You have questions … we have answers!

• What are online courses? 
• How do online courses work? 
• What skills should I possess to be successful in an online course?
• Do I have to come to campus? 
• Do I have to be online at a certain time each day (or week)? 
• How do I register for an online course? 
• How much does it cost? 
• Can I “visit” an online course? 
• What if I need technical help? 
• What student services and resources are available? 
• How quickly will my online instructor respond to my questions? 
• What if I have more questions about online courses?

What are online courses? 
An online course is one delivered over the Internet using Web pages, e-mail, online discussion forums, etc. WATC will soon offer a selection of full-credit college courses over the Internet as a flexible alternative to traditional, on-campus courses.

Online courses cover content as their traditional counterparts on-campus. Class sizes are limited so instructors can provide the same level of personal interactions as they do in the traditional classroom. This personal interaction is accomplished using e-mail and online discussion forums.

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How do online courses work?
Students “attend” online courses by accessing the Axio Learning Web site and completing assignments according to the course sylabus. Students communicate regularly with the instructor and classmates via e-mail and online discussion forums.

WATC’s online courses are not self-paced, independent study courses. Students are required to complete assignments according to the course sylabus, to maintain regular contact with the instructor and to participate in online discussions.

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What skills should I process to be successful in an online course?
Taking a course over the Internet requires the ability to work independently and to devise your own regular schedule for “attending” classes and completing assignments.

Students who are learning online have a greater responsibility for their own success than students in traditional classroom settings. It is important that you have the self-discipline and motivation to work on a flexible schedule without getting behind. Students must be prepared to dedicate about 15 hours a week to their online course if they wish to be successful.

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Do I have to come to campus?
It depends on the course and the instructor. Some courses may require the student to take the final on-campus or provide the college with the name of an off-campus proctor. Your instructor will inform you of any required campus meetings.

You may also make an appointment to see an on-campus instructor or drop by during his/her posted office hours, or you may find it more convenient to use e-mail or the telephone.

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Do I have to be online at a certain time each day (or week)?
Some instructors require students to be online during specific periods of time to complete exams or to participate in group work. However, you are generally required to keep up with the course sylabus and to complete assignments before specified due dates. Some courses may have several due dates each week while others may require work once per week. You can choose the time of day or night you want to log-on to the Internet to work on an assignment, but you must complete it and submit it by the specified date and time.

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How do I register for an online course?
You may register for online courses through WATC Admissions if you are a new student. If you are a current student, you should meet with your program director.

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How much does it cost?
Online courses cost the same as traditional WATC courses — they are priced according to the number of credit hours. Credit hours are listed in the syllabus for each online course. Financial aid may be available. Contact Financial Aid for more information. There is an online learning fee to help cover the cost of developing and maintain our online learning program.

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Can I “visit” an online course?
No. You may get more information about an online course by contacting the course instructor or Paul Jackson, director, Online Learning.

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What if I need technical help?
If you need technical assistance accessing or logging into an online course, contact the course instructor or Paul Jackson, director, Online Learning.

Check Technical Support for more information. Many technical problems have to do with the student’s particular Internet Service Provider (ISP) or with his/her own hardware or software. In most cases, students will have to contact their ISP for technical support. WATC cannot resolve problems with your own hardware, software or Internet service.

If you experience major technical difficulties with your computer, you may come to campus and use the computer lab or the Library and Learning Resource Center, Main Campus, to complete your coursework.

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What student services and resources are available?
All student services and student resources are available to online students. Visit WATC’s home page to see what resources are available to students.

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How quickly will my online instructor respond to my questions?
The course syllabus lists the online office hours for each instructor. Instructors will respond as quickly as possible during the posted office hours.
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What if I have more questions about online courses?
Please contact Paul Jackson, director, Online Learning, or call 316.677.9442.

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