Web/Online courses are a rigorous form of instruction geared toward motivated and organized students who are comfortable using a computer and various software applications. When taking an online course, you will be able to access your class content any time of the day or night in a secure, password-protected online environment.
Even though mobile devices are widely used to access online course content, it is recommended that you have access to a computer on which you can download and install software like Microsoft Office. It is also recommended that you be able to access your online course sites throughout the week as there may be various due dates and deadlines for your classwork. Correspondence is conducted primarily via online discussion forums, web conferences, and email. Some online courses are hybrids with onsite requirements. Be sure to pay close attention to the additional information in the class schedule when signing up for an online course for any onsite requirements.
Different Types of Online Course Delivery
When you search the class schedule, you’ll find different types of online course delivery options. Pay close attention, as some sections have specific day/time or onsite requirements.
- Online – Synchronous (live scheduled class meetings): These courses will be delivered using an online web conferencing tool and will require remote participation on specific days and times. Students will engage in real-time with their instructor.
- Online – Asynchronous (traditional): These are online courses with no specific day and time requirements, but student work must typically be submitted by regular deadlines throughout the semester.
- Hybrid: Hybrid online courses are a combination of both face-to-face and online requirements.
Blackboard and Publisher Course Sites
Blackboard is the College’s learning management system and is used for the majority of online courses at Owens. Blackboard course sites become available to students on the morning of the first day of the start date for your course, unless the instructor chooses to open the course early. Be sure to monitor your Owens student email account for any correspondence from your instructor. To learn more about Blackboard, go to Blackboard Tutorials.
In addition to Blackboard, many instructors also utilize electronic course sites and resources from publishers like Pearson, Cengage, McGraw-Hill and others. Access codes are often needed to access these publisher resources. These codes are typically bundled with a new, shrink-wrapped version of the textbook that is purchased from the Owens Bookstore. You may need this code the first time you try to access publisher content in your course site. Not all web courses require an access code. If you purchased a used textbook and discover that you need an additional access code, you may be able to purchase one online from the publisher’s website. Check with your instructor or the Bookstore to be sure.
Web Course Textbooks
Textbooks are required for most online courses. You can order textbooks online at the Owens Bookstore website.
Testing
Instructors will typically set regular deadlines for the submission of work, including tests. Some online courses utilize an online Proctoring Service which may require a webcam. Most Instructors will require you to take the test within a designated time frame of a few days. Visit the Online Test Taking Guide for more information.
Technical Support
For Blackboard assistance, please call the IT Help Desk (567) 661-7120 or send an email to helpdesk@owens.edu. If you are experiencing technical difficulties during business hours, you can also call e-Learning Technical Support at 1-800-GO-OWENS, ext. 7333.
Important – Browser Compatibility
Please note that Blackboard does not often support many of the most recent browser releases.
Find Blackboard-supported browsers and operating systems here.
Student Financial Services Information for Online Students
Student Financial Services is the customer service office for Financial Aid, Records and Student Accounts. If you have questions about a hold on your account, a registration error, how to order a transcript, when your bill is due, or what requirements must be met in order to receive financial aid, Student Financial Services is the place to contact!
We strive to provide full service in person, over the phone and via email. Any email inquiries must come from your Owens email account, for your own protection.
We think it is particularly important for our online students to know the following information:
- Owens does not send paper bills. You must log in to Ozone to check your Account Summary By Term for your semester balance and due dates.
- Each class has unique refund deadlines and drop deadlines. Students can view these deadlines, as well as course material costs and fees for each class by visiting the Class Schedule page. Simply enter the CRN (5-digit code) for each class in which you are enrolled to view specific information for your classes.
- If you plan to use financial aid to help pay for your classes, completing the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov is just the first step. From Ozone, click on Financial Aid for a wealth of information related to your financial aid award package, requirements, satisfactory academic progress (SAP) eligibility, book voucher details, and other important information.
Visit the Student Financial Services webpage for a detailed list of Frequently Asked Questions, email us at studentfinancial@owens.edu or call the Student Service Center at (567) 661-2387 for more information.
Disability Services
The student should contact the Office of Disability Services at disability@owens.edu regarding any need for accommodations pertaining to online courses. Visit the Disability Services website for more contact information.