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Online Learning FAQ

Online learning offers many benefits including flexibility and convenience. Online students also note that choosing to study online allows them to balance life's commitments with education.
Online courses are delivered using the University's learning management system (LMS). Students log into the system to access courses. Courses in the LMS consist of videos, lectures, readings, presentations, links, and other learning activities. Students can also view progress and grades, contact professors and classmates, and access support services through the LMS.
Online courses vary from course to course, but generally they are designed to deliver course lessons and materials online through Lander's Learning Management System, Blackboard. In Blackboard you will have access to readings, videos, and other course content designed by the instructor.
Workload can vary from course to course. Online courses are not easier than traditional courses. In fact, the workload may be more than a traditional course since you are responsible for your own learning. You should expect to spend at least as much time, and sometimes more in an online course than you would in a traditional course on campus. The general consensus is a three-credit hour course should take six to twelve hours of your time each week.
The amount of time you will spend on an online course will vary. No two courses are exactly the same. The general consensus is that students should expect to spend between six and twelve hours per week for each three-credit hour online course.
Online course assignments vary from course to course, but typically are similar to those in a traditional class. Written assignments, online discussions, quizzes, projects, and exams are some of the assignment types you can expect to find in an online course.
Fully online courses meet asynchronously. This means that you will not be required to log in at a certain day or time. Instructors may include optional synchronous components such as weekly web meetings or live virtual discussions. In online courses, you complete coursework on your own time, but will still be required to meet weekly deadlines and due dates.
While you can access your online courses from anywhere there is a stable internet connection, you will still be required to complete assignments and other course requirements on time throughout the duration of the semester.
Online classes at Lander have specific start and end dates. While students have discretion for when they will study and log into the course, they must meet the due dates as scheduled on the course syllabus/calendar.
Grading in online courses works the same as traditional courses. High-level critical thinking is required, and students are expected to demonstrate understanding of the subject matter. Criteria for grading is established by the instructor and outlined on the syllabus.
You can view all the coursework and grades for the course you are in on the My Grades page in Blackboard. On the My Grades page you will find different links to feedback depending on the type of assessment.
The course calendar in the LMS will help you keep track of assignments and other due dates. Additionally, you can use the Blackboard mobile app to sign up for push notifications that will alert you of upcoming assignments. Some instructors provide a print friendly version of the course assignment schedule. You might find it helpful to print it out and keep it posted in your study area.
Generally, you can contact your instructor via email. Your instructor may also be available via instant message, text, phone, or via web conferencing. Your instructor will list their contact information and communication preferences in the course documents.
Some academic programs may have additional requirements or require additional equipment such as webcams, microphones, or supplementary devices. Special requirements are clearly communicated at the beginning of the semester and are typically listed on the course syllabus or other course documents.
While many portions of online courses utilize responsive, mobile friendly technology, it is recommended that you do not rely solely on mobile devices for completing course work. Some course work and/or assessments may not be accessible from a mobile phone. Students are encouraged to download the Lander app as well as the Blackboard app to stay up to date on news, services, and announcements.
Both the Lander Mobile app and the Blackboard app are available for free. The Lander Mobile app is available Google Play for Android devices. You can download the Blackboard app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.

The Lander Mobile app uses your MyLander username and password.

You login for the Blackboard mobile app is the same as your Bearcat Web PIN. By default, the pin is your 6-digit birthday (MMDDYY). For additional assistance, contact the ITS helpdesk at 864-388-8234 or by email help@lander.edu.