Faculty teaching MTSU Online courses are required to provide students with an interactive learning experience by answering student questions with 24-48 hours and by providing timely feedback on assignments. Also, MTSU Distance Education Policy 254, under III. Academic Standards, states: “C. Each distance education course must provide for interaction and timely feedback between students and faculty member(s) teaching the course. As appropriate, these interactions may be individual, group, or mixed. They may take place electronically, i.e., by telephone, by computer, or by interactive video.”
Many students ask if they will be reading information, watching recordings of lectures, or participating in videos/simulations made especially for distance students. MTSU faculty develop their own online courses which are offered via Desire2Learn (D2L) learning management software. They may use a variety of sources to provide course content such as original, ePublisher, and open source content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The average online course size is 22 students. Course size varies by discipline and the nature and content of the course.
Most online courses are asynchronous although some professors may require proctored exams which may be taken at approved, off-campus sites during an instructor-specified timeframe. You can see any required meetings and dates before you register for a course.
This varies depending on the subject and faculty preferences. MTSU provides a multimedia specialist to assist with course development, and more faculty are providing those types of learning experiences in their online courses.
This depends on the content of the course, and the preferences of faculty instructors.
Interaction with your professor will be frequent — usually multiple times per week. Interaction with fellow students depends on the course design and content, although best practice is a course design that includes frequent student-to-student interaction.
Some professors may require test proctoring which they conduct. For a student who cannot come to campus to take proctored exams, the student may take the exam at approved, off-campus sites. These sites may charge testing fees.
Instructors are required to make course content accessible and are provided various training opportunities, resources, and an accessibility specialist to assist in this effort.
You will need a relatively modern computer and a reliable internet connection. If you cannot make that purchase now, make sure you can study, access course sites, and complete assignments at a public library or other public access location. Make sure the access site operating times are convenient for you.
A systems check may be run on your computer the first time you log into D2L, the online learning management system. The systems check ensures that you have installed everything needed to use D2L. You need a fairly modern computer to effectively participate in online courses.
You need a reliable computer and Internet connection to successfully complete an online course. Students who do not have a computer may access their courses via the MTSU Walker Library (with an MTSU ID), MTSU computer labs or at a local public library. (Note: Some public libraries block certain web addresses. Students should verify with the library’s IT support if unable to access. Also, some libraries may charge usage fees and may have time limits on their computers).
Browser checks should be conducted when using the following MTSU systems:
D2L learning management system
PipelineMT – Students register for classes, pay fees, check email, keep a calendar and access personal data via this online portal. The browser check may be conducted at the login site by selecting the Quick Links and Supported Browser links. Free Technology Tutorials on internet basics and systems are also available at GCF LearnFree.org.
The Dell College Store provides information on student discounts for computers. MTSU’s academic system has many software programs available for student use. Students register using their MTSU email account.
The MTSU Help Desk provides multiple services for distance learners including tutorials and D2L support. Additional services are available at ITD.
