At UC San Diego Extended Studies, we are dedicated to providing a rigorous, online education tailored to provide working professionals and students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in their daily lives.
By enrolling in our courses, you are investing in a structured, instructor-led learning journey that ensures you are well-supported and set up for success. Unless otherwise indicated by your instructor, please be prepared for a weekly pace of course content delivery.
A Week-by-Week, Guided Approach to Online Courses
At UC San Diego Extended Studies, we are committed to providing a structured and engaging online learning experience that mirrors the rigor and support of traditional face-to-face courses. Therefore, our courses are not designed for students to work ahead or at their own pace. Unlike Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and self-paced programs, our courses are designed to ensure consistent interaction and incremental mastery of the subject matter through guided instruction.
Our week-by-week instructional approach ensures that both students and instructors remain focused and organized. By progressing through the content together, we minimize chaos and confusion, allowing instructors to efficiently address questions and provide support. This structured pacing also helps maintain a cohesive learning community, preventing students from disconnecting from discussions and collaborative activities. Staying synchronized as a group enhances the overall learning experience, fostering a more engaging and supportive educational environment for everyone.
Weekly Engagement and Attendance
Our online courses require your active participation on a weekly basis, just like a traditional classroom setting. This consistent engagement helps you stay on track with the course material and fosters a collaborative learning environment. You are expected to log in each week, participate in discussions, complete assignments, and interact with your instructor and classmates.
If you foresee a scheduling conflict due to personal or professional commitments, you should either choose a term in which you have no scheduling conflict or reach out to your instructor at the beginning of the term to see what options might be available to you. Please note that due to preference for week-by-week instructional delivery, your instructor might not be able to accommodate all requests.
Instructor-Guided Learning
One of the significant advantages of taking a course with us is the presence of a dedicated instructor who guides you through the curriculum week-by-week. This structured approach allows you to focus on the content at hand while building a deeper understanding of the course objectives. Your instructor will provide timely feedback, answer questions, and offer support to help you achieve incremental and monitored mastery of the subject matter.
Communication and Accountability
We understand that our students are busy professionals and may occasionally face conflicts. If you anticipate missing a class or falling behind, it is crucial to communicate with your instructor as soon as possible. Emailing your instructor to make arrangements for make-up work demonstrates your commitment to the course and ensures you stay on track. Clear communication helps maintain the integrity of the learning experience for both you and your peers.
Completion and Success
To successfully complete the course, all coursework must be finished as outlined in the course requirements and syllabus. Staying on top of weekly assignments and adhering to deadlines is essential for your success. Our structured approach not only helps you manage your time effectively but also ensures that you are continually building upon your knowledge and skills throughout the course.
A Supportive Learning Environment
Our approach is designed to create a supportive and interactive online learning community. You will have opportunities to collaborate with fellow students, participate in engaging discussions, and apply what you learn in real-world scenarios. This collaborative environment is instrumental in enhancing your learning experience and achieving your educational goals.