Skip to main content
Online Education

learning online

Frequently Asked Questions

(Click the question to reveal the answer)


How many hours a week should I reserve for an online course?

  • Typically, an online class at URI is expected to take the same amount of time as a face-to-face course, approximately 6-9 hours. Even though you will not have scheduled meeting times it is expected that your instructor will assign course materials and activities which can include readings, videos, podcasts, written assignments, participation in discussions, wikis, problem sets, case studies, group work, or other types of work designed to help you meet the learning objectives of the course.

How long will it take to complete an online course?

  • Online courses run on the same schedule as face-to-face courses at URI. Although you are able to manage your time during a week at your own pace, most instructors have specific deadlines weekly and throughout the semester. It is a good idea to read the entire syllabus and map out your assignment due dates on a calendar.

Can I complete the online course early?

  • In many classes this is not possible, for example, classes with required weekly discussions. However, you can often work ahead and complete readings and other assignments early. Remember that you can take your online class from anywhere at anytime. If you are traveling or working extended hours, you will still be able to login and participate.

What is Sakai?

  • Sakai is the learning management system at URI (other schools may have used Blackboard, or WebCT, for example). This program is where you will login to access your course documents, participate in message board discussions, and probably submit your assignments. If you'd like to see what a Sakai course looks like, check out our Sample Course page. If you are new to Sakai, you can download this helpful QuickStart Guide (PDF).

What are "blended" courses?

  • Blended courses are 25 - 75% online. In these courses you can expect to complete a portion of your work online, but also attend classes a portion of your time. In a blended course you are expected to be able to access the campus for the face-to-face part of the course.

Can I earn my entire degree online?

  • At this time, URI does not offer enough courses online to complete an entire degree. Online courses are a great way to take some courses from home, over the summer, or remain enrolled during a semester where you are living out of the state.

How much does it cost?

  • Currently there are no completely online programs available at URI. We offer individual online courses, and these follow the same tuition and fee schedule as our on-campus courses. The tuition and fee schedule for courses is available here: http://www.uri.edu/es/acadinfo/acadyear/tuition.html

What technology do I need to take an online course?

  • To take an online course, you will need regular access to a computer with a high speed Internet connection, (you can not use a dial-up connection) up-to-date web browser (visit https://sakai.uri.edu/portal/ for browser requirements for Sakai, and word processing software. Some courses may require additional programs of software, and this would be included in the syllabus on the first day of class. More information can be found at: http://www.uri.edu/online/tech_support.html

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Enrollment for Online Summer Courses starts on February 25, 2013, check out what's being offered and register today!

 

student profile

smiling female in blue blouse, standing in front of greenery

Anna Vaccaro '12

Communication Studies

Gender & Women's Studies

"Because of online courses, I was able to finish my degrees despite having limited childcare available to me as a single parent. As a student, I strongly benefited from the way the online format encourages active participation skills. Passivity is not an option in a classroom style that requires you to consistently, meaningfully contribute to the class in order to prove your presence and earn your grade."

student resources

Available Courses

Disability Accommodations

Technology Support

Exam Procedure (PDF)

Online Study Tips/Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Library & Research

Learning Home