Frequently Asked Questions

     How are the online courses designed?

    The online courses are designed to be all about choices. There are no class meetings when all course participants are expected to log on at the same time. Each course is accessible 24/7 during the semester (with the possible occasional exception of time needed to complete upgrades or maintenance). You can, therefore, log on whenever it is convenient for you, giving you significant personal choice and control over when and where your learning takes place. The most important ingredient in an online course is your participation. Our online courses have been designed to provide a high level of interaction between you, your instructors, and fellow classmates.  An ongoing interaction between faculty and students is required. Weekly assignments, weekly feedback from course instructors and opportunities to participate in threaded discussions are built into the program. Once you have begun your course, prepare to log on frequently. Your instructor may recommend a minimum number of times per week. You are expected to dedicate 9 – 12 hours per week for each graduate course.

     How do I access my online course(s)?

    You must have access to the Internet.  You may use either Internet Explorer or Netscape to access the courses.  All courses are password protected.  Passwords are distributed after you register for a course. 

     I have never taken an online course before, what do I do?

    UMDNJ – SHRP uses a Course Management System technology to deliver its courses online. All first time students are required to complete a 2 – 3 hour online orientation to the Courses Management System before the start of their first online course. The orientation is designed to introduce the first-time-online-learner to the online environment and provides practice in using some of online system’s most commonly used features.  Each online course provides additional information about the course management system. Most students find navigating through a UMDNJ – SHRP online course fairly easy after completing the orientation. For more information, please visit the “UMDNJ Distance Learning Gateway, and the “SHRP Online Courses” site.

     What kind of technology must I have to take an online course?

   You should possess good basic computer skills, including those needed for successful Internet browsing and searching, e-mailing and word processing.  You must also have remote (off campus) access to Internet services, to include at least Internet browsing capability and e-mail. There is specific information regarding minimum hardware and software requirements.  The Certificate Program requires each student to use Microsoft Word© and Microsoft Powerpoint©.