STEP e-Course Format and Expectations

Is Online Learning for Me?

Computer Requirements

Participant Guidelines

Catechesis & the Internet

The previous section gave you an introduction to online learning in general. In this section we will tell you a little more about STEP e-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 e-Course.

Our e-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 an e-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.
6. Complete a short objective quiz (not offered in all courses).

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.