Do online courses begin and end on different dates than regular on-campus courses?
No: Online courses start and end on the same dates as traditional, on-campus courses.
Do online courses have a final exam, just like regular on-campus courses?
Maybe: During the week of final exams, your online instructor will let you know if you will be taking an exam online or completing another type of final assignment.
Can I submit my work whenever I am ready?
No: Online courses have weekly schedules and due dates for readings, postings, and tests. Your instructor will let you know what to do each week, and you will have to submit work on a regular, weekly basis, just like a class held on campus.
Do I have to be online at the same time as everyone else in class?
Maybe: Your instructor will make you aware of any requirement to be online at a certain date and time.
Are online courses easier than on-campus courses?
No: Online courses are just as rigorous as on-campus classes. In fact, they require more discipline because students have to read the material by themselves and keep up with the coursework, schedules and deadlines.
Does it take a certain type of student to do well in an online course?
Yes! Online learning is not for everyone. We know from research that students who are independent learners, highly motivated, disciplined, and good time managers perform well in an online course.
Can I log in to my online courses whenever I want to?
No: Class participation is crucial to success online. Threaded discussions are the heart of the course and the main way everyone communicates. Participation requirements will vary from course to course, but your instructor will let you know how often to be online and what you need to do in order to meet participation requirements.
Do I need to have a computer background to take an online course?
No: Successful online students need to be able to perform the following tasks comfortably:
- Send and receive e-mails
- Send and open e-mail attachments (Word files)
- Use Microsoft Word
- Manage files in Word
- Function in online library databases
- Perform basic research on the Internet
- Be able to use a browser, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla's Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer
Technical Questions
What are the minimum technical requirements?
- Online courses may be conducted using a range of software applications including a Learning Management System, such as Canvas.
- Recommended web browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari.
- For more information regarding web browsers, visit Canvas Supported Browsers
- Software required for viewing multimedia resources: HTML5 compatible web browser with JavaScript enabled and Java
- Speakers required to head multi-media content
- PDF reader required for viewing articles
- Also, please review the technical requirements for Canvas.
How do I access the online course?
Access to UNT Dallas hybrid, online and web-enhanced courses will be made available, based on course registration, at 12:00 AM on the first day of class via Canvas (Check Class Search determine which system your course(s) will be in). Some instructors may allow early access to allow student to view the course syllabus or other course information.
Who to Contact:
- Course Related Problems
You should contact your course instructor for any problems, which are course-related - i.e., problems finding course material and resources in the learning management system, Canvas. Instructors organize their Canvas sites differently and choose different settings. It's a good idea to ask your instructors because often the answer is specific to the way they are doing things. It's also important for your instructors to know if you're having a technical problem that may affect your ability to do your assignments.
- Canvas
Canvas: If you are experiencing any trouble with Canvas please contact the 24/7 Canvas Phone Support at 1-833-668-8634. Please be sure to identify yourself as either a UNT Dallas student or UNT Dallas College of Law student. Make sure to also inform your course instructor to let them know you are working with the helpdesk.