Here is how you can access the sample course: Go to http://blackboard.aib.edu and click on "Login" Enter a username. You can use any of the following usernames (if one is already being used, try another one): aib/bbguest, aib/bbguest1, and aib/bbguest2 Enter the password. The password is the same for each username, it is b1ackb0ard. Follow the instructions on the screen to get started!

READ COMMENTS BY ACTUAL ONLINE STUDENTS FROM AIB! We recently asked our online students to give us feedback about the online education program at AIB. You can read below to see a selection of some of their responses. We hope that their opinions and experiences will help you to make the best decision possible about whether online classes are right for you.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE ONLINE EDUCATION PROGRAM AT AIB? It is well organized, and it offers students another choice in how they want to take their classes. I liked being able to structure this class around my own schedule. Quality education is available to anyone with a computer and modem! I know at the beginning of the week what my assignment is, and I have all week to work on it if I want, or I can hand it in on the day it is assigned, whatever I feel like doing. The ability of doing my homework when I'm able to and not having to worry about driving from Newton to Des Moines. Being able to spend more time with my children and get a college education is wonderful.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT THE ONLINE EDUCATION PROGRAM AT AIB? Not having interaction with other students in person. It was much more time consuming than I thought it would be. I tended to forget about it, because of the fact that I can do my homework whenever I can, it slipped my mind. Having to motivate myself to work on assignments when I have had a busy day and would rather relax or need to do other things.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST SURPRISE TO YOU ABOUT THE ONLINE EDUCATION PROGRAM? WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFERENT FROM YOUR EXPECTATIONS? How friendly and helpful the instructor and computer support staff were when questions/issues surfaced; had an image of being far from campus with no help, but the human interaction was there in the form of e-mails and phone calls when needed. It took more time than expected but was great when it came to being able to work on assignments at my convenience. How organized and easy the program was to use. I was surprised by how much I liked the online classes and how disciplined I remained. I didn't expect to learn so much and know that the information I was learning was going to be so valuable to my career. How good my instructors have been at presenting information and being helpful even though I haven't met some of them in person.

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU THINK A PERSON NEEDS TO HAVE IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN AN ONLINE CLASS? Someone who shows excellent organization skills and does not have a tendency to procrastinate. A commitment to their college education - which isn't much different than classroom students. If people want to succeed in college, they will… whether it's a classroom setting or online. Someone who loves to learn and doesn't need the shadow of a teacher standing behind their shoulder before they're willing to work. Perseverance, patience, ability to ask for help when necessary. Taking an online class requires that you work at your own pace, but still make deadlines. A person needs to be organized and responsible for one's actions to achieve this. Self-motivated, organized and able to follow directions. You have to be very self-disciplined. You can't wait until the last minute to do some things because you might have computer problems.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING SOMEONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ONLINE EDUCATION BEFORE THEY SIGN UP FOR AN ONLINE CLASS? Do not put off homework. That it is not easier than a regular class. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get through it. Do not take it if you think that it is an easy A. You need several uninterrupted hours each day and you need to be motivated to get what you want out of the class. That it is time consuming but in the end it equals out to the time spend in a classroom. Schedule a time that you are going to try and do your work each week so you don't get behind. That you have to be organized and that you still have deadlines to meet and you should not wait until the last minute to complete an assignment just in case you have difficulties with it. If you're not up to the responsibility and hard work, take the class on-campus.

ANY OTHER COMMENTS? Overall, I think this is a wonderful alternative to on campus classes. Online classes give you the opportunity to chose your college rather than settling for one that is within driving distance of your home. It was a positive experience and I look forward to my next online class. I am a single mother of 2, I work 40-50 hours at my job, and I have elderly parents. These online classes have been a godsend. The flexibility has been the most helpful thing. I have been really pleased with my online experience at AIB - I feel like it was worth my time and effort and I am looking forward to coming to campus eventually. AIB wants you to be successful. They want to bring out your best. I have seen this through everyone that I have had contact with through AIB.