eLearn courses have many features similar to traditional classroom-based classes, including lecture notes, discussion, assignments, and, in some cases, tests. The system offers a range of tools designed to facilitate interactions with project materials, instructors, and peers. Marist's iLearn video demo provides an excellent overview of online students' classroom experience.
Approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the start of the course, students will receive, via email, a welcome letter which contains the link to the course website, user ID (Marist account) and password, book order, instructor information, virtual "orientation" dates and conference call information (if a call is scheduled). Students new to online learning at Marist will be required to attend an online orientation to introduce them to the virtual environment and how to navigate the online course.
The course is delivered through our online classroom, iLearn. Students use their Marist account and password to access the contents of the course 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
The minimum web browsers are Internet Explorer 6.0 and Firefox 2.0. iLearn does not support browsers like Camino or Opera or the Safari web browser.
Operating System: Windows 2000, MAC OSX 10.2.x and later.Hardware: 512MB of RAM
Generally, classes do not meet at any particular time. The flexibility you gain as an online student is one of the great benefits of taking an online course. Instructor may set up group chats or post his/her online "office hours" at a particular time. Usually, the instructor will ask for the availability of those in the class and will schedule group chats to reflect the availability. In regards to the due dates for assignments, the instructor will usually post due dates at the beginning of the course.
Marist's online courses are equivalent to a traditional semester-length Marist course,even if they are accelerated 8 or 10 week courses. Students spend approximately 3-4 hours per week on the internet (same amount of time you would spend sitting in class) and roughly 8-12 hours per week on homework (e.g., reading, research and assignments).
Students can order their books online by visiting the Marist Bookstore website at http://www.bkstore.com/marist/ and searching for their class by course number. The books will then be shipped to the address specified. Local students can also visit the Marist Bookstore at the Main Campus in Poughkeepsie.
Communication is highly valued and encouraged in online courses. As such, instructors are always accessible via email. In addition, most instructors usually posts weekly online "office hours". and will be "available" to answer questions via instant messenger. The instructor also usually gives their phone contact information as well.
