COSC 1301
On-Line Courses: An Introduction


Taking an on-line (Internet) course is very different from taking a traditional 'in-class, instructor-led' course. On-line courses have both advantages and disadvantages.

Some of the advantages are:

  • the time spent in a formal class setting is greatly reduced
  • the on-line class time can be shifted to a time convenient to the student
  • learning can take place at the student's pace instead of the class's pace
However, along with these advantages, there are some corresponding disadvantages:
  • since less time is spent in class, the amount of student-to-student and student-to-instructor interaction is greatly reduced
  • since the class is not held at a specific time, the student has a greater responsibility to dedicate time to the course
  • since the student does not have face-to-face contact with the instructor, the student must assume the responsibility to keep pace with the class.
As a result, in an on-line course, the student has to assume a greater responsibility in the learning process. On-line courses are a very viable alternative for more mature and self-motivated students. Students who lack self-motivation skills will usually not perform well in on-line courses.

At the completion of this course, the students should be able to demonstrate competency in:

  • Fundamental computer programming skills
  • Writing code used by a specific programming language
  • Using Internet tools (such as email, search engines and on-line learning skills)
  • Understanding the effects of computers on society
Before beginning this course, the student must have regular (preferably daily) access to the Internet and should have some familiarity with:
  • email
  • the Internet and search engines
  • simple text processing such as NOTEPAD (Windows-based computers) or SIMPLE TEXT (Macintosh systems)
The first few assignments in this course will involve getting used to and increasing skills in the areas which are listed above. In other words, these first few assignments are 'leveling' assignments - their purpose is to insure that each student has the skills needed to successfully participate in this course.

It is in the student's best interest to complete the first few assignments as quickly as possible. Generally, on-line courses have a drop-out rate of about 50%. For this particular course, (COSC 1301) the ratio is a little better, but we are still concerned that a high number of students drop out of on-line courses. This is one of the reasons why we go to great detail in this module to discuss the expectations and goals of this course.

As a part of the first assignment, take a few minutes to answer this survey. Remember your scores because you will need to report them to the instructor as a part of the first assignment.

Distance Learning Course Aptitude Assessment

Select your choice for each question by entering the number of your response for each question (A thru L): (Hit TAB to move from one box to the next box)

A. I usually complete homework and other assignments
1. past the deadline
2. just before the assignment is due
3. with plenty of time to spare before the assignment is due

B. I am considering taking a distance learning class
1. because I have some experience with this type of course and/or I believe that I will enjoy this type of course 2. because the flexibility fits into my schedule
3. because I can never seem to make it to my campus classes

C. When I have to work individually
1. I have difficulty completing the task
2. Most of the time I finish the task
3. I almost always complete the task successfully

D. If I am having difficulty with an assignment
1. I rarely ask for help
2. I sometimes ask for help
3. I always ask for help

E. Written instructions are
1. easy for me to follow
2. OK, but I would prefer to have the instructor explain them to me
3. confusing and frustrate me

F. I consider myself to be
1. a good reader
2. an adequate reader
3. a slow reader

G. After I turn in an assignment,
1. I need immediate feedback before continuting
2. I need feedback in a couple of days
3. I will move to the next assignment even if there is no feedback

H. Face to face meetings with my instructor and classmates
1. are not important to me
2. are helpful but not essential
3. are very important to me

I. When asked to utilize new skills and technologies as a learner,
1. I am very uncomfortable and tend to avoid new technologies
2. I am hesitant to take risks, but I am persistent and determined
3. I embrace the challenge and enjoy trying new things

J. As a learner, I would classify myself as being
1. dependent
2. somewhat independent
3. highly independent

K. How much time do you expect to devote to this class each week?
1. 8 to 10 hours
2. 4 to 7 hours
3. 1 to 3 hours

L. How well do you deal with problems associated with the use of technology?
1. I can effectively deal with this type of problem
2. I can accept the problems and generally can work with technology
3. I get very frustrated and have difficulty working effectively

To total your score, click here. (If you see 'NaN' in one of the boxes, then that indicates that you did not answer one of the questions.)

Your DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE ASSESSMENT scores are: and

Remember these numbers. You will report these scores to your instructor by email in Web Assignment #1.