Online Live Courses
What is an Online Live Course?
Online Live courses are real-time, synchronous classes held via Zoom at fixed times each week, offering the convenience of learning from home. They closely mimic traditional in-person courses, with the added flexibility of attending weekly interactive classes remotely.
When will Online Live classes be available?
Online Live courses are offered each term. Courses are offered from all colleges. Online Live courses may be offered as semester or block classes.
Follow these steps to find out which courses are available for registration:
- Go to the Course Schedule Search and select a term
2. Under the Browse Classes option, click Advanced Search
3. Scroll down and select Online Live under Schedule Type.
4. Click the Search button at the bottom of the page. If the button is not visible, adjust your browser's zoom settings.
Is attendance to weekly meetings mandatory?
What time zone will Online Live courses be held in?
The Advantages of Online Live Courses
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Engaging Learning Experience: Online Live courses provide real-time interaction, allowing students to ask questions and participate in discussions that enhance their understanding of the material.
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Convenience: This format combines the interactivity of traditional instructor-led classes with the flexibility of learning from home, making education accessible to everyone.
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Community Building: Online Live courses foster strong connections between peers and instructors, creating a supportive environment that encourages collaboration.
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Ideal for Social Learners: This modality is particularly beneficial for students who value interaction and relationship-building in their educational journey.
Why is the Online Live modality being introduced?
- Students who may find asynchronous online learning challenging or intimidating will benefit from being able to ask questions and collaborate with others in a synchronous setting.
- This modality is ideal for students who prefer the interactivity of an instructor-led class, but also prefer the convenience of taking a class from home.
- This modality is perfect for a social learner that wants to establish stronger peer-to-peer and student/teacher relationships.
How much bandwidth is required to use Zoom?
Zoom requires a minimum bandwidth of 5 Mbps (megabits per second), but for the best experience, we recommend using a high-speed broadband connection. Ideally, connect your computer directly to your modem or router via an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection. If this isn’t possible, make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal.
To improve your Wi-Fi connection, follow these tips:
- Position your computer as close to the Wi-Fi router as possible:
Wi-Fi signals weaken over distance, and physical barriers (like walls and floors) can further reduce signal strength. Being closer to the router minimizes interference. - Ensure the router is not obstructed by walls or located far from your device:
Physical obstructions like walls, furniture, or even appliances can block or weaken Wi-Fi signals. Keeping the router in an open, elevated space helps ensure better signal distribution. - Minimize the use of other devices that share the same network:
Streaming services, gaming consoles, and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices can consume significant bandwidth. Temporarily disabling or reducing their use can free up bandwidth, leading to better performance for tasks like video conferencing.
For more details, review WilmU’s computer and Internet browser requirements.
Additional tips to have a good Online Live session:
- Ensure you have a strong internet connection for a smooth experience.
- Choose a quiet space and mute your microphone when you're not speaking to minimize background noise.
- Use a computer instead of a phone if you need to share your screen or monitor during the session.
- Be sure to join the session on time, as scheduled.