Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for a course?
If you are already admitted to a degree program at The University of Virginia, to register for these courses, please visit the Office of the Registrar. They are offered through the Curry School of Education, and the Department of Educational Leadership and Foundations, with Course Mnemonic and designator EDLF 589.
If you are not already admitted into a degree program at The University of Virginia, and wish to enroll as a non-degree student, download the form at the Professional Development (non-degree) Application link, then fill it out, and mail it in.
*Due to the online nature of some of these courses, space in each section is limited. Please register early to ensure enrollment.
Why might someone take a course Online?
Online learning offers students high-quality instruction even if they can't attend courses face-to-face due to their busy work, family, or travel schedules. Most Online courses take place without a physical classroom and without fixed class hours. Free of those limitations, students have the means to overcome geographic distance and can balance busy work and family schedules with their coursework. Online classes involve a lot of reading, writing, and practical application of what you are learning. Students and faculty report that the level of interaction and processing in an Online classroom is often deeper than what they experience in a face-to-face course.
There is no back of the room in an Online classroom. Students have time to process their thoughts and ideas before they share them with their instructor or classmates. Many social barriers are eliminated Online, and many students you might not hear from in class will become active participants in an Online course.
Are online courses more or less demanding than on-campus courses?
Online classes are just as demanding as face-to-face counterparts. However, it frequently takes more self-discipline to succeed in an online learning environment where there is no required physical attendance. You also need to be comfortable with certain computer skills such as using a computer, sending/receiving email, downloading software, and using the Internet. Just like in a traditional class, you will have to be on top of your studies. You still have to keep up with the required readings and/or other class reading materials; you still have to follow a syllabus, participate in class discussions and submit your assignments on time.
Do I need to be online at a specific time and day to participate in my class?
The schedule of participation will be determined at the start of each class. Some classes will use chat or phone conferencing, which requires participating at a specific time and day. In some cases these sessions are mandatory, and in others they are not. It is generally recommended that you log in four to five times a week for an online course, but that can be done at times that are convenient for you.
Do I just do everything by myself?
You are encouraged to interact with your fellow students in Online discussion areas and through email, ask them questions & challenge each other when necessary. Most of our Online instructors try and facilitate group learning so that you are able to get to know your peers. Many say that they get to know their professors and classmates better than they might have in a traditional classroom.
Do I need to buy any textbooks or other course materials?
Most assigned readings will be on the web, or in ToolKit.
How do I contact my instructor if I have a question?
Sara Dexter, Assistant Professor Department of Leadership, Foundations, and Policy, Curry School of Education, UVA. Office Hours: By appointment. Phone/ Voice mail: 434-924-7131 or email sld4h@virginia.edu
How do I submit my homework?
The methods used to submit homework assignments will vary from course to course. Some times you will be required to email assignments directly to a secure, online dropbox or to the professor's personal email address.
What would be a typical 'day in the life' for me as an online student?
As an online student, you would log in to your online course at a time during the day that is convenient for you. There might be an ongoing online discussion taking place that you want to reply to before the end of the day or a homework assignment you have just completed and want to post to the electronic drop-box for the professor to read. Since deadlines for assignments are set by the professor, you also might take this opportunity to check the course outline or schedule to find out what other course-related activities are coming up; there may be a scheduled chat session or phone conference in the next few days, or you may need to view a class lecture for the next assignment. Just as every classroom differs slightly, so does the virtual classroom experience. Different courses will use different types of course materials and internet technologies.