FAQs
Online Courses: Frequently Asked Questions
- Why would I choose to take an online course?
- How do I know if an online course is right for me?
- Who is teaching the online courses?
- How long do online classes run?
- Who may take online courses?
- How does the course workload compare to traditional classes?
- How much time should I spend with my online coursework each week?
- Will my professor be available for questions or “online office hours”?
- What technology must I have to access online courses?
- How do I login to Blackboard Vista?
- What happens if I have trouble using Blackboard Vista Technology?
- How do I turn in my assignments?
- How is my participation assessed?
- How much will an online course cost?
- How do I register?
Why would I choose to take an online course?
If summer takes you outside the Boston area, you can still take a class at Emmanuel-your own school, with a familiar professor-without having to be on campus.
You won't have to schedule work or social activities around a class meeting time. With Blackboard Vista®, the Learning Management System used to deliver online courses, you can complete each week's work at your own pace.
Back to TopHow do I know if an online course is right for me?
Online classes are not for everyone. However, if you are motivated to work on your own towards deadlines without the structure of weekly class meetings, and if you are competent with basic and intermediate computer skills, the online format will expand and enhance your academic experience.
Back to TopWho is teaching the online courses?
Full and part-time Emmanuel faculty members will teach all online courses. You will be able to see who is teaching each course before you register.
Back to TopHow long do online classes run?
Summer online courses at Emmanuel are seven weeks in length. There will be two seven-week sessions, Summer 1 and Summer 2.
Back to TopWho may take online courses?
Summer courses are open to both Arts & Sciences, Graduate Studies undergraduate students, Colleges of the Fenway students and other non-matriculating undergraduate students. As with all academic courses, interested students should speak with their academic advisors regarding their degree requirements.
Back to TopHow does the course workload compare to traditional classes?
The workload is equivalent to a traditional class. You will have readings and assignments just like a face-to-face class. Professors will facilitate class dialogue on Blackboard Vista® discussion boards and blogs,, where you will post your comments and read and respond to those of your classmates.
Back to TopHow much time should I spend with my online coursework each week?
Consider the amount of time you would normally spend in the classroom for a summer course, plus time to complete assignments. You will have assignments that require you to communicate with other students just as you would in the classroom. You will be expected to login to Blackboard Vista® daily to keep up with the discussions. You will have due dates for assignments, quizzes and assessments. Certain quizzes may be timed. Individual professors will make the expectations very clear at the beginning of the course.
Back to TopWill my professor be available for questions or “online office hours”?
Yes. Professors teaching in the online environment recognize their students' need to feel a part of a learning community and to be in touch with their professor.
Each individual professor will establish a schedule for responding to questions and consulting personally with students. The schedule will be included in the course syllabus and the introduction that welcomes you to your online course.
Back to TopWhat technology must I have to access online courses?
Go to Technical Specifications to find out what you will need.
Back to TopHow do I login to Blackboard Vista?
On the College homepage, click on Online Academic Resources
Click on "Login to Blackboard Vista (WebCT)" and enter your Online Academic Resources login username and password.
On the "My Emmanuel College" page, click on the course in the Course List to open the course homepage. You can navigate within the course by using the "Course Tools" or the icons on the homepage.
In the Course List you will also find the tutorial "Taking an Online Course in Blackboard Vista". This tutorial will guide you through the different features of Blackboard Vista.
Back to TopWhat happens if I have trouble using Blackboard Vista Technology?
A technology support system has been put in place for you. Contact information will be provided when you register.
Back to TopHow do I turn in my assignments?
Blackboard Vista® has an easy-to-use drop-box into which you may submit written assignments. Some assignments will involve posting a comment, example, or image within Blackboard Vista® for group discussion. Your professor will make it clear how to submit each assignment.
Back to TopHow is my participation assessed?
The frequency and quality of your participation in discussions is assessed. Your instructor for each course will explain the grading criteria. Discussions are an important way to demonstrate that you are continually engaged in the course. Participation in discussions will be one element of your overall grade, which will also reflect your performance on assignments, quizzes and/or other interactive learning activities.
Back to TopHow much will an online course cost?
The tuition for a Summer Term course is $332.50 per credit ($1,330 per 4-credit course).
Back to TopHow do I register?
Registration is available online through the Registrar's Office
For instructions for online registration, please click here.