- What types of online courses do you offer?
- We offer three types of online courses:
- ONLINE classes consist of fully produced, original content that is designed, developed and released specifically for online consumption. These courses make use of Canvas—an online learning environment where you interact with your instructor and peers—and may include pre-recorded lectures and live webinar sessions. Online courses generally stick to a prescribed schedule and are guided by an instructor.
- REMOTE LEARNING classes generally consist of content and curriculum that is taught using research-based best practices for both live and self-guided learning. Live class sessions are scheduled on specific days/times, which allow students to have virtual interactions with the instructor and other students. Live lectures may be recorded so students can access them later.
- SELF-PACED classes feature online curriculum designed for a self-guided experience, with students viewing pre-recorded lectures and completing assignments within a more flexible timeframe. - How is an online course different from a course in a classroom setting?
- The most obvious difference with an online format is that you don't have to travel to a classroom—you work at a time and place that is convenient to you. You can enjoy more flexibility and more responsibility for your own learning. Our online courses offer the same quality and academic rigor you expect from our traditional courses. And, they require the same commitment and effort you would bring to a classroom experience. However, online courses allow you more time to complete the course than those in traditional classroom settings.
- How will I receive course login information?
If you are enrolled in a web-based course on our online platform you will receive an email on the start date with information on how to log in to your course. If you enroll online on or after the start date, you will normally receive your login information within one hour. If you feel that you have not received your email, please check your spam folder.
If you do not receive your login information in the timeframe indicated, you can go directly to our online platform and reset your password by going to https://cpeonline.ucdavis.edu and clicking the "Forgot Password?" link under the login form. Input your email address associated with your enrollment and an email will be sent to you with further instructions.
- How long will I have to complete the online course?
- In an effort to meet the needs of those continuing their education, we offer several formats for online courses. No matter what type of class you take, an instructor is always available to guide you through the material.
- Self-paced courses: In a self-paced course, you will be given a certain period of time to complete the course (usually 15 weeks*), at your own pace. You schedule your study time and pace yourself through the course, making sure you complete the course by the end date.
- Cohort courses: In a cohort course, you begin the course on a specific date with a group of other students. You progress through the course together, following the same schedule and end the course on the date specified.
- Some courses allow you to pace yourself though the program, but have set exam dates.
*An extension can be granted upon written request. You will be charged an additional fee. If you do not complete the course and allow your user ID and password to expire without requesting an extension, you must pay the entire course fee again if you choose to finish the course.
- What are the refund/withdrawal policies for online courses?
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Please visit our Student Services section for information on our online enrollment policies.
- How will my learning be assessed?
- Our online courses contain a variety of techniques to assess your learning. Each course is unique but may include one or more of the following features:
- instructor-graded assignments and projects
- quizzes that can be automatically scored and provide immediate feedback
- paper-based exams taken in the presence of an approved proctor (only applies to some courses)
- projects you work on with a team of fellow students
- discussion forums and chat sessions - What is the availability of my instructor?
- Our instructors make every effort to respond quickly to student inquiries. In general, you may expect to receive a response from your instructor within 48 hours, Monday-Friday. Instructors will provide you with their availability when you enroll in the course.
- What are some tips for successfully completing an online course?
- - Exercise the discipline and initiative to set time aside on a regular basis to complete the course.
- Be prepared to spend as much time studying and completing assignments as you would in a traditional classroom course.- Make sure your computer meets the minimum technical requirements listed for each course.
- Take advantage of the ability to interact with your instructor and fellow students.
- Let us know immediately if you are experiencing any difficulty with your course.
Visit our Resources for Online Learning page for more on how to succeed as an online student.
