Online Education
In addition to its campus facilities, Chamberlain offers online learning through a contractual relationship with DeVry University Online. This online learning option is designed for the student who seeks a non-traditional learning setting, and integrates today’s high-tech, Internet-based capabilities with DeVry’s proven educational methodologies. This innovative “anytime, anywhere” educational delivery system extends the offering of Chamberlain’s programs to students who reside beyond the geographic reaches of Chamberlain locations or whose schedules preclude their attending classes on-site. The result is solid education enhanced by the latest in interactive information technology that enables students to send messages and receive feedback from instructors, as well as to participate in various group and team activities with fellow online students.
Instructors for online general education courses are drawn from DeVry’s faculty throughout North America. Instructors for online nursing courses are drawn from Chamberlain faculty both on-site as well as those on contract with Chamberlain from around the country. To ensure their effective delivery of course materials, as well as their ability to facilitate relevant and meaningful participation from all class members, faculty teaching online courses complete specialized instruction to prepare them to teach via this medium. As a result, online students are provided with a comprehensive learning experience that enables them to master course content.
Student academic performance for online courses is assessed via thorough evaluation of contributions to team/group activities, participation in chat and/or threaded discussions and performance on individual assignments, projects papers and case studies. By combining these activities with results from online quizzes and exams, instructors determine students’ mastery of course objectives.
In addition to offering high-quality education online, Chamberlain and DeVry are committed to providing online students with access to a full range of support services, including admission and registration information, academic advising and financial aid information.
Online courses generally are delivered on a session schedule, with two sessions offered each semester. Session courses deliver the academic equivalent of a semester’s work. Students typically enroll in one or two courses per session.
Chamberlain College of Nursing and DeVry Online staff members are available to assist students with administrative matters as well as with education-related issues. Students can complete all administrative details online, including purchasing textbooks.
Individuals enrolling in a online education program should be familiar with computer applications such as word processing, chat rooms and file attachments and must be comfortable with self-directed learning. Online education is not for everyone. A successful online learning student will have or develop the following attributes:
- Ability to embraced self-directed and self-motivated approach to learning.
- An ability to read carefully and follow written instructions.
- Self-discipline and ability to avoid procrastination.
- A sincere desire to learn and participate in all class activities (skills lab, chat room).
- Effective study skills and habits.
- Ability to plan and sequence learning activities with minimal face-to-face instruction.
- Willingness to initiate calls to instructors for assistance.
- Enjoyment in working independently and pacing their own learning.
- Can effectively communicate via Web board and e-mail.
- Ability to troubleshoot computer problems with minimal assistance.
- Basic computer skills including how to use e-mail and navigate the World Wide Web.
In addition to these characteristics, successful online students must possess a certain comfort level with computer technology.
Minimum computer requirements:
- Pentium 4 Processor or equivalent AMD with 512MB of RAM (1 GB recommended) 20GB Hard Disk space available after Operating System install.
- One of the following: Ethernet connection and cable or DSL modem, Wireless or satellite Internet, or 56K modem for Internet connection. (See recommendations on Internet connections.)
- CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive - Note that some software may require a DVD drive for installation.
- Sound capabilities with speakers and/or headset and a microphone.
- A Webcam may be required in some courses. Check with your academic advisor.