How Online Learning Works

What is online learning?
Facts about attending classes
Frequently asked questions
Is Online Learning For Me?

Hi! We are the Open Learning World Course Management Team. If you're unfamiliar with the concept of online learning, allow us to give you a brief synopsis.


What is online learning?

Our online courses are quite similar to traditional offline courses. You will select the course which you want to take, register, and start it along with a group of other like minded students. Your course guide is an experienced professional in his or her field. And, throughout the course, you have ongoing, individual and group dialogues as well as chat session with the course guide and the other students enrolled in your course.

The big difference is that there's no college/University to go to. You do not have to spend time on travelling to the college. You'll never have conflicts with family obligations, business travel or vacations. There's no chance of arriving late or missing a class because of illness or a missed bus.

Many of the courses have fixed start and end dates but a lot of them can be taken anytime as per your convenience, but there are no "live" classes to attend. Instead, lectures, assignments, questions, discussions, all take place at your convenience - online. Plus, you'll receive personalized course guide feedback, and share insights and information with fellow online students.

You choose the hour of day (or night) to attend class. You choose the place - at home, at work - wherever you have access to a computer, modem and an Internet Service Provider (ISP).  The only thing, which you do not choose, is the due date of submission of assignments and the date of the final examination (in the case of online degree and diploma courses).
 
You'll get the same high-quality course content that you demand, and interaction but without the day-to-day obstacles that prevent so many of us from pursuing our learning.

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Facts about attending classes

• Each class has its own course manager to personally assist you.

• Class strength usually depends on the course (no restrictions at all).

• You can attend class any time of day from wherever you have access to Internet.

• You'll probably want to logon at least once a day to receive any new information that may have been posted on the notice board.

• Students are of all ages, and most are working professionals.

• You have direct, one-to-one communication with your instructor and fellow students.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take an online course?

Our online courses are open to anyone. Some degree and diploma courses sometimes have specific enrollment requirements (as required by our strategic partners), but those will be indicated in the course descriptions.

Where do classes take place?

Online courses take place wherever your computer is: at home or at work -- anywhere you can connect to the Internet. You never actually go to college.

When does my class meet?

There are basically no class timings. Your class meets on the day of the scheduled chat with the course guide who is taking that particular course. You can log onto your course whenever it is convenient for you, at any time, day or night, to retrieve and/or send course information. This way you receive constant feedback and interaction, but don't have to be online at a set time of day.

Do online courses have course guide?

Yes, just like a traditional course, your online course has a course guide. (But there are short time courses where you may not require a course guide). He or she develops the curriculum, conducts the class in the form of chat session, gives the assignments, answers questions, leads discussions, and assigns grades.

Will millions of other people be taking my course at the same time as me?

Enrollment in each online course depends on the course, but we ensure allowing for one-on-one attention from your course guide.

Since I'll miss the face-to-face contact of a classroom, Will I be able to communicate with the instructor or other students?

A lot of people mistakenly assume that they'll feel isolated in an online course. To their surprise, most find that online courses actually provide a high degree of personal contact. Not only will you and your course guide communicate directly, everyone in the class will be involved in many group and individual discussions as well as chat sessions. Far from being an impediment to communication, the online format facilitates and enhances it in ways that would be impossible in other situations.

What kind of computer or other hardware do I need?

Any PC with Internet compatibility will be just fine. Check out the specific hardware requirements here.

Will I need to buy and learn to use complicated software?

We provide all the software you'll need free of charge. It's designed especially for online learning and allows anyone with even basic computer skills to be up and running in no time.

How much time do I get to complete a course?

Most courses have a start date and an end date. In between, the schedule of assignments and due dates are determined by each instructor.

Do I need to buy a textbook?

Most courses don’t require a textbook since the entire study material is available to you online.  But for your own convenience you may purchase the books recommended by your course guide or CD’s containing the entire material for your course on the web from us.

Who will help me if I run into a technical problem?

In case you run into any kind of technical problem, our technical team is at your disposal. Email us at webmaster@openlearningworld.com

Is my online course part of a larger classroom course?

No, every online course operates independently. They are designed and conducted especially to take advantage of the online format.

Will I get a grade?

As with all courses, that varies by course.

Can I get a degree online?

Undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees are offered by our strategic partners, whose courses you will be taking. The physical degree will be sent by post from the university whose course you will be taking. We also offer certified programs and courses to earn professional development credits.

We assure you convenience in all forms

We assure the new students that they have a course manager ready to walk them through every step of a course. There's also expert technical support available 24 hours a day.

One of the best features of online learning is that you can attend class anytime you want, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That's because online courses are not bound by time. You can log onto the system any time, day or night, to retrieve and/or send course information.

You'll learn from the best experts from industry, faculty from reputed institutions and working professionals. You'll participate in class discussions. And you'll receive the same high quality instruction offered in a traditional classroom-style courses at your own home or at your work place as per your convenience.

Affordable ...

Online courses are competitively priced against similar regular full time or distance learning or executive development programs.

Exciting and a fun way to learn…

Continuing your learning by taking online courses is fun as well as rewarding. Online courses provide you with an exciting new way to learn that's interactive, engaging and stimulating. Start having fun while you learn - Enroll in an online course today!  

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