E-Learning

Belmont College provides online learning experiences that mirror the in-person classroom experience while providing flexible, accessible, learner-centered online education. Online learning is a convenient and flexible way to advance your education. All online courses cover the same learning objectives as in-person classes.

Classes are offered fully online and also as “hybrid” courses. Hybrid courses meet in-person for 50% of the term and online the other 50% of the term. Belmont also offers video conference courses—where the instructor/class at the Main campus is broadcasted live to video conference classrooms at off-campus locations (Harrison and Monroe County Centers). See the current Course Schedule for specific class offerings.

Online Student Systems

MyBelmont

Online classes are taught through a Learning Management System called MyBelmont. Your instructor will post grades, provide feedback, and post course related materials here. The student will use this site to complete assignments, post to discussion boards, review course materials and complete all course requirements. To access MyBelmont, visit: MyBelmont.

Belmont Student E-Mail

Online instructors will only communicate with students through Belmont College e-mail. It’s extremely important for online students to check their Belmont student e-mail often. Registered students should contact the Information Systems Department for assistance in setting up their e-mail. To access your e-mail click the mail icon at the top right hand corner of any Belmont College page.

VMWare

Belmont provides access to VMWare (virtual machines). Installing VMware on your personal computer gives Belmont students access to the computer software needed to successfully complete course assignments. This includes MSOffice (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, etc.) as well as any specialized software needed for courses; such as, AutoCad, PhotoShop, and other curriculum specific resources.

Tips for Online Students

Online Courses

Many students desire the flexibility an online course allows while meeting the same learning outcomes as a traditional in-class course. Similar to a traditional in-class course, an online course follows a schedule and syllabus with quizzes/tests, assignments, required readings, chat sessions and discussion board postings usually due by certain dates. Online classes are not ‘self-paced.’ Instead of attending lecture sessions in a classroom, online students access course content via the internet through PowerPoint presentations, podcasts, video demonstrations, assignments, websites, live chat sessions, etc. The instructor maintains contact with the students through online office hours, chat sessions, email, or telephone.

Technical Requirements

When taking online classes, we recommend your computer meet some minimum requirements:

• Microsoft Windows 7 Operating System.
• 4GB RAM system memory.
• A highspeed or broadband internet connection.  3Mb/sec download, 1Mb/sec upload.

Student Awareness

 Online students often report problems with managing their time and staying on track with their online classes. It’s expected that you study assigned material, be prepared to participate in online discussions, and complete assignments according to the course schedule.

To be successful in online courses:

• Avoid procrastination
• Break larger, semester long projects into smaller, more manageable weekly tasks
• Use a calendar to note due dates for all your assignments
• Create to-do lists
• Set aside time each week to work on assignments

Online courses are not “easy” and are not the right learning environment for everyone. If you have the right qualities and learning style to successfully complete an online course, you will most likely find it to be a very worthwhile and convenient substitute to a traditional in-class course. SmarterMeasure is an online assessment tool you may use to identify your strengths and weaknesses for being successful in an online class. To access SmarterMeasure, please contact the E-Learning Coordinator.

Before you enroll in an online course, please consider the following:

• Does your computer meet the minimum specifications recommended when taking an online course?
• Many learning activities in online courses are asynchronous, meaning that students participate and complete their assignments at different times throughout the week. This allows greater flexibility and freedom for when you complete the coursework. However, students often lack the self-discipline necessary to honor assignment due dates and procrastinate with completing coursework without the structure of regular class meetings and reminders from instructors. It is your responsibility to pace yourself and keep up with the coursework.
• Students need to devote the same amount of time to online courses as they would a traditional course. Completing coursework can take from five to fifteen hours or more per week. Additionally, taking an online course may require you to be online almost every day of the week to check for new postings and communications.
• When taking an online course, it is necessary to have virtually unlimited access to a computer with internet access and feel comfortable using the computer and technology to complete coursework. Word processing and internet browsing skills are crucial to your success in an online course.
• Students taking online courses are often faced with problems that are simply out of their control, i.e. computer viruses, power outages, servers down, etc. Students should think ahead about problems like these and have a back-up plan in place. Students also need to regularly back-up and save their course files.

LibGuide

For additional resources related to online learning, please visit: http://libguides.belmontcollege.edu/Online.

Distance Learning Complaint Process for Out of State Students

Belmont College desires to resolve student grievances, complaints and concerns in an expeditious, fair and amicable manner. Students residing outside of the State of Ohio while attending Belmont College who desire to resolve a grievance should follow the College’s Student Grievance Policy and Procedure located in the current term’s Course Catalog and Student Handbook. However, if an issue cannot be resolved internally, you may file a complaint with your State. Belmont College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

*Belmont College is not regulated in Texas under Chapter 132 of the Texas Education Code. (However, Texas residents are authorized to take Distance Education courses through Belmont College.)