Back to Online Course Page

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Courses?

How do I register?

  •   Apply online or via paper application.  Student should receive a letter that the application was received.  If they don’t get a letter, they need to call the admissions office.

 

  •   Once they have applied, they need to either take the entrance test, or provide proof that they have met the entry level requirements for the class (ACT composite of 21 or better, previous college work as displayed by official transcript, or ASSET/COMPASS scores). 

 

  •   Once they have received their admission letter, they need to make telephone call or e-mail contact with the admissions mailbox admissions@shawnee.cc.il.us . They will be asked to provide either a US post office address to send the registration materials, or a fax number that they can consistently be reached through.  Once the materials (registrations form, previous college work, high school transcript, and/or entrance test scores) have been returned with their signature, we key the information in.

 

 

Application for Admission

What are online courses?

Currently, Shawnee offers more than 47 Online courses with new courses being added each semester. Learners can use a home computer or a computer at one of Shawnee’s computer labs. Online courses are as rigorous as face to face classes and offer the same college credit.

Online classes are interactive. Students can e-mail their teachers and fellow students, access a discussion board for class information, and enter into a chat room for real-time discussion all through the use of WebCT course management software. Streaming video, supplemental videotapes, and CD-ROMS are also used in some Shawnee Online classes.  

What type of technology will I need for an Online course?

The minimum system requirements for Online classes includes the following:

  • Web Access

  • A current web browser (Netscape 4+ or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4+)

  • Windows 95,98,2000

  • PC processor of 75+ MHz Pentium

  • 16MB RAM

  • 28.8k modem (56K preferable)

  • Some courses may require plug-ins, CD-ROM drives, etc.

If you would like to check your browser for proper operation you can go to WebCT's browser tune-up page to check for the correct setting and plug-ins: http://www.webct.com/exchange/viewpage?name=exchange_browser_tuneup

How do Online courses work?

Web access through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and current web browser (Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer) allows the student to "go to class" via computer. Students in an Online class interact with the instructor and other students through e-mail, discussion boards, or chat rooms. Online courses allow students the flexibility to schedule their online time around school, work, and family commitments.

Can anyone take an online course?

Online courses offer some tremendous benefits, but are definitely not for everyone. Motivated learners and self-starters who are comfortable with computers and the internet make the best online students

Can I take an Online Class on my work computer?

Students should contact their employer. Some companies may have firewall conflicts, which prevent students from participating from their work.

What is the tuition for Online Classes?

Tuition for all online students is the same $ 44.00 per credit hour same as for in-district students.

How do I start my Online course?

After students register, they will receive a letter from the Admissions office that provides information on how to log in to your Online course. Also, students can try out the online tutorial to become familiar with the technology and tools used in online instruction by visiting: http://shawnee.cc.il.us/tutor/index.htm

The course text and other materials can be purchased over the phone using a credit card for more information go to: http://www.shawnee.cc.il.us/ADMISSI/bkstore2.asp

Will I have homework every week?

Most Shawnee Online classes require weekly or bi-weekly submissions of homework. Students work through modules each week of the semester. Because class discussion is so important, students should not expect to work ahead or finish early.

How do I take exams in an Online Course?

How students are tested depends on which Online course they take. Some instructors may evaluate students performance based on the assignments, papers, or projects that are submitted online, whereas other instructors may require proctored exams. Online courses that require proctored testing will indicate this in the course. There are several ways to find convenient testing sites for proctored exams these included:

For Illinois students - Illinois Virtual Campus Student Support Center: http://www.ivc.illinois.edu

For out-of-state students - Consortium of College testing Centers: http://testing.byu.edu/Consortium/usmap.asp

Do I ever have to come to campus for an Online Course?

Many Online classes have essay tests or open-book tests that can be done online and do not require the students to come to campus. However, some exams may be administered on campus or at one of the extension centers. If you are an out of district student, arrangements can be made with your local community college for assessment. Some institutions may charge a fee for this service.  Also, some of our science classes may have labs that will have to be taken on campus.

Teachers of Online courses may hold office hours in an online chat room for students seeking real-time communication. They also provide office hours on campus if students want to meet with their teachers in person.  Their office hours will be listed in the course syllabus.

Back

Last Updated: May 21, 2002