Frequently Asked E-Learning Questions

What is Distance Education?
Answer: Providing flexibility and convenience, distance education extends learning beyond the classroom and campus through technology. Instead or regularly classroom sessions held on campus, distance learners work independently at home. Faculty members provide instruction and guidance through a variety of technologies: online (Internet), videotape, CD-ROM, and telephone. In other respects, online courses have equivalent requirements and outcomes as traditional classroom-based courses.

How much do Distance Learning courses cost?
Answer: Massasoit’s distance learning course cost the same as a face-to-face class.
Click here for cost information.

How do online courses work?
Answer: Online courses are designed to allow students to work through a course independently at a time and place of their choosing. The student points his browser to a URL, types in a username and password provided by the college and navigates the software to locate the course syllabus, required texts, supplemental materials, pertinent web sites, communication tools and other features pertinent to that course. Every course is the equivalent in content and academic rigor to those in a traditional classroom.

Who takes online courses?
Answer: Motivated, self-directed, mature students with busy schedules are the target population for online classes. However, students who require the convenience and flexibility of an online course should consider the option. In all cases, established reading and writing skills are strongly recommended for prospective students. Online courses are not for everyone. If you are a self-motivated student with well-developed time management skills, you should be successful. The courses are high quality and have the same rigor as classroom-based courses. Review the Self-Assessment Survey to see how well suited you are to distance learning.

How do I begin?
Answer: You must either come to the college or fax in the registration form in order to register for a course. Online registration should be ready during the late Fall of 2003.

How do I know that the courses are quality courses?
Answer: The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accredits MCO member colleges as it does private colleges such as Harvard and MIT. Institutional accreditation provided by NEASC means that the accredited institution meets the Commission's requirements and criteria and will continue to meet them. Accreditation provides public certification of acceptable institutional quality.

To learn more about the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, visit http://www.neasc.org/

Who teaches online courses?
Answer: The majority of online instructors are full-time faculty members at Massasoit Community College. In all cases, the instructors have undertaken extensive training in online instruction and have redesigned their existing classes to best accommodate this mode of instructional delivery. The instructors haven't changed what they teach, just how the course is delivered.

Are courses self-paced?
Answer: No, you must keep up with the scheduled course work. Courses are instructor-led and follow the same semester schedule as face-to-face courses. All specific course information is in the syllabus inside the course Learning Management System, WebCT. Information regarding how to reach the instructor, what work is expected, and deadlines to turn in assignments and take tests will be found with the syllabus. However, via the Internet, students anywhere in the world can log onto a course at any time from their computer. With this flexibility, students can focus on the content rather than the commute. In some cases, you may be able to complete your course work before the end of the traditional semester.

Will I need to visit campus from time to time?
Answer: Some courses meet face-to-face for an orientation session, review sessions, and/or examinations. Check the details of your course to determine on-campus requirements. Instructors will attempt to be flexible in order to meet student needs.

How will I turn in my homework and take tests?
Answer: Online courses require you to use computers to gain access to email, the Internet, library services, and, in some cases, fax machines to turn in assignments. Some courses meet face-to-face for tests, use testing facilities, or require students to arrange proctoring. Check with your instructor for particular testing requirements.

Do I need special hardware and software?
Answer: In most cases, technical requirements are a computer that can support a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Word or other standard word processing application, and a reliable Internet connection.

Most e-learning courses at Massasoit CC use WebCT for the course Learning Management System (LMS). To check your browser’s compatibility with WebCT, go the WebCT Browser Tune Up page

To test your browser and plugins, go to the WebTutor Browser Tune Up

What computer skills do I need to take an online course?
Answer: Basic computer skills are required for online classes. These skills include sending and receiving email, word processing, cutting and pasting within documents, toggling between applications and using email attachments. In specialized courses, other skills may be required. These requirements will be listed under Special Considerations in the course description.

Can I start a course at anytime?
Answer: In general, courses follow the traditional academic schedule with courses beginning in September (Fall Semester), January (Spring Semester), May (Summer Session I), and July (Summer Session II). Refer to the Academic Calendar.

Do I have to take a placement or admissions test in order to take a course?
Answer: You must take a placement test for all Mathematics courses and English courses. Effective August 1, 1999, Massasoit students will need to make an appointment to take the assessment tests. Please call: (508) 588-9100, EXT. 1991 or 1992

What about books and materials?
Answer: You will need books, syllabus, and course outline for your online course. These materials can be obtained through your course homepage. In most cases, books can be purchased from the Follett's Campus Bookstore. You may also purchase your books from Follett's Bookstore Online.

Support for Online Students

What resources are available to help me succeed?
Answer: Massasoit Community College provides counseling, academic advising, tutoring, and Library Services. Tutoring is available through the ARC; Library services are available to all students; and information on advising is available through the Advisement and Counseling Center.

This document has been modified from Massachusetts Colleges Online at: http://www.mco.mass.edu

Last Update: July 10, 2008

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