Find Out More
Full descriptions of all online courses, including the specific technology and meeting requirements for each course, can be found on our website at www.bucks.edu/welcome.
For support or general questions regarding online learning, Contact the Bucks Online Office via phone at 215-968-8052, email online@bucks.edu.