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Distance Learning via the Internet

What is Online Learning?

In SUNY, online learning consists of those courses taught through the Web. Oswego participates in the statewide SUNY Learning Network (SLN), which is asynchronous. That means you can participate from anywhere you have access to the Internet, and you can participate at ANY time that is convenient for you.

Yet students still participate together in the course as part of a learning community. Asynchronous learning gives you the flexibility to earn college credit where and when it fits your schedule. Bear in mind that faculty will often provide guidelines for how often you should log in to the course, and they may specify how they will evaluate your participation. The time of day or night that you choose to participate is up to you. However, SLN courses are not self-paced; there is a syllabus and schedule as in any on campus course.

Why Online Learning?

SUNY Oswego has joined the leaders in offering interactive distance learning courses based on flexible and affordable technology. Our courses have the same objectives, the same rigorous workload, and the same tuition rate and academic credit as our classroom-based courses. The objectives of the course and the needs of the learners help determine the teaching strategies used in online courses.

Faculty and students alike find the level of interaction often exceeds that in regular courses. Online courses provide an opportunity to learn along with others from around the globe. These courses allow working students or those with lengthy commutes to work on their degree more easily. Online students are most successful when they are disciplined enough to schedule the time they need to do the work without routine course meetings. Students must be motivated to interact with the course material, the faculty, and the other students.

What are the Differences of Online Learning?

  • An online course is typically a three-credit course.
  • An online program, on the other hand, encompasses numerous courses.

How do I register for an online course?

Registration is twofold.

  1. Register as for any course with Oswego using the paper registration or register online if you have taken a course at Oswego already.
  2. Through SLN, you secure a password and then enter the online classroom. You can do that without registering for the course. However, if you have not registered and paid through SUNY Oswego, you will be blocked from the course after three weeks, and more importantly, you will not get credit for the course. So by all means, register and pay your tuition!

To contact the Oswego registrar, call 315.312.2136 or email: registra@oswego.edu. Remember to include your name, Social Security number, and the course name and CRN number. Also include your phone number and e-mail address so the registrar can respond to you. To check on your payment status, contact Oswego's Student Accounts Office at 315.312.2225

How do I access these online courses?

Registration for online courses is a two-step process:

  1. Register for your course with SUNY Oswego.
  2. One week before classes begin, proceed to the SLN website (sln.suny.edu) in order to access your course.

ALL STUDENTS:
Confirm the specific course section you’ve registered for by logging on to myoswego.oswego.edu, select “Registration,” then select “Student Detail Schedule” and the appropriate semester. Make sure that you note the section number for your course (SL1, SL2, etc.).

NEW STUDENTS:
Click on STUDENTS on the sln.suny.edu website. Now click CREATE SLN ACCOUNT and choose SLN as your course type, OSWEGO as your college, and then select your course. Make sure that you select the correct section number (SL1, SL2, etc) as listed in myoswego. Wait 24 hours, then log in. You will now be able to access your course.

RETURNING STUDENTS:
Click on STUDENTS on the sln.suny.edu website and log in. Click on SELECT/CHANGE COURSE from the navigation links on the left of your screen. Under step 1, select OSWEGO as your college, and then under step 2 select your course(s). Make sure that you select the correct section number (SL1, SL2, etc) as listed in myoswego. Wait 24 hours, then log in. You will now be able to access your course.

What do I need to take an online course?

You will need frequent access to a computer that has a minimum of a Pentium II processor, 64 MB RAM, and a 56K baud modem. Macintosh users must have System 7 or higher. You also need an Internet connection and a Web browser such as Netscape Navigator 6.2 or higher or Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher. The computer you use will need word processing software; other requirements are specific to each course. Find out about the student orientation they offer to help you get acquainted with the software used, and the services they offer by visiting the SLN website.

How do I get books and other materials?

Our College Store carries the texts and other supplies required by the professor. If you cannot come to the store, they will ship the materials to you for a small fee.

For more information, contact dbuske1@oswego.edu or visit the online SUNY Oswego campus store.

Interested in Oswego's online courses?

Courses available through SUNY Oswego can be found through Continuing Education's Web site.

Need more info? Visit our list of Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ], call us at 315.312.2270, e-mail us at ced@oswego.edu, or by snail mail:
Division of Continuing Education
100 Sheldon Hall
Oswego, NY 13126

 Last Updated: 1/13/08