DISTANCE EDUCATION POLICIES

DISTANCE EDUCATION

Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM) offers academic programs and courses, in three delivery formats: in-person, fully-online, and hybrid. The online and hybrid courses are asynchronous. For programs and courses that are only offered in a distance education format, all students must meet the requirements outlined in the “Distance Education/Online” section of this catalog

Distance Education/Online

IMM supports the educational needs of the busy adult learner, delivering some courses in an online format. Online classes are not intended as easy substitutes for learning on campus. Students will find that learning online can be as challenging and rewarding as attending on-campus but allows the flexibility of determining when learning is convenient. Although time is flexible, attendance and participation are expected and monitored.

The convenience of online courses allows students to work on assignments and participate in class discussions as their schedules permit within specified timeframes. Learning is achieved through both individual inquiry and collaboration. Each course encompasses a variety of different graded learning activities.

Students enrolled in online classes and programs are expected to be capable of using a computer to complete some or all their coursework and be familiar with accessing Internet resources. In addition, they must have access to a reliable computer and a high-speed Internet connection sufficient to complete their coursework. Students are also welcome to utilize IMM computer labs and/or the library to complete coursework.

Online courses utilize the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), a secure, web-based platform that employs multimedia technologies and is accessible 24 hours per day via Internet access.

To complete online courses using the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), students should refer to the following links to be sure they are using appropriate computer systems. Students also must have an Internet provider with reliable service.

• Computer Specifications https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2059

• Browser Requirements https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-1284

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

Online education affords students great flexibility in managing their time. However, academic success requires that students engage in learning activities regularly and participate in meaningful interactions with faculty and fellow students. Specific daily attendance is not required for online courses, as it would be on a campus. Students are required, however, to log into their class regularly and submit assignments in a timely manner, or they may risk being withdrawn for lack of attendance.

For each course, initial attendance is recorded when a student logs into his or her class and completes a learning activity. Students who only view the syllabus but make no other substantive participation for the rest of the course are not considered enrolled. Attendance in subsequent weeks is recorded by a student completing a learning activity. The act of logging in each week does not constitute attendance; the student must participate by either engaging in the discussion board or submitting a graded assignment to be considered present for that week.

Once a student has logged into his or her class and completed a learning activity or assignment, he or she is considered officially enrolled in the course and expected to complete the entire course.

Coursework is assigned weekly. Students are expected to complete assignments according to the course outline. (Refer to the “Make-Up Work” policy for submitting missed coursework.)

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Online students use the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) to view video content, receive and submit project work and assignments, take assessments, quizzes and tests, communicate with instructors and classmates, and review course progress and grades. In keeping with the modality of online learning much of the content will be delivered either with e-books or digital content. Successful online learning requires the student to be an active participant in all learning activities. Learning activities will vary by course but may include:

• discussion thread posts

• exams, quizzes and assessments

• case studies

• group interactive assignments

• other graded assignments

All learning activities associated with a course will be clearly outlined on the syllabus page within each Canvas course. Attendance is recorded when the student submits any learning activity. Deadlines are established differently based upon the length of each term. IMM offers online courses and programs in the fall 15-week, spring 15-week, and summer 12-week terms.

FACULTY/STUDENT INTERACTION & ACADEMIC ADVISING

Faculty/student interaction is critical for student success in an online environment. Online methods of interaction include online lectures, email, document sharing, and threaded discussions. Faculty members review and respond to student requests within a 48-hour time period. Ground students who have opted to take some of their courses online receive the same benefits as fully online students in regard to faculty interaction.

STUDENT SERVICES

Students enrolled in online courses, whether they are fully online or ground students taking select online courses, will be given support and services.

Fully online students will have student support access through the Student Services Department and the Academic Affairs Department. The school will provide support to students who may be high-risk, typically via telephone or email.