Overview  |   Courses  |   Advisory Board  |   How to Apply

Online Course Format

Classes in this certificate program are delivered online via the World Wide Web, which means you don't need to come to campus to earn your certificate: You can study from anywhere.

To access your course materials, you'll simply log on to the Internet, where the course Web site will provide instruction, online quizzes and code, as well as project homework assignments. The course will be delivered in real time using Adobe Connect, which means you can hear the instructor live, interact with students and instructor via chat, and view all course materials just like the onsite students can.

Just like in a classroom course, in these "group-start" online courses, students begin each course at the same time and work through the coursework together. To participate, you'll need a computer with access to the Web (see Technology Requirements on the How to Apply page). After you are accepted and enroll in a course, you will be mailed instructions on how to access your classes.

Online, Live Courses Using Adobe Connect

• The courses are live and will be archived.
  
  
• Students will be provided with a Web-based interface using Adobe Connect, which lets you see on the screen all the files and presentations that students in the classroom see.
  
  
• Multiple open Windows let you see files and real-time notes, as well as chat.
  
  
• You will hear live audio of the instructor and other students.
  
  
• You will be able to interact with students and the instructor either through voice or online chat so that you can ask questions and collaborate on projects.
  
  
• All class sessions will be recorded so that you can review both the audio and all visuals later.
  
  
• Local students can also have the option to attend class in person, if they wish.
  
  
• Instructors and students make an effort to be inclusive so that online students feel that they are an integral part of the class.

Qualities for Success in Online Learning

Prospective participants should consider their learning style, strengths and preferences if they intend to apply for the online learning option. Points to consider:

• If you are skilled at managing your time to achieve goals, are self-disciplined, and enjoy working on your own, you can do well in online learning.
  
  
• Courses rely on audio, chat and written instructions rather than in-person explanations from your instructor. You should be comfortable with learning through reading and communicating primarily in writing.
  
  
• An online discussion forum and live chat connects you to other students and to your instructor. You may be studying in your living room, but you are not alone when you take an online learning course.
  
  
• Online learning saves commuting time, but these courses require at least as much time as attending classes and completing assignments for campus courses.

Testimonials From Students In Our Online Classes

"The online set up of the class today was great. After I got accustomed to not being able to see Emily, I felt like I was as involved as I would be sitting in the classroom. ... I am excited about this course! For now I don't anticipate any problems with interaction. I am impressed with the ease of the technology...The online portion of the Professional MA in Computational Linguistics at UW is well organized, attentive to the details of student needs, and seamless in its execution. As a student from Oklahoma, the online CLMA is especially beneficial to me, because I would be unable to achieve such a degree locally. With a family established in OK, it is less viable for me to relocate to complete a degree program not offered in my state. This program offers me exactly what I need, and precisely what I cannot obtain here."

– Trisha from Oklahoma, October 2007

"Great class ...I feel entirely comfortable viewing the class remotely and think this is going to be a wonderful learning experience for me."

– Monica from New York, October 2007