Home learning courses
University of the People offers a unique learning experience when compared to home learning courses. UoPeople recognizes that many students may not have studied online in a home learning environment previously. It is quite different from traditional classroom-based learning and it is vital that UoPeople students are fully prepared for online home learning courses, methods and processes. It is also important that UoPeople students have the required level of English to enable them to successfully study in this environment. Consequently, UoPeople has developed two orientation courses: these home learning courses are mandatory for all students.
Comprised of students from around the world, the student body takes their home learning courses through the peer-based learning methodology with the support of Instructors. Within the online study communities, students will share resources, exchange ideas, discuss weekly topics, submit assignments, and take exams.
Respected scholars support the curriculum of each of the home learning courses. A community of educators, comprised of active and retired professors and other professionals, participate in the educational activity of these home learning courses. They also take part in the ongoing development procedures for curriculum evaluation and development.
The educational idea behind the project is that taking home learning courses within peer-to-peer communities is more motivating than just reading alone or listening to online lectures. Preliminary results indicate that students become more interested in their topics of study. Despite being instructed in home learning environments, the students develop confidence in their communication skills, learning abilities and knowledge of their courses’ materials.
UoPeople offers tuition-free education, and charges only processing fees for Applications and Examinations. The Application Processing Fee is between $10-$50 as adjusted on a sliding scale based on the economic situation in each applicant’s country or place of residence. Additionally, beginning with all new applications started August 27, 2012, UoPeople has implemented an Exam Processing Fee of $100 per course. Students unable to pay the Exam Processing Fee may apply for a scholarship.
