The Online Program at Paine College is intended to be flexible enough to accommodate synchronous, asynchronous, and blended online courses. The online program seeks to address features that faculty consider necessary to offer a quality online learning experience for students. These features include, among others, primary instruction and academic support by content experts, creating an environment that provides a “personal touch,” student engagement in the learning process, and integrity of student assessment.



Courses Offered Online


Courses are subject to change. For more information and to fill out registration sheet, go to McGinnis 3, or call (706) 396-8107.



Who can take online classes?


Currently, Paine College offers online instruction for two different groups:
  • Non-degree special admission students: These are students not enrolled at Paine College in any degree program. The only requirement for non-degree admission is a college transcript or a transient letter. To start enrolling, non-degree students need to fill out and submit the online admission application.
  • Stay-Connected Program students: These are students who currently attend Paine College but because of special circumstances are unable to attend regular face-to-face classes. To be part of the Stay-Connected Program, students do not need to submit an admission application. A student can take up to eight (8) credit hours during an eight (8) week period. Any enrollment that results in a student taking over seventeen (17) credit hours in a fifteen (15) week period must have approval from the Vice President of Academic Affairs upon recommendation from the students advisor.


Student-Centered Instruction


Instructors will post their syllabi consisting of the learning objectives, course requirements, weekly reading schedule, and quizzes and assignments during the week before the course starts. Each week faculty will post weekly reminders of assignments due that week. For all assignments submitted, instructors will provide acknowledgement of receipt within 24 hours and feedback within seven days of submission. Our goal is to use the capabilities of the electronic media to enhance communication between students and instructors and to make high quality learning possible in a meaningful way.

Instructors are expected to interact with students, responding to their posts, asking probing questions to promote critical thinking, and letting students know that instructors are reading what the students write. Instructors are expected to respond to students’ primary posts weekly.



Assessment


At least 30% of the student grade is determined by a proctored test taken on campus or at an approved testing site. The student needs to have a picture ID and complete the test as directed. To schedule the proctored test and to request approval for an off-campus site, identify an approved testing site in a location accessible to you. Complete the Proctored Final Assessment Needs form and return it to the Coordinator of Online Instruction within the first week of class. A response approving the site will be forwarded within two weeks of receiving the form. 



Minimum Computer Configuration


To be successful in an online course at Paine College students should have consistent access to a computer with the following specification:

Operating System: Windows 98 or higher, Mac OS 10 or higher
RAM: 64 MB (128 MB recommended)
Free Disk Space: 5 MB (10 MB recommended)
CPU: PC: 266 MHz+ (500MHz+ recommended)
Mac: PowerMacintosh or higher
Browser: PC: Internet Explorer 6.0+, Netscape Navigator 7.1+, Mozilla 1.4+
Mac: Netscape Navigator 7.1+, Mozilla 1.4+
Browser Settings: JavaScript enabled Cookies enabled Please note: You will need to allow pop-ups for course-related websites. Besides your browser, certain add-ons may block content from appearing, such as Google, MSN, or Yahoo toolbars.
Plugins: Adobe Acrobat Reader Macromedia Flash 7.0+ Macromedia Shockwave
Software: Microsoft Office Suites
Connection: 56K modem DSL or cable recommended for graphic intensive courses
Other Hardware: Sound card and speakers

* Courses may have other specialized software requirements. Check syllabi for details.



For more information about courses offered online, contact:

Dr. Jonaid Sharif
Coordinator of Online Instruction
Paine College
1235 Fifteenth Street
Augusta, GA 30901
sharifj@mail.paine.edu
(706) 396-8107 (office)
(706) 861-9942 (fax)