Do you have a question about John Wood or taking classes online? Below are the answers to questions the we frequently receive. If you don't see the answer to your question below, email connected@jwcc.edu or call 217-224-6500 ext. 4536.
Online Learning1. What is Online Learning? |
Taking Classes Online1. How do I know what courses are offered online?
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John Wood Programs1. What certificate and degree programs does John Wood offer? |
John Wood and TriStateOnline Policies1. How do I apply for admission to John Wood? |
Financial Aid FAQ's1. How much do online classes cost? |
Technical Tips 1. Somebody told me to clear my cache or delete my temporary Internet files. What does that mean? |
1 - What is Online Learning?
Online learning, also known as "online education", uses the anytime, anywhere power of the Internet to deliver classes where and when it is convenient for you. There is no campus to travel to and no set class times to attend. Your class materials and resources are available to you online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The online learning environment functions much like a classroom setting but without everyone in the same place at the same time. You have access to lecture materials, interaction with your instructor and classmates, and assignments administered through your online class. Classes run on the same semester schedule as on-campus classes, the difference is you decide when during the week you work on class content and weekly assignments while still working through the course. John Wood offers online classes to help students who need a flexible schedule achieve their educational goals.
2. Why choose to learn online?
Online learning provides flexibility within a framework. Many of our online students enjoy the ability to work on their classes when it is convenient, while still participating in a fully interactive course structure. Online learning makes it possible for students and faculty whose distance, schedule, or disability makes it practically impossible to attend regularly scheduled classes.
3. How do I know if I would make a good online student?
Don't make the mistake of thinking an online class will be easier than an on-campus class. Online learning requires discipline and dedication within a flexible schedule. Take our questionnaire entitled "Is online learning for me?" to see if you have the right characteristics for online learning. It would also be good to talk over online learning with your academic counselor/adviser.
4. How much computer and Internet skill do I need to take an online course?
If you can click through the pages on the www.TriStateOnline.org page, you may already have the computer skills necessary to get around in an online course. Knowing how to download files, attach files to email, and use word-processing software are critical skills in an online environment. Any additional special skills needed would be indicated on the Instructor's class page. You will have an orientation course in our system to work through before your online course begins. The orientation course will help familiarize you with the online platform and the tools you will use throughout your online class.
5. Do I need special computer hardware or software to take an online course?
At www.TriStateOnline.org there is a Technical Requirements page that lists the required minimum hardware configuration. On this page there is also a Browser Test that when clicked on will automatically test your system to determine if you have the software you need. If the software you need is not already on your system, the Browser Test will supply you with links to FREE downloads of the software you will need. The Browser Test will also check for Real Player software, which you may have to download for some audio or video applications. Real Player is also a FREE download. Some specialized courses may require additional software but that is fairly rare. Any special needs or requirements will be detailed in the course description and required texts.
6. Can I take online courses even if I don't have my own computer?
Sure! Since our online system is designed to work with most personal computers that have Internet access, school computer labs, public libraries and other such locations may provide all the access you need. Just be sure that if you plan to rely on these resources, that they are available to you at the times you are most likely to access them. Run the technology self-test on any computer you will use to be sure teh system will work for you. (Don't forget to log off and exit the browser.)
7. How do I interact with my instructor and classmates?
Within your online class there are several communications tools that will help keep you in touch with your instructor and classmates. Threaded Discussions act much like a classroom discussion, but without having everyone in one place at one time. Your instructor will post topics for discussion to which you and your classmates will respond. You will also have many opportunities to respond to comments from your fellow classmates. Email will allow you to send private messages to your instructor or to your classmates. There is even a Chat function that allows you to communicate with others in real-time, though this is used sparingly as it requires all participating parties to be online at the same time. Assignments can also be uploaded or e-mailed to your instructor or shared with other students through the online class. There's even a virtual student union to connect with anyone else in TriStateOnline outside of class.
1. How do I know what courses are offered online?
Check the course schedule to see what classes will be offered online in upcoming semesters. Select "Online Learning" among the delivery methods. Any course displayed has "seats" available.
2. How do I register for an online course?
How you register for an online course at John Wood will depend on your current student status. Log into SOLAR during a time of open enrollment to register online or contact the Enrollment services, Advising, or Online Learning office.
3. How much time will I have to spend on my online course?
The average time spent in an online course is comparable to the amount of time you would spend for an on-campus course. Some students say that online courses require more time and energy, but that their interest and understanding of the subject matter increased as well. Time spent in an online class will, of course, vary from student to student. Nevertheless, we have found that the average successful John Wood student spends about 15 hours logged into and working for every credit hour of the course.
