Student Resources for Online Learning

Online learning is a form of distance education that uses technology to create a virtual classroom. Course materials are delivered and received over the internet-providing access from any computer at any time through a web browser. Online learning provides a hands-on experience and flexibility often not found in traditional classroom environments.

Online courses can be:

• Asynchronous means instructional time and interactions with peers are not delivered "live." Students can choose when and where to access materials and respond to their instructor and peers based on course requirements.
• Synchronous implies some or all instructional time and/or peer interaction is delivered "live," and students are expected to attend classes online at designated times.

Online courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, and receive the same college credit as the comparable on-campus course(s). As an online student, you are expected to complete coursework as assigned by your instructor, such as quizzes, exams, and projects, as well as meet deadlines for assignments, participate in discussions, and/or additional learning activities.

Course materials often include documents, videos, web-based resources, pre-recorded lectures and seminars, and textbooks or eBooks. Discussions with your peers and one-on-one interactions with your instructor typically occur online via e-mail and discussion boards, as well as through teleconferencing technology.

Online learning is an option for students who need flexibility in their on-campus summer schedule or who are off campus over the summer but want a course from Butler faculty. That being said, it may take time to become accustomed to the features and requirements of online learning.

Online coursework requires substantial self-discipline and commitment to learning-courses are as rigorous online, and require the same time commitment, as campus-based courses. Online students assume a more active role in managing their learning experience and, therefore, should be:

• Independent
• Motivated
• Possess time-management skills

To aid you in determining whether online learning may be a good fit, we encourage you to take a few moments to complete this self-assessment.

Some courses combine aspects of online learning with classroom-based instruction to give students the flexibility of online learning and the benefits of face-to-face time with instructors and peers. The amount of time required to complete coursework online and attend campus-based classroom sessions varies from course to course-instructors determine how much time is spent in each learning environment. To determine if a hybrid course fits into your schedule, please refer to the schedule of classes to confirm the dates and times for the required on-campus sessions.

Online and hybrid courses are delivered through a Learning Management System (LMS). Butler uses Canvas as the LMS. For Canvas to function properly and access course materials, you will need a computer with the following:

• High-speed Internet connection
• Compatible operating system and browser. A computer manufactured within the last three years with a current version of Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome browser is sufficient.
• JavaScript enabled.
• A USB headset with a microphone and a webcam to participate in synchronous course events (required by some instructors). Note: A computer with built-in speakers, microphone, and webcam are sufficient.

Always refer to the course syllabus for detailed information regarding the technical requirements for the course. You can also visit https://www.butler.edu/it/computer-recommendations for up-to-date requirements for student computers.

For more information or assistance in setting up your computer for the online learning environment, contact the Help Desk at 317-940-HELP.

Students who wish to request disability-related accommodations are encouraged to contact Student Disability Services (SDS) to discuss support services and accommodations. Students need to be aware that timely disclosure of a disability helps to ensure there is adequate time to make the necessary preparations for accommodations, particularly in situations where captioning, audio-description services, or alternative text is required. At least two week advanced notice is needed in order to ensure timely delivery of certain types of accommodation; although, every effort will be made to fulfill accommodation requests made with less notice.

Students who are enrolled in either online or in-classroom coursework must first register for services with SDS before accommodation requests can be considered. A student establishes eligibility by first submitting the appropriate written documentation to SDS. After documentation review, an individualized discussion is scheduled with the student by an SDS staff member, after which a determination can be made regarding reasonable accommodations. Please visit Student Disability Services for more information regarding the necessary documentation.

Please contact SDS at 317-940-9308 or sds@butler.edu for an individualized, confidential discussion regarding your specific situation.

Federal Title IV Regulations: https://ifap.ed.gov/ifap/index.jsp