How much do Online Learning courses cost?
Answer: Massasoit’s online 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 online learning.

How do I begin?
Answer: For information regarding registering for courses, go to the How to Register for Courses at Massasoit page and if you are a current Massasoit student you can register on line.  You can  see how your online classroom environment will work by going to the demo course by using the:
User name = student
And the password = orientation

When you receive your class confirmation from the registrar’s office your own user name information will be included.  At that point you can access the MyMassasoit portal from the Massasoit home page and login using your user name and following the instructions on that page. You will find your class list when you access the student home tab and there will also be an email link to your instructor.

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 these classes transferable to other colleges?
Answer: Online courses enjoy the same transferability as the traditional classroom environment courses at Massasoit.  As with all courses, students are encouraged to consult the transfer requirements of the institution to which they intend to transfer for specific information.

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. 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: MCC e-Learning students are strongly encouraged to have access to the following equipment and software:

• A PC running Windows, 2000, XP, or Vista (a Pentium or equivalent processor at 500 MHz or better) or a Macintosh system 7.5 or better.
• 128 Mb RAM (128 Mb highly recommended) and at least 50 Mb or available disk space for assignments.
• A modem or other device capable of connecting to the Internet at a speed of at least 56 kbps or broadband Internet connection.
• An ISP (Internet Service Provider).
• We highly recommend the use of Firefox browser for online courses for both PCs and Macs.  However, Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 SP2 or 7 for PC users and Safari 1.3 or 2.x for Mac users may be compatible.
• An e-mail account and a word processing software program.  Massasoit CC provides e-mail accounts to all students via the MyMassasoit portal.
• Current virus software must be installed and kept up to date.
• Some classes may have specific class requirements for additional software.  These requirements will be listed on the course information page or in the course syllabus. 
• You will also need to make sure your computer is reliable and updated with all the latest software versions that are necessary to run our Learning Management System.

To test your browser, you can go directly to the  Browser Check at:
http://webct6.massasoit.mass.edu/webct/urw/lc2039116001.tp0/browserchecker.dowebct

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: The textbooks for your online course is available in the Massasoit Brockton Campus Bookstore. You can order your textbook through the Brockton Campus Bookstore’s web site (http://www.massasoit.bkstr.com). Please have your student schedule available to identify your course materials.  Information about the Bookstore hours, textbook buyback, and refund deadline can be found at http://www.massasoit.mass.edu/stud_serv/bookstr.cfm. Textbooks for the Canton Hybrid (blended) course are available at the Canton Campus Bookstore. Please note the following when ordering your text online:

• There is an up to 48 hour (2 business day) period for confirmation of the order via e-mail with the customer. Picking of the order occurs either within this period or the following 24 hours thereafter.
• Fulfillment time is dependent upon acceptance of payment. Textbook availability may also impact fulfillment time. Unless otherwise indicated, we do ship via ground service to keep charges to a minimum.
• Methods for delivery, once payment is accepted, are via in store pickup or Fed Ex Ground. Within Massachusetts, delivery via Fed Ex Ground is generally on to two business days.  Once order is ready for pickup or shipped, a confirmation e-mail or phone call is made. Tracking information is updated through efollett.com.
  

Support for Online Students

What resources are available to help me succeed?
Answer: Massasoit Community College provides counseling, academic advising, tutoring, and Library Services. Information on advising is available through the Advisement and Counseling Center. Free tutoring is available through the ARC. Free Online tutoring is available through eTutor, and further information regarding eTutor is available at: http://www.massasoit.mass.edu/stud_serv/arc/e_tutor.cfm. Library services are available to all students.