Frequently Asked Questions

Is online learning right for me?

There are both benefits and challenges to online learning. One benefit of online learning is that you have the convenience of working on the course from home and on your own schedule which can be helpful for students with a busy schedule.

Online courses are challenging. They require you to work independently and use time management skills to complete coursework. If you have difficulty working independently and/or managing your time you find yourself falling behind on coursework.

There are several assessments that help you determine if online learning is the right mode for you. You can find an online learning assessment offered by Penn State here.

How is online learning different from face-to-face (classroom) learning?

Please review the table below to see how online learning differs from face-to-face or classroom learning. Please note that this is a general comparison and that some online and face-to-face classes my be different from the information provided below.

Online Learning	Face-to-Face (Classroom) Learning
Flexible (asynchronous), not meeting on a specific day or time.	Scheduled (synchronous) most learning activities occur in the classroom on a specific schedule.
Requires more self-direction and discipline to complete coursework and meet due dates while minimizing distractions and managing busy schedules.	Requires attending classes or labs with additional work assigned outside of class meetings.
Online feedback may be slower as each person participates at a different time (i.e. online discussions).	Feedback from peers tends to occur much quicker (i.e. class discussions) in the classroom environment.
Writing skills are critical as writing is usually the main mode of communication. Having the ability to articulate concise questions or responses saves time and prevents miscommunication.	There are generally more options for communication in classroom environments. Writing is important but so are class discussions and oral presentations.
Online learning requires a higher level of digital literacy or the ability to navigate and create information using a variety of technology.	Instructors take on more of a leader or director role in the classroom.
Instructors take on more of a facilitator role in online learning.	Learning in the classroom is traditionally a group activity.
Online learning is traditionally more of an independent activity.

Is attendance mandatory? Will I be required to attend class at a specific time?

There may be scheduled office hours or synchronous presentations but in general students have the flexibility to complete activities on their own schedule as long as deadlines are met.

Do I have to visit campus?

Visiting campus is encouraged but not required unless there are special requirements for a specific degree program or course. Any required visits must be noted in the course or program information.

What is my NetID?

Your NetID (IT account user name) is your primary username for IT academic computing services, including SPIRE, UMail, Google Mail & Apps, UDrive, and the campus network, and Go.UMass, among other programs.
Your NetID and associated password are also used to log into Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle*.
Account information and activation directions are sent to you separately by email to your non-UMass email address. If you do not receive this information, visit the IT Support Center webpage or contact the IT Help Center directly at (413) 545-9400, Monday - Friday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Eastern.

*You must activate and log into your SPIRE account in order to successfully log into Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle.

How do I login?

Head to UMass Amherst's Canvas login page, the Blackboard login page or the Moodle login page.
To login to your course you will need an active NetID and password.
To activate your account, follow the instructions on the Activate Your Account page. If you did not receive your NetID and password or have lost this information, contact Information Technology at it@umass.edu or (413) 545-9400.

Can I take an online course if I live outside the United States?

Yes. We have many students who take online courses that reside outside of the United States. If you are taking your course from another country we recommend that you install the Virtual Private Network (VPN) offered by the University of Massachusetts. Visit this page to learn more about VPN, how to install it, and where to go for additional support with VPN.

What is Preview Week?

Preview week helps students prepare for their online course by allowing them to familiarize themselves with course requirements and with the Blackboard Learning Management System. Preview week begins 7 days before the official start date of any online course.

How are courses offered in the Winter and Summer terms?

The winter and summer terms are accelerated terms. Courses scheduled during these terms cover the same material in 4-6 weeks that would be covered in Fall/Spring terms (13 weeks). There is no separate finals period during these terms. Any final projects or exams will be due prior to or on the last day of class. For more information on the dates of these terms, view the UMass Amherst Academic Calendar.

What technical support resources are available?

24/7 Blackboard Help Desk and UMass IT Contact Information

Due to the asynchronous nature of online learning, technical support must be flexible.

A 24/7 HelpDesk is available for technical support for Canvas. You have the options to call, email or chat based on your preference of communication. Information about the HelpDesk is available from the "Help" icon on the sidebar in Canvas. Log into Canvas here.

If you need technical support for Moodle, UMass IT is available to assist. See information on how to contact IT and their availability at this link.
If you need technical support for Blackboard, please email instruct@umass.edu for assistance.

What other resources are available for students taking online courses?

Training Resources

UMass Amherst Student Orientation & Resource Area

The Student Orientation & Resource Area site provides advice and information about taking online classes as well as an overview of Blackboard Learn. First-time students taking a Blackboard course should read through all of the material on the orientation site at least once. Experienced students can use it as a reference.

Online Student Orientation Course

This free, optional course was developed to introduce students to an online course environment that is structured similar to many other online classes at the university. The course was designed with an important purpose in mind—To ease students' minds about taking online classes through UMass Amherst! To learn more about this course go to: About Student Training & Technical Support.

Other Student Resources

University Without Walls

For information on enrolling in online courses offered via University Without Walls visit the University Without Walls website or email the Records & Registration office at regoff@uww.umass.edu.

Academic Honesty

Students in online courses, just like all members of the academic community at University of Massachusetts Amherst, are responsible for understanding and complying with the Academic Honesty Policy. There is a formal process for the university regarding concerns of Academic Honesty. Both of these procedures are now processed through the Provost's Office (undergraduates) or the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School (graduate students). See the Academic Honesty page for more information.

Ombuds Office

The Ombuds office is a unique place where all current UMass Amherst students, faculty and staff can talk "off the record" about any campus concern, issue or conflict. The Ombuds staff works with visitors in a variety of ways to help them understand their options and resolve their concerns. To learn more visit the UMass Ombud's office website.

Disability Services

Disability Services provides academic accommodations, resources and training in assistive technology, and information to increase the understanding of disability throughout the university community. Find out more at the Disability Services website.

UMass Amherst Libraries

UMass Amherst libraries are your first destination for finding books, articles, journals, videos, and online materials. You can access library electronic resources (Books, Newspapers, Journals, Articles, Videos, etc.) with your NetID. Find out more at the Library website.