Taking Classes
How do the classes work?
Each course is divided into weekly modules. Each week you will complete an online instruction unit, reading assignment, participate in the forum discussion, and either write a paper or work on an individual or group project. You must complete all assignments during the assigned week, before the class moves on to the next module.
How does the asynchronous forum work?
Each week, your class will include a series of discussion questions in an online forum. Unlike a scheduled online chat, the asynchronous design of JIU courses allows you to post your thoughts at a time convenient for you. You must participate during the week and comment on responses from your classmates. Your faculty member will guide the class discussion.
Do I have to log in at certain times or a specific number of times each week?
No, you may log in any time you like, and as many or as few times each week as you find necessary to complete your assignments within the time allotted for the module.
Does JIU use learning teams in each class?
Specific learning teams are not assigned in JIU degree programs. While you will complete some assignments as group projects, those groups will change with each class. This provides you with the opportunity to work with an international group of classmates, each bringing their unique backgrounds to your educational experience.
Can I just take one class?
Yes, you’re welcome to take a single course or series of courses via an Individual Course Program enrollment. As JIU is a regionally accredited institution, the courses you take here are easily transferred to other accredited universities and the courses credits you earn may be applied toward a degree program at any time.
How much time will I spend each week on my class?
Each course requires a manageable workload for students and faculty so that students have enough time to demonstrate competencies, and faculty members have enough time to assess students’ competencies. Successful students report that they spend the range of hours studying per week listed below. (Note: JIU employs a competency-based learning model, so the time that it takes to demonstrate competency will vary from one student to the next.)
- 100- 200 Courses: 6-9 Hours Per Week
- 300-400 Courses: 9-12 Hours Per Week
- 500-600 Courses: 12-15 Hours Per Week
- 700-800 Courses: 16-19 Hours Per Week
- Doctoral Mentoring Courses: 6-9 Hours Per Week
These numbers includes all the time for each module, including completing course reading assignments, doing research, and working on that week’s project.
