NUCPS Online Education Formats
IN ADDITION TO TRADITIONAL ON-GROUND LEARNING, NUCPS has made select courses available in one or more of three online education formats: Online Learning, Remote Learning, and Blended Learning. These classes all feature the flexibility of participating from home, work, or any connected space.
Whether you enroll in an online, remote, or blended course, you can be assured that your curriculum content is the same as the course’s traditional on-ground counterpart. Our online class formats include:
• Clear course completion deadlines;
• Due dates for assignments and exams that keep you on track and engaged;
• Offline homework, studying, and / or reading assignments. Group projects also may be assigned;
• Class discussion participation requirements (where applicable).
Learn about Our Three Formats
✨ONLINE LEARNING: ANYTIME, ANYWHERE ✨
Our online courses offer the freedom to learn at your own pace. With discussion questions, videos, digital resources, and online exams, you’ll move through the material when it fits your schedule while meeting assignment and participation requirements. Online learning offers maximum flexibility — perfect for busy professionals balancing work, family, and education. This format
• Asynchronous format: Instructors and students do not meet at the same time, although instructors are
available during online office hours.
• Flexibility: Students complete coursework and participate on their own time and schedule.
• Course pace: Unless otherwise noted, this format is slower-paced than the on-ground format, spreading coursework out over a longer timeframe for optimum flexibility.
✨New! BLENDED LEARNING: FLEXIBLE & ENGAGING✨
Our Blended Learning format combines the convenience of asynchronous online learning with the energy of live classrooms. Each week, you’ll join real-time remote sessions with instructors and peers, while recordings ensure you can review content or catch up if you are unable to attend a live session.
• Blended format combines the flexibility of an asynchronous format with the live sessions of our remote format.
• Weekly remote sessions usually are scheduled two days per week, recorded for later review if attendance isn’t possible.
• Class interaction offer opportunities to engage with classmates and instructors in a live setting or view class recordings at a later time.
• Course pace is slower than the on-ground counterpart, offering more time to complete assignments.
✨REMOTE LEARNING: REAL-TIME CLASS, ONLINE CONVENIENCE✨
Remote courses bring the classroom experience to you. Log in at the scheduled times to learn alongside peers in a live, interactive environment. With attendance, participation, and discussions happening in real time, you’ll enjoy the structure and energy of a traditional class without leaving your home or office. Breaks and lunches are built in, just like our on-ground courses.
• Synchronous format means your class is live, and students log in at a scheduled time.
• Attendance & participation are required and tracked by the instructor.
• Real-time interaction features discussions, lectures, activities, and breaks that replicate a traditional classroom.
• Depending on the course, course pace may be the same or longer than on-ground courses.
What Technologies & Accessories Do I Need?
Internet: Like our on-ground courses, our online courses make use of Canvas, which is Northwestern's secure cloud-based learning portal. High-speed internet is recommended for the optimal learning experience.
Computers: Students will need access to a laptop or desktop computer. Most courses require Adobe Reader and a USB port.
Course Log-In: Online and Remote Learning students will be emailed their class log-in information prior to the first day of class, dependent upon full payment of tuition or a purchase order on file at NUCPS.
Webcam: Our Remote Learning classes require a built-in or add-on webcam for synchronous class participation. Online and remote students need a working webcam for closed book exams. Your class supply list will note if you need a webcam for your course.
Honorlock: NUCPS utilizes the Honorlock examination proctoring tool. Each student must have Google Chrome and the Honorlock Chrome Extension installed on their computer prior to the first day of the course. Instructions for the quick install process can be found at: https://Honorlock.kb.help/install-the-Honorlock-extension/
Headphones or Earbuds: Optional
Other Supplies: Please refer to your class supply list for other items you may need for your NUCPS course.