Online Learning Frequently Asked Questions

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    New to online learning? Explore questions and answers below to get the most our of your online experience.

     
    How do I register for an online course?

    Online registration is available for online courses. Refer to registration options.

    How much time does an online course take?

    Students taking online courses report spending approximately 12 to 15 hours each week for a three credit course. One credit courses may require less time per week. Some courses may require students to attend an actual classroom one or two times during the semester. Online learning does not take fewer hours, but you do get to work during the hours that work best for you. Before you enroll, ask yourself these questions:

    • Do I have access to the computer technology and a connection to the Internet?
       
    • Do I have basic computing skills?
       
    • Three credit classes may require 8 to 10 hours per week. Do I have the time to take class online?
       
    • Can I motivate myself to go to the virtual classroom at least five days a week?
       
    • Am I comfortable with my reading, writing and typing skills?
       
    • Am I easily frustrated by technology?

    Having easy access to the Internet – ideally at home or at work where you can log on frequently is recommended. It is not recommended to rely on access from a place such as your local library or an Internet café.

    How do I schedule a proctored test for an online course?

    If your course requires you to take some tests under the supervision of a proctor, you will be responsible for finding a suitable proctor at a location near you. Give your instructor the proctor's contact information (and vice versa) to ensure that the proctor will receive the testing materials well in advance of the test due dates. An instructor at a local campus or a certified librarian would be a suitable proctor, or you can contact your instructor for additional recommendations.

    What is it like to be in a virtual classroom?

    One of the most important aspects of your online learning experience will be collaboration with other members of the class to share experiences, complete group projects and critique one another’s work. Engaging your classmates in discussion will not only provide you with the opportunity to better understand the lectures and assignments, it will build a sense of community. Since you may never meet any of your classmates or your instructor in person, it is critical that you communicate often through email and the class discussions. Discussions and team projects are major components of course grades, so by failing to join in collaborative activities, you will not only be isolated from your classmates, but you will receive lower grades as well. Grades are based on the quality as well as the quantity of your contributions, so you will not receive credit for making superficial comments like “I agree” or “She said what I was thinking.”

    How will I communicate in an online class?

    Most online classes use a threaded discussion forum or bulletin board for class discussions. Students have differing reactions to this form of communication:

    • Some students don’t like the lack of face-to-face interactions:
      “I’m a big people person and quite social.”
      “The way we can see people’s facial expressions and hear their voices makes a major difference.”
      “Online classes are great, but not for me. You still haven’t captured the teacher-student interaction that I get in the classroom.”
       
    • Some students like online discussion because it allows them time to think before they write, unlike face-to-face classroom discussions which “tend to be blurts of raw, not necessarily throughout ideas."
       
    • Students who are shy or don’t speak up in class may like this format:
      “I felt I was more inclined to participate and express myself in the online format, as opposed to the classroom situation where I feel self-conscious about raising my hand.”
       
    • Because shy students have an equal opportunity to contribute, some students like the fact that they hear from all of their classmates, not just the most vocal.

    Communicating with your classmates and instructor is an important part of online learning, and your course will have a discussion board area where this communication takes place. Because online courses are designed to offer flexibility and students log in at different times, you will rarely engage in live chats with your classmates. Instead, you will answer questions posed by the instructor each week, then return to the discussion board a day or two later to read and respond to your classmates’ comments. Your instructor will be present in the discussions as well, highlighting key points and helping the class stay on track. You will also be able to post questions of your own – for instance, if you are confused about an assignment or have technical problems with the course, you can often get a quick answer from your classmates without having to wait for the instructor to respond. 

    What are some guidelines for communication?

    By registering for this class, you have become a cybercitizen of an online community. As a member of this community, you must follow an informal set of guidelines for online behavior called Netiquette. Netiquette can be summarized by three simple precepts: Remember there is a human being on the other end of your communication, treat that human being with respect and do not transmit any message that you wouldn’t be willing to communicate face to face.

    Access to this class means you agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Violations may result in a loss of class access as well as other disciplinary action.

    • Rule 1: No Flaming
      Flaming is the practice of insulting, disrespecting or attacking another person.Expressions of hostility are different than disagreeing with what someone says. It’s okay to disagree, but it’s important to do it politely. Here’s an example of what this means. Flaming: “Your idea is so stupid that it makes me sick. However, I’m not surprised. You seemed like an idiot on the first day of class, and I guess first impressions don’t lie.” Polite Disagreement: “I disagree with what you’ve said. My experience has been different. Here’s my point of view. What do you think?”
       
    • Rule 2: No Inappropriate Language
      No offensive language; no racist or sexist comments.
       
    • Rule 3: No Harassment
      Remember that the law still applies in cyberspace. Do not commit illegal acts online, such as libeling or slandering others; and do not joke about committing illegal acts.
       
    • Rule 4: No Misuse of Class Communications
      Do not post irrelevant messages, referred to in hacker’s jargon as spam. Postings will be directed to the topic being addressed and include only relevant information. Read existing postings before responding so you don't repeat what has already been said.
       
    •  Rule 5:  No Shouting
       Avoid putting words in full capitals. Online, all-caps is considered SHOUTING.
       
