Learning Online at the University of Central Florida

Today at the University of Central Florida, you can access rich learning materials through digital library resources and the World Wide Web. We call this Learning Online.

Soon, you will be able to get a degree and do most of your University business at your convenience, from home or work. UCF's online courses have the same accreditation and carry the same weight as traditional courses. Your transcripts will not reflect any differences for taking online courses, but you will gain valuable computer literacy skills that will be useful in other coursework and in your workplace.



What is Web-based Distributed Learning?
Distributed Learning delivers university-level education beyond the constraints of time and space. Based on interactive computer-based communications over global Internet, distributed learning brings the University of Central Florida to those who otherwise would not be able to attend classes on one of our central Florida campuses.

Utilizing technology as a teaching tool, the University of Central Florida offers several types of distance and distributed learning classes. The codes and descriptions for the web-based courses can be found below.

Code Description
W World Wide Web: Courses are delivered fully over the Internet. Students must have access to the Internet, a Web browser such as Netscape, basic Web browsing knowledge, ability to use e-mail, and basic computer skils such as word processing.
  
M Reduced Seat Time/Media-Enhanced: Courses require electronic media-based instruction that substitutes for some classroom time (reduced seat time). These courses have regular live meeting times. Students must have access to the Internet, a Web browser such as Netscape, basic Web browsing knowledge, ability to use e-mail, and basic somputer skills such as word processing.
  
E Enhanced With Media/Electronic Mail: Courses are enhanced with the WWW or other electronic media-based materials. These courses do not reduce seat time with electronic instruction.

Who can take a web-based class from UCF?
Anyone who has been admitted to the University and has met the individual prerequisites for that particular class can register for a web-based class.

How do I register for a Web-based class?
You will register for classes by calling a toll-free number and using a touch tone telephone. You may also register on the Internet at the Polaris web site:
https://polaris.ucf.edu

What are the requirements for taking a Web-based class?
To participate in Web-based courses, you must have access to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Every registered student is assigned a free account on UCF's Pegasus Server. This account provides them with Internet access, an e-mail account, and space for a personal home page on the World Wide Web. However, the number of dial-up lines available is limited, and therefore we recommend students obtain their own private ISP account. For more information on ISP:

http://www.yahoo.com/business_and_economy/companies/internet_services/

You will require a computer with a minimum of:

PC: Mac:
Pentium Processor 60 Megahertz 603 CPU
16 MB RAM 24 MB RAM
500 Megabyte Hard Drive 420 Megabyte Hard Drive
15" Monitor 15" Monitor
28.8 Kbps Modem 28.8 Kbps Modem
Windows 95 Macintosh OS 7.5 or later


Also, your computer should be equipped with a graphical Web Browser such as Netscape Communicator, and an e-mail client program capable of handling MIME file attachments. Online students should be prepared to save word processed files as plain (ASCII) text files, to use their copy & paste functions to post their work into e-mail messages, and to attach word processing files to e-mail messages (all the things covered in this CD!). For more information on the technical prerequisites is available, refer to the Pegasus Connection Disk jacket cover or to the Learning Online web page:
http://reach.ucf.edu/~coursdev/learning.

Some courses require examinations held on the UCF campus. If you cannot come to the UCF campus, you may arrange to have a locally proctored examination.

For more information about Learning Online at UCF and "M" and "W" courses currently offered, please refer to the Center for Distributed Learning's web site:
http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~distrib/