What is Distance Learning?
Distance education takes place when teacher and student are separated by physical distance, and technology (i.e., voice, video, data, and print) is used to bridge the instructional gap. Distance education courses reach those disadvantaged by limited time, distance or physical disability. Research comparing distance education to traditional face-to-face instruction indicates that teaching and studying at a distance can be as effective as traditional instruction, when the method and technologies used are appropriate to the instructional tasks, there is student-to-student interaction, and when there is timely teacher-to-student feedback.
How do I enroll and how much does it cost?
If you are not a UH student you can enrol through the UH Outreach College Online Program. At present, UH Online students are charged fees for Hawaii residents. The current [Spring 2006] fee for resident tuition is $151 per credit plus enrollment fee (our distance learning courses have 2 credits). Please contact the Outreach College for actual fees for distance education students.
Will I get credits and can credits be transfered to other universities?
If the course is offered as a credit course then you will get UH credit which may or may not be transferable to other universities. Please check with your local university.
How does the course work? How can I sit tests and exams?
The course is a an online course, which means that you interact with the instructor and with fellow students using tools implemented in WebCT, which is the Learning Management System (LMS) that we use. Available is an internal email system, a discussion forum, and chat rooms. You will take all quizzes, tests, and exams online.
Do I need any special equipment?
Basically all you need is a computer (PC or Mac) with Internet access. It is avisable to have a fairly up-to-date operating system – computers that are less than four years old should have an operating system that can easily accommodate your needs. Mac Users are strongly advised to upgrade to OS 10. Almost any browser will work. If you have an old browser, you should upgrade to a more recent browser. We strongly recommend using Firefox, but you can use Netscape, Safari, Opera, even Internet Explorer (although we do not recommend it for security concerns, and also because it does not allow for tabbed browsing). Please make sure that your browser can handle flash movies. If it can't you will find out soon, and then it's time to get the newest FLASH PLAYER. You can use dial up, but broadband Internet access is recommended for faster access. You will need to familiarize yourself with WebCt for which plenty of resources are available. It is much easier than you may imagine. You don't need to have any technical knowledge. The interface is quite user friendly.
How can I interact with students from different time zones?
With the exception of the chat rooms, all communication is asynchronous, so it does not matter whether you live in Honolulu, Tokyo, Toronto, Amsterdam, or Rio de Janeiro. All communication will be in the Indonesian language (bahasa Indonesia). Only occasionally will English be used. The bahasa Indonesia instructor (Dr. Uli Kozok) also speaks German and Dutch.
What Course Materials do I need?
Almost everything is available online, including a dictionary. However, we strongly recommend purchasing a dictionary, especially the Comprehensive Indonesian Dictionary, or the Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia, which, unfortunately, is difficult to obtain outside of Indonesia. You also must have J.N. Sneddon's Indonesian Reference Grammar published by Allen & Unwin. In the US, this book is published under the name Comprehensive Indonesian Grammar by Routledge. For some courses, additional course materials may be available, including audio CDs and text books.
Is an Online Class for Me?
If you find it difficult to attend a traditionally scheduled course while simutaneously working and raising a family, online classes may be for you. One of the primary advantages of online classes is that you can attend class in the comfort and convenience of your own home or office. Online courses can fit into your schedule - you can take them before breakfast, during lunch, late at night, or at any other time you find convenient - the choice is yours! If you want to see how our online courses are organized, you are welcome to PREVIEW our courses.
But, online classes aren't for everybody. Although you will remain in contact with your instructor and classmates through the course discussion areas, learning over the Internet is essentially a solitary activity. You also will need to sharpen your time management skills so you can balance studying, work, and personal demands. If you crave face-to-face interaction or cannot take the responsibility to complete your lessons in a timely manner, you will probably fare better in a classroom environment.
