Is online for you?
Distance Learning at Naropa University provides you with the ability to enroll in
courses from wherever you are and according to your work and life schedule. Technology
used for distance learning classes is only getting easier and easier to use—even for
people with little prior experience using such technologies.
Distance learning is different from in-person classes in several ways:
- Online learning is extremely convenient. As long as you have a computer with internet
connection, you can access your readings, attend class meetings, participate in online
discussions wherever you happen to be, anywhere in the world. Please note that some
courses have an on-campus component where you do physically come to campus once or
twice a semester to meet with your instructor and fellow classmates in person.
- Class meetings may take place synchronously or asynchronously. This means that sometimes
you may have asked to be online in the class discussion at specific times, while other
times a class discussion will last several days.
- Many distance learning students feel online discussions have more depth and are also
easier to participate in than an in-person class. Our students say they prefer discussions
online to in-person because there is more time to think of a reasoned, well-organized
comment or response.
What is the time commitment to complete the requirements for an online course?
While the amount of time that you’ll dedicate depends on several individual factors,
you may expect to spend five to ten hours each week for a 3-credit course. Sometimes
it takes time for students to get used to the technology, and many students perceive
that their preparation and homework time for their their initial online course takes
longer than that of similar on-campus classes. We recommend that you spend some time
in the free, self-paced, noncredit orientation course for students. As with anything
else, the more you put into it, the more you’ll get out.
For requirements specific to each class, go to individual online course pages and look for prerequisites.
Disability Accommodations
Naropa University’s Disability Accommodations outlines how to receive support for disabilities.