St. Lawrence College
Part Time Studies
Online Credit
(OntarioLearn)

A Guide To Internet Based Learning

What is Internet-Based Learning?

Internet learning, which is also know as on-line learning, is a form of instructor led, independent study for those who cannot attend on-campus classes on a regular basis. An instructor facilitates learning by being available to answer questions, encourage discussion on course topics, and provide feedback. This flexibility allows a student to either complete a program, work towards a certificate or take individual courses that either maintain or increase their skills.

What skills are needed to be a successful on-line learner?

To be a successful on-line learner you should:

(1) Be committed to completing your course of study;
(2) Have good reading and comprehension skills;
(3) Be able to overcome distractions;
(4) Be able to commit time to your studies;
(5) Have quiet study space available;
(6) Have confidence in yourself as an independent learner

What computer hardware and software do I need to take an Ontariolearn course?

Computer: You will need access to a home or office personal computer with an Internet connection and Web access. A Macintosh or PC platform will work. A minimum requirement is a 486 with 8Mb RAM and Windows 3.1x or Windows ‘95/’98, or comparable Macintosh system.

Modem: A 56k modem is strongly recommended for the ideal learning experience. However, for the patient learner, a 28.8 modem will work sufficiently. Cable or DLS connections will also work.

Internet Access: Students must access and use their own interne to connect to their on-line courses. An inernet account with a local or national Internet Service Provider (ISP) providing SLIP/PPP connections is required (freenet accounts will not work).

Web Browser: A graphical browser such as Netscape Communicator (version 4.o or better) or Internet Exjplorer (version 5.0 or better) is required. In some instances, it may be necessary for some users to upgrade their web browser programs. Technical assistance is available.

Email: Depending on the platform system being used, you may be assigned an email account that is accessed within our course or you may be required to use your personal email account.

Software: Most courses require word processing software. Individual coruses may have additional technical and/or software requirements.

What about equivalencies toward St. Lawrence College Programs? How does that work?

A number of courses have equivalencies. These are most valuable when you are considering entering or completing a College program, and would like to take a web-based course or two because of a busy schedule. If you do not see an equivalency to a particular certificate or diploma, contact us. We'll be happy to research it for you.

Please Note: Software cannot be downloaded or installed, nor can data be saved on any College computer system. Computers are monitored regularly. If your course requires specific software package, you will require access to an alternative, non-College computer system.

How much do I need to know about computers to take an on-line course?

You should be able to confidently access the Internet with the basics of logging on, and then opening the Embanet server. You should be comfortable using your mouse and your keyboard. It is a significant advantage to know a word processing package so that you may prepare your assignments.

Unless you are taking a Windows course, it is also an advantage to be familiar with this operating system. It is often a good idea to register for a Windows course to gain confidence before moving on. If you are unsure, please contact us.

How do I register?

St. Lawrence College advertises the date that registration will start, each semester. On the day registration begins our website is opened to enable students to register and we encourage students to do so as our website is secure. If for some reason a student is not able to register online he/she should contact the college (Ext. 3172) to find out what to do.

When can I register?

We are semester driven at St. Lawrence College and as such, courses for the Fall Semester would begin mid-September; courses for the spring Semester would start mid-January, and courses for the Summer Semester would begin mid-May. Registration for each semester usually is a six week period and starts about five weeks before classes start, finishing two days after classes start.

What happens after I register?

St. Lawrence College will generate a confirmation letter, (including a set of instructions on accessing the course), which will be delivered to the student as quickly as possible via the internet. This set of instructions includes the student’s "Username" and "Password". At the same time the students' registration information will be sent to set up an account to allow the student access into the client server (Embanet is the server that we use). When students are given access to the server on the day courses actually start, they must follow the instructions provided in the confirmation letter. Detailed course information is available from the instructor once you access your course.

EMBANET TECHNICAL SUPPORT

24 hours per day, 7 day per week
1-800-695-5008 or email support@embanet.com

If you encounter technical difficulty , please contact the Embanet help desk at 1-800-695-5008 - 24 hours per day! (North America only.) (Embanet is the service provider for OntarioLearn.com courses.)

Please Note : If you log in and get a message about "Auto Register" ...select NO and start log in procedures again.

How do I get my Textbook?

In order to find out if a text is required please note this information has been posted at the website beside each course. It is the student’s responsibility to order the text which can be done online by going to “www.efolllett.com” or you can call 613-345-0660 Ext. 3372.

What if I decide I do not wish to take the course after I have registered?

If you wish to withdraw from a course, you must notify the Distance Education Unit at (613) 345-0660, Ext. 3172, by the date provided for the particular semester you are registered in (usually two weeks after classes begin). Your payment will be refunded minus a $15.00 service charge.
IMPORTANT: After the official withdrawal date there will be no refund of fees. Also you must deal directly with the bookstore regarding the return of text(s).