    •  Rule 6:  Respect
       Respect other people’s intellectual property. Don’t post, display, or otherwise provide access to materials belonging to others. No using another’s password; no trespassing in another’s folders, work or files.

    Refer to Student Rights and Responsibilities, for more information.


    What are assignments like?

    The content of online assignments is similar to face-to-face interaction. The difference lies in the mechanics of completing and submitting your work. You will need to download some assignments from your course. For others, you will refer to your textbook or other offline materials. In either case, the best way to complete your assignment is to do the work offline – that is, while not logged into the course. Save a backup copy of your work on your computer, then log into the course and submit your answers according to the directions in the assignment. In most cases, you will be asked to submit assignments in an area of the course designated for file uploads.

    In some cases you will be teamed with one or more of your classmates to complete assignments together. You may be asked to critique one another’s draft copies of a written assignment, work as a group to research some topic and present your findings to the class or role-play a problem-solving exercise. For these types of assignments, you will rely heavily on email and/or the course discussion board to maintain contact with your teammates.

    Tests and quizzes in your online course will be similar to those you are accustomed to in face-to-face courses. Questions may be objective (matching, multiple choice) or subjective (short answer, essay) in nature, with some assessments consisting of only one type, while others contain both types. Sometimes, you will download assessment files and complete and submit them like assignments (described above), while at other times you will use the course’s online assessment area, which will record your answers automatically (and can provide you with immediate feedback if the instructor chooses).

    Your instructor may also elect to have pen-and-paper tests administered by a proctor. In that case, you will be responsible for finding a suitable proctor at a location near you and providing your instructor with the proctor’s contact information to ensure that the proctor will receive the testing materials well in advance of the test due dates. An instructor at a local campus or a certified librarian would be a suitable proctor, or you can contact your instructor for additional recommendations.

    Will these online credits transfer to another institution?

    Every institution determines what transfer credit it will accept.  Usually this is determined by looking at course content and the competencies developed. Credit is only accepted if the transfer courses can be proven to be equivalent to the courses required by the new institution. Therefore, what is and is not accepted may vary from one institution to another.  Your best bet for transferring as many credits as possible is to enroll in a school that already has a reciprocal or articulation agreement with the school where the online credit was originally obtained. The more you choose a program that requires the courses you have taken, the more credit you are likely to receive.  For example, the Associate of Art Administrative Assistant degree is more likely to transfer into a Business or Management Bachelor of Science program than it would into a BA in a foreign language or a mathematics BS degree. If the new program does not require all of the courses you are trying to transfer, some may be accepted as “electives.” So, you can still get credit for the courses, but you’ll still be responsible for taking the courses “required” for the degree. Madison College transfer information.

    How do I order books and other supplies from the online bookstore?

    Refer to Madison College Bookstores.

    Is there an online library if I need it?

    Refer to information about Madison College's libraries. The Truax library website features links to the online catalogs of Madison Colge, UW-Madison, Madison Public Library, and many other state libraries.

    How many credits do most people take at one time (in one semester)?

    A full-time student usually takes about 17 in-class credits a semester. For most students, no more than 6 credits per semester are recommended for a student working full time.
     
     

    How do I know if I am a good fit for online learning?

    Are you thinking about enrolling in an online course, but you're not sure what an online course is and if it's right for you? Or, have you already enrolled in one and just want to learn how to succeed in it?  A good place to start is to take the Online Learning Readiness Self-Assessment.  


    What is Blackboard™?

    Blackboard™ is an Internet educational delivery platform that provides students with an online learning community. Students are able to download course content (including: articles, streaming audio and video, and presentations) and interact with their professors and classmates through the discussion board (similar to Internet news groups) and the chat / virtual classroom (similar to online chat rooms). Work through the Blackboard Tutorials on the Madison College web site for more information.

    Are Online Courses Self-paced?

    No, most are not. Depending on the instructor, you will have assignments that require you to communicate with other students just as you would in a face-to-face course. Most online courses require you to adhere to due dates for assignments, quizzes, tests, etc. If you register for an online course, expect to finish the course on the instructor's timeline, not yours.

    Will I ever have to physically come to Madison College?

    Some online courses may offer and, in some instances, require you to attend an on-campus Orientation meeting. Some online courses require on-campus proctored testing. However, proctored testing may be conducted at approved locations other than the Madison College campus. You will be given this information in the beginning of the semester to allow you adequate time to prepare. Expectations for on-campus time are made clear in the course syllabus.  If you have questions before you receive your syllabus, please contact your program office.

    Are online courses easier than on-campus courses?

    Absolutely not! Unfortunately, some students often have the misperception that online courses will be easier than on-campus courses, and this is simply not true. While in an online course you have greater flexibility in terms of when you complete your coursework, the amount and nature of that coursework will be comparable to that assigned in an on-campus course. Do not confuse the idea of flexibility with ease.  Additionally, the amount of reading and writing online students are required to do is quite extensive. Remember, one of the biggest challenges faced by online students is managing their time, so it is important that you are able to manage your time wisely and maintain self-motivation. Also COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY! Students need to remember to stay in constant contact with his/her instructor during the term. The instructor won’t know what the student is thinking if the student doesn’t stay in communication with him/her.

    Last Modified: October 7, 2011