Read
these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) carefully before deciding to take a
course online.
Is online learning for
you?
Distance learning is NOT for everyone. To see if you
have the tools for success in this virtual environment for learning, take the
Is
Online Education for You assessment.
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What is distance learning?
What's different about distance education courses?
Distance learning encompasses a wide variety of techniques to bring learning
opportunities to you on your time. Distance learning at WITC
includes courses offered online and through Interactive Television (ITV/IPV).
The only difference between distance education courses and
other college-credit classes is the way you learn. Traditional courses
require you to attend lectures or seminars at the campus. In a distance
education course, you learn to interact with your teacher and fellow students
via computer or via video and audio. You still must understand the concepts, read a textbook,
turn in assignments, and take exams; however, most students agree that distance
education courses are much more convenient because they give you more scheduling
and course options.
But wait, there's more.....
Distance
learning means different things to different people and organizations. In
its simplest form, distance learning is the concept of a student and instructor,
separated by time and distance, using technology to
complete the instruction.
The
United States Distance Learning Association defines distance learning as the
acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and
instruction, encompassing all technologies and
other forms of learning at a distance. The
United States Distance Learning Association (http://www.usdla.org)
Distance
education is planned learning that normally occurs in a different place from
teaching and as a result requires special
techniques of course design, special instructional techniques, special
methods of communication by electronic and other technology, as well as special
organizational and administrative arrangements.
Kearsley, G. and Moore, M. Distance Education: A Systems View. Washington:
Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1996.
Distance
education is instructional delivery that does not constrain the student to be
physically present in the same location as the instructor.
Historically, Distance Education meant
correspondence study. Today, audio, video, and computer technologies are
more common delivery modes. The term "distance learning" is often interchanged
with distance education. However, this is inaccurate since
institutions/instructors control educational
delivery while the student is responsible for learning. In other words, distance
learning is the result of distance education.
Another term that has experienced some recent
popularity is distributed education. This term may represent the trend to
utilize a mix of delivery modes for optimal instruction
and learning.
Virginia
Steiner, Distance Learning Resource Network
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YES! Online courses carry the same college credits as other
college courses. Best of all, online courses are fully accredited and
look the same on your transcript as other college-credit classes. A
college instructor grades your assignments and exams and is available should you
need help. AND the college credits you earn can be applied to earning an
appropriate
degree.
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You must have ready access to and above-average knowledge of a personal
computer, the Internet, and e-mail. You must also have very good
keyboarding skills and know how to upload and download attachments. In
general, online courses are
not for computer beginners.
-
As a WITC student, you
may purchase Microsoft Office 2007 through the
Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog
(WISC). In fact, some instructors require it.
-
You must have time in
your schedule every week to do the writing assignments, quizzes, and
online (asynchronous) discussions. WITC's online courses are typically
not self-paced.
-
You must "participate" in online courses. Your grade may
include assignments, weekly
Discussion Board (DB) postings, and any Virtual Classroom chats your
instructor may schedule as well as other course activities.
-
The best way to stay informed of class requirements and assignments is
to fully explore the online
course's navigation buttons.
-
Online course assignments
are based on the textbooks assigned to each class. Books are available at
the bookstore at the instructor's campus. It is important that you
make sure you are purchasing the correct textbook! See
Online
Courses page and link to
Virtual
Bookstores for more information.
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What equipment do I need to take
an online course?
Recommended for online courses.
- Pentium, Power-Mac or faster
- At least 64 MB of RAM;128 MB preferred
- Access to the Internet (Service Provider)
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or Mozilla Firefox
- 28,800 modem, DSL, or cable connection
- An e-mail address
- Working knowledge of computer skills, Internet applications,
and the ability to send and retrieve attachments
If you do not have home access to a computer,
modem, etc., options include using a
WITC campus computer or contacting your hometown library about access. You MUST,
however, have regular access to a computer with Internet to take an online
course successfully.
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What is the approved form of electronic
communication?
A college-assigned student electronic mail (e-mail) account
shall be an official means of communication with students at WITC. The college
expects that students will sign-in and check their college-issued e-mail account
on a frequent and consistent basis as students are responsible for all
information sent to them via their college-assigned e-mail account. This account
is free of charge and currently is active as long as the student remains active.
Click here for more
detailed e-mail information. Any e-mail communication you have with your
online instructor will be through your college-assigned e-mail account.
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What
courses do you offer? What
does (A), (B), (C), and (D) mean in the course description?
Great question! Just click on this link to see the many
courses that are offered through distance learning.
Online
Course List
(A), (B), (C), and (D) means that a 3- or 4-credit course has
been broken down into three or four components worth one credit each. The courses
must be taken sequentially. In other words, A is a pre-requisite to
B. A and B are pre-requisites to C, etc.
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How much will it
cost? Can
I get financial aid?
Check out our
online course list for up-to-date
course registration fees.
Yes, you can qualify for financial aid. For more information, contact
WITC's
Financial Aid Advisors.
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To get started, you must register and pay for your course(s).
You must complete the registration process before your
online password is
activated. In order to start the course, you must have an activated
password.
NOTE: Registration is on a first-come,
first-served basis until each course has reached capacity.
Yes, there are registration deadlines. Please search the
WITC Course
Database for more information.
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For your convenience, several methods are available to register for classes.
| By Web: |
Use
WITC's Class Finder to search for
classes. Once you find a course, select "click here to add this course to your
registration form" text found at the top of the Course Information
page. Click either "select another course", "view selected courses" or
"process your registration". |
| By mail: |
Complete and mail the
registration
form with your check, money order or credit card information. |
| By phone: |
Contact
Student Services to enroll by
phone if you use a credit card. |
| By fax: |
Fax your completed
registration form
and credit card information to the
campus of your choice. |
| In person: |
Visit Student Services at a
campus near you. |
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Books may be purchased through the bookstore
at the instructor's campus
or through online resources. Be sure to find out from your instructor which
textbook is required for the online course. Your instructor will make arrangements for you to
receive handouts or other course materials.
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Yes! In fact, many students find that distance education
courses allow them to accelerate the progress they make toward earning their
degree by enrolling in a combination of distance education courses.
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Yes! All distance education students are welcome to use
the college library and other campus resources.
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Certainly! If you are working toward a degree, you'll
want to talk to an Admissions
Advisor.
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Upon completion of your coursework, your instructor will
submit your grade(s) to our Student Information System. Your Grades will
be available on
MyWITC approximately
one week
after the end of the semester.
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How do I get a
transcript?
Grades, Transcripts:
contact by email, fax, or
in person. Student signature required.
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Where can
I find out more information and Technical Support for using BlackBoard?
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Should you encounter problems while taking your course, please call the
WITC Help Desk at
1-877-469-9482 Ext 7300.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
If you have any questions about the content of your course, please contact
your instructor using the information provided to you at the beginning of the
course. Your course always includes e-mail support and may include telephone
support depending on individual instructors.
We are here to help!
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