• What to Expect: SP & I
• What to Expect: AEEPE
• What to Expect: FEE
• What to Expect: MEER

What to Expect

Our online courses are designed such that course participants interact with the instructor, course materials, and each other within a distance learning system called Desire2Learn. The course is only accessible through the Desire2Learn web site once a participant has registered through UWSP and is given a unique username and password. Participants have weekly assignments that they may complete at a time that's most convenient for them ("asynchronously"), but the assignments have specific due dates to facilitate discussion and grading. There is no real-time chat required and there are no text books to purchase or exams to take.

Past students have provided tremendous evaluations of these courses. However the learning that occurs in these courses does come at a cost. The course require a sizeable time commitment for success.  We strongly suggest that you plan for at least 5-15 hours per week (depending on the course) to be set aside for the readings, assignments, and the discussion board.  This time is required for credit or non-credit enrollees.  We have provided the non-credit/workshop option for those who do not need the credit, not because there is less work involved.  The Graduate level does require additional assignments.

Please consider your ability to make a commitment to the time required when choosing what semester works best for you.  Courses are offered each fall and spring and sometimes in the summer depending upon interest.

Participants should possess basic computer and Internet skills, such as knowing how to navigate the web using hypertext links and sending and replying to email messages. A UWSP email address will be created for all enrollees and they will be able to access this email account through Desire2Learn and UWSP web sites.

In addition to having a computer and at least a 56K modem with Internet access, our online courses will require that you have:

• Windows 98 or higher (PC) or OS 9 or OS X (MAC)
• Internet Explorer 5.0 and up or Netscape Navigator 4.7 and up or Mozilla 1.0 and up
• Java Script and Cookies enabled
• The Applied EE Program Evaluation course requires that you have Microsoft Excel.

You may find it helpful to read these Tips for being a successful online learner.