⏰ Next Scholarship Application Deadline is October 31st! Apply for 60-100% tuition coverage today! ⏰

Taking an Online Program


Online programs offer you the convenience of taking courses from remote areas and the scheduling flexibility to fit your life’s circumstances. Our online program is 9 consecutive weeks. Each course in the program is one week in length. We utilize an asynchronous model—meaning there are no constraints regarding time. Although certain activities have due dates within the week, you can choose your own study and participation times. There are no “set” hours or times.

A virtual classroom is an online learning environment. Once registered, you will log into a web-based portal where you can retrieve the program syllabus and review detailed coursework instructions, as well as learn your program content, engage and interact with your instructor and peers, and assess your weekly progress.

Each weekly course consists of the following:

Before registering for an online program at San Francisco Wine School, please review the technical requirements and recommended skills.

Want to see how our online classes work?  Email us at help@sfwineschool.com and we'll give you a tour of the virtual classroom!

 

Technical requirements

Sufficient technology and Internet access is required to complete online classes when you take a program at San Francisco Wine School. The following list will help verify that you are adequately equipped.

While tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices are compatible with our learning management system and coursework, they are not always guaranteed to work in all areas. Please ensure you have a Windows or Mac based computer available to complete coursework in the event your selected mobile device does not meet the needs of the course.


Email Account

A valid email address, which is checked frequently, is required for participation in online coursework. It is recommended that all students have a professional email address.

Hardware & Software

We highly recommend that you have administrative rights to the computer used for your coursework. If you must use a computer over which you do not have administrative rights (such as a library computer or a workplace computer), you may experience difficulties with needed functions or limited support options due to access limitations on such networks.


Computer Specifications

Screen Size

A minimum of 1024×600. That is the average size of a netbook. Any smaller, makes it difficult to read.


Operating Systems


Mobile OS Native App Support


Computer Speed and Processor


Internet Speed


Screen Readers


Recommended Skills

Be a strong reader and writer
Strong reading, communication, and critical thinking skills are very important for success in an online course. Online students communicate through such text-based tools, as emails, discussion forums, chats and instant messaging. You need to feel comfortable expressing yourself in writing.

Be a self-motivated and independent learner
While online courses can offer more flexibility in scheduling, they require more self-discipline and independence than on-campus courses. In the online environment, you have to be able to start and to work on tasks on your own, without someone keeping you focused, and you have to be self-disciplined in order to follow the class schedule and meet deadlines.

Be able to manage the time commitment
Online classes take as much time as regular on-campus classes. You need to be prepared to set aside sufficient time for study. Plan to spend at least as much time learning the material and studying as you would with a traditional course. Note that some students report spending even more time for online classes than for traditional ones. Remember that online classes are not independent study courses; you are still required to “show up” and participate actively with your peers and instructor.

Be an active and engaged learner
Online students must be active learners, self-starters who are not shy or afraid to ask questions when they do not understand. Remember that you, not the instructor, must be in control of your learning process. Since your instructor cannot see you, you need to “speak up” right away if you have problems and be as explicit as possible; otherwise there is no way others will know that something is wrong.

Be comfortable with basic computer and Internet skills