What is involved in being an online learner?

We recommend you begin with a test to determine if online learning is a good match for you.  Go to the University College site and complete the following questionnaires:

What do you mean by asynchronous distance education?

This means that you are going to be learning from your home or office  online via the Internet or by using videotaped instruction.  Class discussions will be accomplished by using an electronic bulletin board.  Asynchronous is the opposite of synchronous -- that is, in asynchronous, the instructor and the student are not working together at the same time of day or week.

What is a bulletin Board?

A bulletin board is an e-mail-based message center.  When you send a message to the bulletin board, it is sent to all of your classmates or a smaller workgroup.  Bulletin boards allow for work to be accomplished in small groups or teams, and they allow each user to set her or his own best time to participate.

What type of computer skills do I need for distance education courses?

Familiarity with e-mail including attachments, the Internet, and word-processing are important basic skills to have.  Basic keyboarding skills are important.  Support for computer and telecommunication questions may be directed to the HELP Desk at 1-800-696-HELP.

What type of computer do I need to participate?

If you have a PC, it should have a Pentium II or better processor with a minimum of 33.6 Kbps connectivity.  It is also necessary to have a Java compliant web browser, either Internet Explorer 4.0+ or Netscape 4.05+.  Windows 98 and above are ok.  For Macintosh users, you should have at system 8.0 ore later.  For more details contact University College Technical Support at 1-800-696-HELP or see their webpage.

What are the costs for distance education courses?

UMA's Tuition and fees are described on the UMA Website at Money Matters and apply to all UMA courses with one exception.  The exception to these fees applies to out of state students taking Library Information courses with an LIB prefix, e.g., LIB 101.  Out-of-state students registering for UMA LIB courses enjoy Maine instate tuition rates.  This is a Board of Trustee exception and applies only to UMA courses with the LIB prefix.