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Minnesota West Online

Online Learning: What Is It?


Online learning refers
to courses offered via the Internet.

The main difference between online and traditional courses is the delivery format, not the content.  Minnesota West focuses on developing Internet-based courses that parallel campus courses.

Internet courses are taught by real instructors who work with students throughout the duration of the class.  Instructors apply the same rigid standards for success in an Internet class as they do in their traditional classrooms.

Minnesota West is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association and is a member of Minnesota colleges and universities.

  • Online learning offers flexibility and convenience for learners.  You may access the class from a computer with an Internet connection 24 hours a day, seven days a week from home, work, or a Minnesota West campus computer lab.

  • There are weekly deadlines and assignments, but there are no live classes to attend.  Lectures, class assignments, tests, and discussions all take place online.

  • Most of our online courses start at the beginning of a semester and finish by the end of that semester. Except for taking the tests and turning in the assignments when they are due, your schedule is up to you. You must commit to certain time blocks to do your work.

  • Our instructors use Desire2Learn (D2L) Brightspace, which offers a uniform look to all online courses designed in it. Instructors may use additional software and websites, depending on the course.