Distance Education is a formal educational process in which the majority of the instruction in a course occurs when students and instructors are not in the same place. North American University offers distance education courses in fully online format. An online course is defined as one for which all regularly scheduled face-to-face class meetings are replaced by required learning activities completed at a distance and managed online. Online courses allow students to take courses from geographically remote locations without the need to come to campus.

Online courses are delivered entirely using distance education tools through NAU’s J1 eLearning online course management system. In order to see your courses and assignments, please log into your Office 365 account, then click ‘MyPortal’ app. You will see ‘My Courses’ section at the left hand-side menu.

Participation in tese online courses necessitates access to a personal computer or a compatible mobile device with internet connectivity, in addition to a reliable internet service provider. These courses employ a versatile blend of synchronous and asynchronous activities to cater to diverse learning preferences. A comprehensive review of our Technology Requirements is strongly encouraged to ensure the fulfillment of all prerequisites for successful engagement in online courses.

In this digital learning environment, students are urged to uphold Netiquette guidelines, as interactions occur exclusively in the virtual realm, involving student-instructor, student-content, and student-student exchanges. By adhering to these principles, students can maximize their experience in the online academic milieu.

Technology Requirements

In the North American University online learning environment, computer software and hardware allows you to communicate clearly and effectively with faculty, staff, and other students. It is the vehicle by which you submit all course assignments. Without the appropriate software and hardware, you will not be able to access course materials, collaborate with faculty, and complete assignments for submission and grading. All courses at NAU require assignments to be submitted using Microsoft Office. Assignments created using other applications, such as Google Documents, Open Office, WordPerfect, etc. are not acceptable. Macintosh files created using applications other than the MS Office suite are not satisfactory and will not be accepted by the instructor. Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, may not be fully compatible with j1 eLearning, our online course management system.

Computer Skills

NAU distance education students are expected to have good computer skills mentioned below, and to have access to a reliable computer and internet provider. Students are expected to solve their technical difficulties with their computer, Internet access,  or other issues which are outside of the control of NAU staff. If you do not possess the skills mentioned below, you will have some technology to learn in addition to the curriculum of the courses you take and should make extra time in your schedule accordingly.

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Contact Info

Email: elearning@na.edu
Phone: 832-464-8691
Room: 732
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm