What is online learning?
At Butler Online, learning opportunities are presented through the Internet using a learning management system known as ANGEL Learning (ANGEL). These courses cover the same objectives and competencies as courses offered face-to-face on campus. Instead of having an instructor physically present, you will get notes, lectures and assignments from web pages (and video material in some cases), participate in discussions, communicate, research, and take quizzes, and turn in assignments using the specially designed tools in ANGEL. You will still have a live instructor, classmates, textbook materials, a syllabus, assignments, feedback and exams. We even keep class sizes similar to those in Butler's on-campus counterparts, about 18-25 per class.
Are Butler online courses open entry/open exit?
No, these online courses are subject to the school calendar. Although the course materials can be accessed at the student's convenience, there are deadlines and due dates for assignments and tests throughout the term. Each course has a definite start and stop date. Online students are expected to log on to their courses during the first week of classes and continue active participation throughout the semester.
Do Online Courses have class meetings?
There are two formats for Butler Online courses: Web courses and WebCentric courses. A Web course has no required on-campus visitsHowever, all instructors have the option to require proctored or on-site testing. A WebCentric course has required on-campus visits throughout the semester. These required meetings provide opportunities for labs, learning activities, and performance outcomes that are not feasible in an online environment. Check the schedule for specific information about on-site requirements for each course.
How do I take tests?
The individual instructors design the evaluation process for their courses. Some require tests to administered in a proctored environment while others post the exams online and do not require a proctored environment. Generally, if monitored testing is required, the instructor proctors the test at a scheduled time at a Butler site. Students living within 60 miles of a Butler site can arrange to take the exam at a nearby Butler site, if they are unable to take the test at the scheuled time. Butler of McConnell is not available for online testing. Students outside a 60-mile radius of a Butler site can make arrangements to take exams with a Butler-approved proctor. Exams may be administered in paper-based or Web-based formats. Courses with proctored exams are so designated in the course schedule. Beginning in late September, a testing center will become available at the Butler of Andover site.
What are some advantages of online learning?
• You get the same high-quality instruction and course content that you demand, but without the day-to-day obstacles like fixed class schedules and travel time to get to a class.
• You log on at the best time for you - even if you're an early riser, or night owl.
• Less worry about parking, gas, or day care hassles!
What should I consider before enrolling in a Butler Online course?
In an online course you and the instructor are connected through a computer network. You receive instruction, compose and submit assignments, ask questions, discuss issues and actively participate in the class anytime and anywhere you have access to the Internet.
It is recommended that first-time online students do NOT enroll in more than one online course.
The ability of accessing the course anywhere or anytime is not to suggest that there is not a structure and deadlines! Online courses, just as classroom-based instruction, require that you are fully aware of the instructor's expectations and requirements.
You need more self-discipline than required in most other learning format. Highly motivated, responsible and self-directed are key phrases that describe students who are successful in online learning. This short assessment will help you to understand whether your learning style is well-suited to online learning.
You need easy, consistent access to the Internet. If you are not already very comfortable with word processing and using the Internet, then wait to take an online course. Instructors are there to teach the course content; they cannot teach you the necessary "computer literacy" skills at the same time! Take our technical self-assessment to get a good perspective on your current technical readiness.
How do I enroll in online courses?
Enrollment can be accomplished at a distance by following the procedure outlined in the Enrollment Information page of the Butler Online site. Students can enroll via the Web by securing a "pipeline@butler" student account. Students may also enroll in online courses by going to any Butler County Community College learning center. These centers are located at El Dorado, Andover, McConnell Air Force Base, Rose Hill, Marion,, and Council Grove.
I have never been to college. Am I still eligible for the online/distance learning program?
Absolutely! If you have applied for admission to Butler and meet the requirements for admission, you are eligible to enroll in online course. See Admissions for more detail.
What is a CRN?
A CRN is a unique identifier for each section of a specific course offered at Butler. For instance, if you were to enroll in English 101, the course number is EG101. Each section of EG101 has its own unique identifier called a CRN. An online class may have a four or five-digit number such as 2468. To make sure that you are enrolling in the correct class (the specific time and place or online) make sure you have the correct CRN. The CRN's for all online courses are located in the first column of the course schedule.Â
What is the cost to take a Butler Online course?
Butler Online students pay the same tuition as on-campus students. An additional distance learning fee of $45 per online course is also assessed. Current tuition information is posted on the Admissions page.
May international students take online classes?
Yes, but federal regulations limit international students to enrollment in one three-hour online course per semester
Will ANGEL work with AOL or a Macintosh computer?
ANGEL works with both PCs and Apple Macintosh computers. However, it is important to have a compatible Internet browser with specific settings. We recommend Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Macintosh's Safari browser is not supported by ANGEL.
Is there an online orientation program to help me get started in online courses?
Yes. We highly recommend attendance for your first online class. We offer numerous on-site orientations .Â
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