A distance learning course is one you take without physically meeting a teacher in a classroom on campus. These courses may be semester-based with specific start and end dates or may have a timeline based on the date of your enrolment.
Online (web-based): Course material is accessed via the Internet.
Correspondence (print-based): Course material will be sent to you by mail or courier.
Although distance learning delivery modes are a convenient way to take courses, they are not suited to all students’ learning styles or needs. Distance learning students should be self-disciplined and have excellent reading, writing, and analytical skills. To find out if distance learning is for you, complete the Self Evaluation Survey at onlinelearning.humber.ca/selfevaluation.
(Feedback from the Open Learning Centre Services Survey):
“Great site, easy to navigate, and I didn't experience any technical issues with it. Thanks for such a convenient learning experience!”
“I have enjoyed my online studies with Humber. Any problems experienced were minor and were corrected promptly. I look forward to more online studies, they work perfect with my schedule.”
“I have just completed my fourth online course. I really enjoy it because of my work schedule and it also allows me to work independently. I plan on taking another online course in the new year! I have had overall positive experiences!”
You will need regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection to actively participate in an online course. We recommend the system requirements listed below for all online courses. Lesser systems may be compatible with the learning management systems used to deliver online courses. For minimum requirements, please visit onlinelearning.humber.ca/ruready.
Some courses have specific software requirements; therefore, it is important to visit the specific course page on the OLC website prior to the course start date. If you are required to download additional software, it will be listed on this page.
|
WINDOWS |
MACINTOSH |
Operating System |
Minimum: Windows 98 |
Minimum: Mac OS 10.2 |
Processor |
Minimum: Pentium 233 MHz |
Minimum: G3 Processor |
Memory (RAM) |
Minimum: 256 MB |
Minimum: 256 MB |
Internet Browser |
Minimum: Internet Explorer 6.0/Firefox 2.0 |
Minimum: Safari 2.3 |
Office Suite |
Microsoft Office 2003 or above |
Microsoft Office 2004 or above |
A computer system with sound is strongly recommended. |
||
The Open Learning Centre (OLC) is your first point of contact if you are interested in online learning at Humber. The staff in the OLC can assist you via:
Humber’s Open Learning Centre was awarded the 2009 CNIE (Canadian Network for Innovation in Education) Award of Excellence and Innovation in Student Services. This award recognizes the innovative services the OLC uses to support Humber’s online learners, specifically Live Chat, online orientation sessions and its off-campus testing procedure.
onlinelearning.humber.ca/proctoring_procedure
If you are interested in registering in an online course, the best way to start is by visiting the OLC website at onlinelearning.humber.ca. This website contains all the information necessary to make an informed decision about taking a course online, including:
Detailed information pages for each online course Humber offers – click the Courses menu from the OLC’s website. Click on the course code to view additional information.
Demo Courses: The OLC website contains tutorial and demo courses for all the learning management systems (LMS) used to deliver online courses at Humber. For more information review the course information page or click on the Tutorials link from the homepage.
FAQ Page: If you still have questions about learning online, visit onlinelearning.humber.ca/faq or click the FAQ tab from the homepage.
Most online courses have a final exam that a student must complete in a supervised environment. The Open Learning Centre staff will work with you and your online teacher to help make the arrangements for this exam. Be sure to review Humber’s proctoring procedure for information on making arrangements for an off-campus exam.
Student Record System srs.humber.ca
SRS lets you register in a course, confirm your timetable, check grades, update your student record, print your T2202a Tax Form and other important information from the registration office.
LMS (Learning Management System)
This is the system used to deliver an online course. Humber uses a variety of LMSs, including Blackboard, FirstClass, Moodle and others. It is important to review the course list on the OLC website to confirm which system is used and the specific login instructions. If you need help logging in to your course site, please contact the Open Learning Centre at onlinelearning.humber.ca/contact.
HCNET (Humber College Network)
its.humber.ca
There are a variety of services available to you remotely via Humber’s network. You must activate your HCNet ID in order to login to a computer or use the college’s wireless services on campus. HCNet also provides you access to a remote drive (H drive) where you can store files and access them from anywhere. For more information about this visit the Information and Technology Services website at its.humber.ca.
Humber is a proud member of the OntarioLearn consortium.
OntarioLearn is a consortium of 22 Ontario colleges who partner to develop and deliver online courses. To find out if a course is delivered through the consortium, look for the OntarioLearn logo on the course information page. Humber has also partnered with corporate groups to provide access to online courses. The access to these course sites may be a little different from those offered via Humber’s systems. Be sure to visit the course information page for more information or contact the OLC for further details.
Humber is proud to be a member of elearnnetwork.ca; a collaboration between the Government of Ontario, 34 colleges and universities and various community partners to improve local access to learning and training opportunities in eastern and southern Ontario.
At an elearnnetwork.ca Centre, you have free access to elearning workstations and high-speed Internet. In addition, each centre is staffed with a specially trained elearnnetwork.ca co-ordinator to assist you in researching program or course options, registration information, funding options, scheduling and with using the technology.
Visit elearnnetwork.ca and learn more about their services and locations.
