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How Does Online Learning Really Work?

We understand that students can be apprehensive of online learning. To help relieve some of the fear of the unknown, we have created an online course demonstration for you to view. Click the link below and login as a guest to get an idea of how our online classroom works.

View Online Classroom

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Learning

1. Will I have to log in at specific times each day?
No. Tiffin University’s online courses give you the flexibility to log in to your courses any time. We recommend you log in every day to see announcements and assignments and participate in discussion forums.

2. Will I have to use my computer’s camera during online courses?
In most cases, you will not need to use your computer’s camera during the course, but we suggest you check your course syllabus to see if video conferences with your professor are a requirement. The first time you log in to your Tiffin University Moodle account, you will be asked to upload a photo of yourself for your profile. You may also be required to upload a photo in the introduction to your online course.

3. Will I be able to interact with my online classmates and professors?
Yes. Tiffin University’s online degree programs give you many opportunities to interact and communicate with classmates and professors, including discussion forums, chat rooms, chat forums and email. You can also direct message your classmates and professor any time. Contact information and other communication details are in your course syllabus and in Moodle.

4. How is my attendance tracked in online degree programs?
For most of our programs, you may log in to online classes when it is convenient for you. We recommend you log in every day to see course announcements and assignments and participate in discussion forums. At Tiffin University, we track attendance by the student submitting their discussion and/or assignments for the week. Therefore, if a student does not submit a discussion or assignment for the week they are marked absent.

5. What technology do I need for online classes at Tiffin University?
You must have daily access to a computer and the Internet. The programs you will use are:

  • Moodle – our online learning management system
  • Tiffin University email – which is on gmail
  • Pfeiffer Library – our online library
  • MYTU – our online portal
  • Grammarly – all TU students will receive free access

Your computer must have a word processing program such as Microsoft Word, presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint and spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel. You will be required to complete assignments in these programs and upload the files to the Moodle assignment submission area.

6. How do I complete exams in online degree programs?
Your course syllabus, which is provided a few days before the course starts fully explains testing requirements. Most online classes use research papers and presentations as final assignments, however, some may include timed and/or untimed exams. Timed exams are explained in your course syllabus and in the exam itself in Moodle before you begin.

7. Do I have access to a library at Tiffin University?
Yes. Pfeiffer Library offers highest quality access to the Tiffin University community. As an OhioLINK member, faculty, staff, and students have access to millions of scholarly materials for their research and professional needs. Whether you are looking to check out a book, read an ebook, obtain a peer-reviewed journal article, or request material through interlibrary loan, Pfeiffer Library is happy to help. We also provide access to course reserves and specialized collections, such as faculty development and student success.

Our great hours and careful staffing maximize academic support for research help, student projects, and information literacy teachings. Even for those wee hours, when we turn off the lights, the library is still available through DragonQuest (includes our library catalog and databases), helpful research guides/tutorials, and online/email.

8. What student support services are offered?
Student Support Services teaches and provides students with the tools to help them attain their educational and professional goals. Services that are offered for online students include:

  • Professional skill-building workshops
  • One-on-one peer tutoring
  • Online Writing Tools

What is One-on-one Peer Tutoring?
Peer tutors are available for one-on-one sessions, by appointment only. Tutors can help clarify concepts and techniques in virtually every course Tiffin University offers. This serves to enhance students’ educational experience and assist students in becoming independent, organized, and confident.

Tutoring appointments can be scheduled at the following days/times:

TUTORING SERVICE HOURS
Monday – Thursday9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Sunday5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

To schedule an appointment with a tutor, you may call 419.448.3324 or e-mail at tutor@tiffin.edu between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm, Monday through Friday, or between 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, Saturday and Sunday.​

If you have any questions, just click here to fill out a Request Information form and an admissions counselor will be in touch.

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