The previous section gave
you an introduction to online learning in general. In
this section we will tell you a little more about STEP
courses, followed by the third section which introduces
you to Concourse (the software used to deliver the course)
and allows you to preview a demonstration course.
Our courses are four to
seven weeks long, with time for orientation and and then
units of course material. Course material is selected
and prepared by the University of Notre Dame professor
exclusively for our program. While this quality content
is an essential component, participation in a course is
not simply a transmission of content. In the spirit of
Vatican II, we encourage "full, active, conscious"
participation of active adult learners in community. Each
week of the course typically entails the following:
1. Learn about the topic
of the week through video lecture or readings.
2. Discuss the course topic with others in the class
by posting and replying to messages on a Discussions
board.
3. Discuss the course topic with others in the class
during online one-hour chat sessions.
4. Complete a short written assignment (~150 words)
on an assigned topic or question.
5. Explore the topic more in-depth by taking advantage
of recommended readings and resources available in the
course as your time and interest allows.
Access to the all components
of the course is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The next section of this
guide is an introduction to Concourse, the software (course
management system) used to deliver STEP e-Courses.
