How do Distance Learning Courses work?
Digital environment, academic activities, workload, exams, and calendar: find out how Université Laval distance learning courses work.
Course Website
All of Université Laval distance learning courses are taken online and have their own website, accessible from myPortail. Unless otherwise specified by the person in charge of the course, you will find on the course website the course plan, all required pedagogical activities and resources, as well as the tools necessary to communicate with your instructor and fellow students, and to manage work teams. If need be, you may also access online classes from this website.
Course websites are shared no later than on the first day of the semester.
Workload
The number of credits associated with a specific course allows you to estimate the necessary workload to meet the set goals.
- One credit represents around 45 hours of work per semester.
- A university course is usually worth 3 credits, or 135 hours of work.
In regards to online courses, most of your time will be allotted to readings, viewings, and academic works. For some courses, it may also refer to time spent in a virtual classroom.
Pedagogical activities
Pedagogical activities vary according to the type of distance learning course, specifically synchronous or asynchronous. Whether your course is synchronous or asynchronous, your teacher will provide you with supervision for the duration of the semester.
Synchronous courses
Synchronous courses are taken in a virtual classroom.
- You interact live with your teacher and fellow students.
- Exchanges and discussions may take place in small or large groups.
- Various pedagogical activities such as problem-solving approaches, case studies, debates, guest lecturers, oral presentations, brainstorming, or question rallies can be implemented.
Date and time of synchronous meetings are usually announced upon scheduling of the course. They are indicated on the course website and in the course plan.
Asynchronous courses
Asynchronous courses rely on pedagogical activities that can be undertaken at a time of your choice, during the week.
- You interact with your teacher and fellow students through the discussion forum.
- Pedagogical activities may include readings, the viewing of expert videos or narrated segments, the creation of conceptual maps, participating in a scientific poster context, development of a blog, wiki, portfolio or logbook, etc.
Evaluations and exams
From take-home exams to supervised exams, evaluation methods vary: individual or team work, online testing, home open-book exam, closed-book exam, case study or scientific poster-type summary. Evaluation and exam dates are announced at the beginning of a semester and included in the course plan. You must follow the specified guidelines and comply with set dates.
Supervised exams
Supervised exams are taken in-person, requiring your presence on site. They may take place on the Quebec campus, in one of our exam centres or, under specific conditions, in front of a proctor. Supervised exams are scheduled on weeknights or on weekends. Dates are announced at the beginning of the semester.
University calendar
The university calendar is the same for all credit courses and all students, no matter the teaching modality selected. I addition to semester start and end dates, the university calendar contains all significant dates to help you manage your studies: time of course registration or for modifying your choice, deadline for withdrawing from a course or for payment of tuition fees, etc.
Semester duration
The Fall and Winter semesters usually spread over 15 compared to only 11 weeks for the Summer semester.
- Fall semester: from September to December
- Winter semester: from January to April
- Summer semester: from May to mid-July