Do I have to log in at certain times?

In most cases, you may log in at whatever time of day you wish, as the server functions 24 hours a day. An exception to this would be if the instructor sets up a specific time for a "chat" (see next question). It is also required that assignments are handed in by the stated deadlines. Each course has a suggested time of how long the course should take and an end date of when the course will be finished. This is why it is recommended that students login to their courses as soon as access is available.

How do I communicate with my instructor or other students?

Communication is through e-mail or "Chat". If you want to send a message to your instructor or to another student but you do not want the rest of the class to read your message, use the mailbox icon. If you want to post a question or make a comment for the other students in your class to read, post it in your course icon. Send all assignments to your instructor using the mailbox icon. Some instructors will arrange a "chat" time. In the chat mode, the instructor and students talk on-line in real time.

How long are the courses?

The lengths of courses vary. However, the majority are 15 weeks, but some courses are shorter in length. You will be provided with 'expected' end dates from your instructor at the beginning of your course.

Who do I contact at St. Lawrence College if I have problems that cannot be worked out with my instructor?

Contact the Distance Learning Unit at (613) 345-0660, ext. 3172.

What if the course has an exam?

Some courses require that a mid-term and/or a final exam be written "in person" at St. Lawrence College. If you must write a mid-term and/or final exam, contact the Distance Learning Unit by email yklaassen@sl.on.ca at least two weeks before the exam is to be written, and advise at which of our three campuses you wish to write. Your exam will then be ordered and sent to the Test Center at your chosen campus.

In order to accommodate our OntarioLearn.com students, two dates are made available for writing exams. You need to choose one of the two dates and go into your chosen campus to write. If you have two exams to write then obviously you would go write on both dates, and if you have more then two exams you must make special arrangements to write the remaining exam(s).

If you are not able to write the exam at St. Lawrence College, you can write under the supervision of a proctor. You are responsible for obtaining a proctor (approved by the College) and for any fees incurred. If you are using a proctor, the proctor needs to contact Distance Learning Unit at (613) 345-0660 ext. 3172, with details of where to send the final exam.

How do I receive my final grade?

Appoximately 3 weeks after the end of classes grades begin to be reported to the co-ordinator and as this is done the grades are reported to the Records office for entry to St. Lawrence College's student records. Once the grade is posted to St. Lawrence's student records the student will be mailed a grade report.
Please Note: It can take as long as four weeks after the completion of your exam for grades to be posted.

Working towards a certificate?

You should note that although we run three semesters all of the courses are not necessarily offered each semester. It is therefore important to track when your required courses run - particular this applies to the "Psychosocial Rehabilitation (Mental Health) Certificate".

Course Evaluation

Each semester students will have the opportunity to complete an on-line course evaluation questionnaire. The responses will be used to ensure continuous improvement in administrative practices, academic delivery to students and to maintain high standards in the delivery of courses. Student responses will be anonymous.

Student Complaints

Students have the right to raise and expect recognition of their complaints. In the event of a conflict, students are encouraged to attempt to resolve the difficulty themselves with the individuals directly involved.

OntarioLearn.com partner colleges recognize that in some instances, students may require assistance in initiating a resolution of the problem. This assistance can be sought by the OL Coordinator (or designate) at their Registering College.

Student Code of Conduct

A. GENERAL RESTRICTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
You may not:

1. enter without authorization, into equipment, facilities, networks or accounts to use, read, transfer or change the contents, or for any other purpose;
2. use another individual's account or grant another individual access to your account;
3. interfere with the work of other students, faculty members or college officials;
4. send inappropriate messages, including but not limited to, messages which are offensive, abusive, derogatory, seditious, harassing, or threatening;
5. display, transmit, distribute or make available information that expresses or implies discrimination or an intention to discriminate;
6. interfere with the normal operation of college information technology systems and connecting networks (this includes such things as flooding the network with messages or sending chain letters or pyramid solicitations);
7. use OntarioLearn.com or partner college's computer facilities for profit or commercial gain.
8. create and/or use world-wide web information pages or links to point to offending materials that do not comply with the Ontario Human Rights Code or the Criminal Code of Canada unless doing so fulfills the requirements of the course;
9. use OntarioLearn.com or partner college's facilities for any purpose that could be seen as a violation of the Criminal Code of Canada.

B. RESPONSBILITIES

You are responsible for:
1. any and all use of your account(s); therefore, you must maintain secure passwords for all accounts assigned to you, ensure and safeguard against others obtaining unauthorized access to your accounts, and must not share passwords or any other access control information for your accounts;
2. complying with all copyright and license conditions associated with Ontariolearn.com and partner college systems and content;