E-Learning and Distance Education

Online classes are taught through a Learning Management System called MyBelmont. Your instructor will post grades, provide feedback, and post course related materials here. Use this site to complete assignments, post to discussion boards, review course materials, and complete all course requirements. Access at MyBelmont.

Online instructors only communicate with students through Belmont College e-mail. It’s important to check your Belmont student e-mail often. Contact the Information Systems Department for help setting up your e-mail. Access your e-mail by clicking the mail icon at the top right-hand corner of any Belmont College page.

Belmont provides access to VMWare (virtual machines). Installing VMare on your personal computer gives you access to the computer software to successfully complete course assignments, including MSOffice (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, etc.) and any specialized software needed for courses such as AutoCad, PhotoShop, and other curriculum-specific resources.

Our online courses provide flexibility while delivering the same learning outcomes as a traditional course. Each online course follows a schedule and syllabus with quizzes/tests, assignments, required readings, chat sessions, and discussion board postings usually due by certain dates. Online classes are not ‘self-paced.’ Instead of attending lecture sessions in a classroom, online students access course content through PowerPoint presentations, podcasts, video demonstrations, assignments, websites, live chat sessions, etc. The instructor maintains contact with students through online office hours, chat sessions, email, or telephone.

• When taking online classes, we recommend your computer meet some minimum requirements:
  • Microsoft Windows 7 Operating System
  • 4GB RAM system memory
  • A high-speed or broadband internet connection
  • 3Mb/sec download, 1Mb/sec upload

When taking online classes, we recommend your computer meet some minimum requirements:

• Microsoft Windows 7 Operating System
• 4GB RAM system memory
• A high-speed or broadband internet connection
• 3Mb/sec download, 1Mb/sec upload

Online students often report issues with managing their time and staying on track. You’re expected to study assigned material, be prepared to participate in online discussions, and complete assignments according to the course schedule.

• Don’t procrastinate
• Break larger, semester-long projects into smaller, more manageable weekly tasks
• Use a calendar to note assignment due dates
• Create to-do lists
• Set aside time each week to work on assignments

Online courses aren’t easy. And they’re not the right learning environment for everyone. If you have the right qualities and learning style to complete an online course, you’ll most likely find it a worthwhile and convenient option. SmarterMeasure is an online assessment tool to identify your strengths and weaknesses regarding an online class. Contact the E-Learning Coordinator to access SmarterMeasure.

Does your computer meet the recommended minimum specifications?

• Many learning activities in online courses are asynchronous; students participate and complete their assignments at different times throughout the week, allowing greater flexibility and freedom. But many students procrastinate without the traditional structure. It’s your responsibility to keep up with the coursework.
• Devote the same amount of time to online courses as any traditional course. Completing coursework can take five to fifteen hours or more per week. Taking an online course may require being online almost every day of the week to check for new postings and communications.
• Word processing and internet browsing skills are crucial, as are virtually unlimited access to a computer with internet access and the ability to use the computer and technology.
• Students taking online courses often face problems simply out of their control, such as computer viruses, power outages, and servers down. Anticipate problems and have a back-up plan, and regularly back-up and save course files.

For more resources related to online learning, visit our online Libguide.

Belmont College strives to resolve student grievances, complaints, and concerns in an expeditious, fair, and amicable manner. Students residing outside Ohio while attending Belmont College who want to resolve a grievance should follow the College’s Student Grievance Policy and Procedure located in the current term’s Course Catalog and Student Handbook. If an issue cannot be resolved internally, you may file a complaint with your state. Belmont College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.