4. Do I need to take any tests before I begin?
If your plans include taking a math or English course, you may be required to take an academic skills assessment prior to placement in your courses. On-campus admissions staff usually arranges these tests. In Quincy, Enrollment Services, at 641-4338, will schedule your placement test. In Pittsfield, call 285-5319 to schedule a time to take this test. In Mt. Sterling, call (217)641-4144 or (217) 773-4411 x 2555 to schedule your placement test.
5. How do I buy my books?
You will quite likely be REQUIRED to use a textbook in addition to your online materials. You can find out what books your course requires by checking out the online textbook list link on the JWCC Bookstore page. This page also lists contact information for the bookstore. Purchases require payment by check or credit card before materials will be sent.
6. How do I take tests? Will I take tests online?
Some instructors give tests online. Others may have tests proctored in a testing room or a testing center at John Wood or another location approved by your instructor. That information will be found on the instructor's class page.
7. How do I get my grades?
Your online course has a Gradebook feature built right in that will allow you to access your grades once processed and released by your instructor. Log into SOLAR to view your official grade record and transcript information.
8. What do I do if I need help
John Wood online students are free to contact TriStateOnline's twenty-four hours a day, seven day a week Technical Helpdesk. The Helpdesk can be reached by telephone (303) 873-0005 or by email. The JWCC Information Services helpdesk is available 8A - 8P to assist with JWCC email account and SOLAR issues.
1. What certificate and degree programs does John Wood offer?.
It is not currently possible to complete all of the requirements of our AA or AS degrees through JWCC Online. We offer almost everything you will need to complete your degree online when you transfer in as few as 3 hrs.
2. Do online classes count toward my certificate or degree program?
Many of the core requirements for certificate and degree programs offered by John Wood and its TriState partners can be completed entirely online. While most certificate and degree programs will require that some courses be taken on campus, many of these courses are offered at convenient times for working individuals. By completing the majority of your core requirements online, you will reduce the amount of time you will have to spend on Campus to complete your certificate or degree program.
3. Do I have to enroll in a certificate or degree program to take classes?
No. You do not have to enroll in a certificate or degree program to take online courses. Keep in mind that courses completed can apply toward your certificate or degree program when you choose to pursue it. To find out how to register for classes without enrolling in a certificate or degree program, contact the admissions office.
1. How do I apply for admission to John Wood?
Check out our Admissions and Registration page to see if you need to fill out an application for John Wood and how. We even offer an online application to help you get started right away!
2. Can I transfer credits to or from John Wood?
Yes. Credits earned by the completion of online courses through John Wood are transferable in most cases. To make sure that the credits from your classes will transfer, it is best to have approval from your home institution. Check with your academic advisor or the JWCC Enrollment services office.
3. I'm a student at John Wood. Do I have to do anything special to register for online classes?
Classes offered online will be listed in the John Wood catalogue with John Wood course numbers. You register for this class as you would any other class offered at John Wood.
4. What about semester dates, holidays and school breaks?
Each TriStateOnline school observes its own semester, holiday and break schedule. As a TriStateOnline student, you may be taking a course run by a school other than your "home institution". It is TriStateOnline's policy to follow the schedule observed by the instructor's home institution. These dates will be clearly outlined in the course syllabus.
1. How much do online classes cost?
JWCC online classes have a separate tuition rate. Whatever the cost, it still does not include the cost of your phone service, or access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The cost of books, fees or any other course-specific requirements is additional. Consider that online classes often mean that you don't need to spend $3 + /gallon gas, pay baby sitters, and take your time traveling to our campus.
To find out how much an online class costs at John Wood, check our Tuition page.
2. Can I use financial aid for online classes?
Yes, if you are eligible for financial aid. The financial aid staff will help you determine your eligibility. In most cases, you will need to complete an application for federal financial aid. Most financial aid programs do not provide help for single courses - they require eligible students to be admitted, degree-seeking students.
3. How do I apply for financial aid?
Complete an application for admission and register through that school, especially if you are going to pursue a degree or certificate. If you need additional information, contact the financial aid office.
1. Somebody told me to clear my cache or delete my temporary Internet files. What does that mean?
Internet Explorer is a program that is installed on your computer. You click the big blue E to go to the Internet. There are other programs that “browse” the internet such as Firefox, Netscape, Opera, and Safari.
When you have Internet Explorer running, there will be a grey bar across the top of the window that looks a little like this:
File Edit View Favorites Tools Help
Click the “Tools” button. It will pull down to give some options, click the one that says Internet Options.
When that Internet Options box opens, it should show you several tabs across the top, with General being the one you are on.
In the middle of that one, you should find a sort-of box with buttons that say “Delete Cookies….” “Delete Files…” and “Settings…”
Click the button that says Delete files. Don’t worry, it’s safe to do this. You are only deleting files that Internet Explorer has piled up in case it needs them later. Over time, this collection can be shockingly huge. Even if it’s not big, certain files there can still get in your way. Clearing them is a good thing.
Close IE and restart it to see if that helps. It often does.
