JWCC Online Learning FAQs

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. Online courses are very structured and generally are not self-paced. Instructors usually require regular participation throughout the course. John Wood offers online classes to help students who need a flexible schedule achieve their educational goals.

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What is TriStateOnline?

TriState is a consortium formed between John Wood Community College in Quincy, IL and Moberly Area Community College in Moberly, MO. These colleges have teamed up to provide access to a wide array of online courses each would not be able to provide individually. JWCC students may take a class from a Moberly instructor while enrolled in a John Wood course and receive John Wood credit. All TriState courses are listed in the John Wood course catalog and are available through JWCC registration.

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What is ILCCO?

ILCCO -- the Illinois Community Colleges Online consortium establishes online course sharing among many Illinois community colleges. If a course you need is not available through TriStateOnline, you may be able to take the course through ILCCO. You will be enrolled as a John Wood student and receive John Wood credit.

For more information visit:

http://www.ilcco.net/ILCCO/index.cfm

For an ILCCO course listing visit:

http://www.ilcco.net/ice/

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What is IVC?

IVC stands for the Illinois Virtual Campus. At their website you will find listings of online courses offered by institutions across the state of Illinois. This is not course sharing. You may need to enroll at the college listed in order to take the class listed. If the college is also a member of ILCCO you may be able to enroll through John Wood. Consult the IVC course listing if you need a class not offered through TriStateOnline or ILCCO. You may find what you are looking for.

For more information visit: http://www.ivc.illinois.edu/

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What is a Course Management System and what system does TriStateOnline use?

A course management system is online computer software that manages all aspects of an online course. Students login to the system and complete their course inside the system. TriStateOnline uses eCollege for their course management. Other ILCCO classes may use other systems such as WebCT or BlackBoard. Each system looks a little different but all have many features in common. For a look at eCollege, visit the online demo course. Simply fill out the online form, click submit and you will enter the course.

Within a course management system 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.

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What courses are offered through TriStateOnline?

A detailed list can be viewed by clicking here.

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What is the cost of an online course offered through JWCC?

The cost of an online course is $130 per credit hour. Most courses are 3 credit hours although there is some variation. Students are also usually required to purchase a textbook or other course materials.

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How much time is required for online courses?

Online learning is not easier or less time-consuming than traditional college courses. It is just presented in a different format. You can expect to spend at least 12 - 15 hours / week for a three hour course

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Are any campus visits required?

Some instructors of online courses require a proctored exam. This means you will have to travel to a testing center in order to be monitored while taking course tests. These centers are located at John Wood Quincy campus and satellite campuses, Moberly Area Community College and satellite campuses. It is possible for an alternative location to be arranged if you are unable to travel to one of the campus testing sites. The syllabus in a course will let you know if the instructor will require proctored exams.

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What computer skills are necessary for an online course?

If you know how to navigate the Internet, 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.

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Is Online Learning for me?

Much online course work is completed through reading and written communication. A successful online student exhibits good written communication skills. An online learner should also be self-motivated and able to work independently. The following article outlines characteristics for successful online learners: Illinois Online Network: What Makes a Successful Online Student?

The following online quizzes might also help you to determine if you are a good candidate for an online course.

TriStateOnline -- Is Online Learning for Me?

OnlineLearning.net Self-assessment Quiz

Center for Independent Learning -- Are Distance Learning Courses for Me?

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