Dr. Melanie Clay, Executive Director and Dean, USG eCore
http://www.westga.edu/exlearn/
678-839-6248
The Office of Extended Learning has responsibility for the administration of the Distance and Distributed Education (UWG Online), Continuing Education, and USG eCampus.
UWG Online/Distance Education
The University offers credit classes and degree programs to students at times and locations outside of the traditional classroom. The University of West Georgia was one of the first institutions in the University System of Georgia to offer partially, fully, or entirely at a distance credit course, courses which utilize the Internet to deliver course materials and assignments, and to facilitate discussion and other appropriate interactions. Distance Learning credit offerings are currently delivered partially, fully, or entirely at a distance through two-way live videoconferencing or through a combination of these technologies. They are primarily delivered online through CourseDen (http://westga.view.usg.edu). Online degree offerings, services and information for online students, and additional details are available at UWG Online (http://uwgonline.westga.edu).
By providing support for fully online and partially online courses and programs, UWG Online makes higher education a possibility for those who face obstacles to taking undergraduate or graduate courses in a traditional face-to-face classroom setting. UWG seeks to extend the ability to earn credit toward a degree or certification program to those whose life circumstances, such as work, family, or distance, make attending face-to-face traditional classes impractical. Through distance learning (online learning), students can attend class whenever and wherever is convenient to them, with just the use of a computer and an internet connection. UWG was one of the first public schools in the state to offer online classes in 1997. Today, our diverse student population is spread across the country and internationally.
Our online courses are web-based and allow students to interact with the instructor and other students through discussion boards, email, and other various online tools. Course notes, assignments, projects, and grades are delivered using an online course management tool referred to as CourseDen (Brightspace powered by Desire2Learn). Some courses incorporate live sessions through two-way live videoconferencing technologies or other synchronous technologies.
Many of our online courses are fully online and do not require students to travel to our campus or other instructional sites. However, some courses may be only partially online and may require you to travel to the main campus or other sites for an orientation, exams, or meetings. Be sure to check the ‘instructional method’ listed beside each course section in Banweb (the public course bulletin). Some instructors may require students to take proctored exams which can be taken at any approved testing center worldwide. Additional proctored testing site fees may apply, and tuition rates may be different. Review the special instructions noted in the online course bulletin, and review your bill carefully.
Online learning generally provides considerable freedom, allowing students to often choose when and where they’ll participate in class activities. Nevertheless, online courses at UWG are not typically independent study or self-paced courses where students work by themselves or at their own pace. Each course has a syllabus and schedule to follow. Instructors specify the content to be covered in the course, dates for exams and quizzes, individual and group assignments, and other activities that students must complete by a particular date. Students who do not log in and participate by the initial participation deadline may be dropped for non-participation.
Online core courses - UWG offers options to meet all core course requirements completely online. Some of these online core courses are designed and taught exclusively by instructors at UWG while others may be part of a statewide initiative referred to as eCore (electronic core). eCore courses may include students from other University System of Georgia schools and may be taught by non-UWG instructors. Start dates, end dates, policies, and procedures may be different for eCore than for other UWG courses. See http://ecore.westga.edu or contact 678-839-5300.
Upper-division undergraduate courses - Some upper-division courses may be offered fully at a distance or 94-99% online, requiring one face to face meeting, while some are offered partially at a distance or 51-94% online. Others may be listed as Entirely at a Distance or 100% online. Always be sure to check the special instructions noted on the public course bulletin site: http://banweb.westga.edu
Online undergraduate degree program - Though many upper-level undergraduate courses are offered partially, fully, or entirely at a distance, UWG offers several hybrid programs, including a Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing and a Bachelors of Business Administration in Real Estate. Five undergraduate programs are available completely online - the Bachelor of Science in Criminology, the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (eMajor), the Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN), and the Bachelor of Science in Sociology. In order to create the most convenient schedule possible, select undergraduate online programs are also taught on campus and allow students to enroll in both online and face-to-face courses. See https://uwgonline.westga.edu/academic_programs.php.
Other online offerings - UWG offers many other online degree programs and courses at the graduate and certificate levels. Online degree offerings, services and information for online students, and additional details are available at UWG Online (http://uwgonline.westga.edu).
A primary function of UWG Online/Distance and Distributed Education Center is to provide support services and training for faculty members and students participating in these courses. The Center also provides opportunities for collaboration and research for those who manage and administer Distance and Distributed Education programs throughout the nation through its online academic journal, its online non-credit certificate program, and its annual conference. For more information about Distance or Distributed Education (UWG Online), please visit the Honors House, telephone 678-839-6248, or visit http://uwgonline.westga.edu
For a complete description of student services, see the UWG Online Student Guide at: http://uwgonline.westga.edu/online-student-guide.php.
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