FAQ - Frequently Asked Question

Update on Online Courses

Online courses are not offered at Soutehastern University during Spring 2008. A schedule of possible online offerings for the Summer 2008 quad is being developed. Current students may consult their advisors for details on additional on campus classes, being offered at additional early morning and mid-day times.

Q. What is E-Learning?
A. E-Learning is web-based distance education. It offers both the student and professor the flexibility to teach, learn, and communicate in nontraditional settings and at times convenient to both. Course content is the same as in the classroom setting, but modified for web-based delivery. Chat rooms are created to allow students to query and share information. It differs from the other two modes of distance education, e.g., technology-enhanced learning (learner audience has frequent opportunities to meet face-to-face with the instructor) and technology-delivered learning (learner audience is never or rarely in physical proximity to the instructor).

Q. Are there different types of online learning?
A. Yes. There are two primary types: synchronous and asynchronous.

Synchronous (happening at the same time) - instructor-led learning, occurring in real-time with structurally dynamic characteristics.
Asynchronous (happening at different times) - self-study experience that relies on some structured plan that directs the learner through learning processes without real-time interaction from an instructor.

Q. Why is online education so popular?
A. Many feel that online education is the wave of the future. It offers three essential reasons to believe this:

Flexibility - For a busy student and/or working professional, online education offers another important option for you to get the education that you need at the time that is most convenient for you.
Economics - Online education programs offer universities like Southeastern the opportunity to reach students who cannot come to the traditional campus, or who cannot come to the campus for each course.
Communication - Many students find that communicating through the computer strengthens their online capabilities and offers additional technological advantages.

Q. What are some of the challenges that I may face in my online experience?
A. Overall, the online experience can be very rewarding. However, it is not unusual for some online students to occasionally feel isolated, to misunderstand some assignments, and to experience some routine internet-related technical difficulties. Involvement in the chat rooms, personal emails to fellow students, sharing your experiences with students, and use of the 24-hour-a-day technical assistance can go along way toward making your experience an exciting one.

Q. What is eCollege?
A. eCollege is a Colorado-based online educational firm that supports SEUOnline. It provides a range of services, including hosting and technical assistance, for our students. eCollege is one of the nation's leading providers of online educational programs for universities