Frequently Asked Questions
Online courses
Q: Are online classes harder than face to face classes?
A: Online classes cover the exact same material that face to face classes do, but due to the method of delivery it sometimes takes students longer to cover the material. For example, one page of text can be delivered as a lecture in about a minute where as it takes different people different lengths of time to read one page of text. A 50 minute lecture class covers about 50 pages of material; someone reading this text can take between 100 minutes (at 2 minutes a page reading) to 250 minutes at (5 minutes a page reading).
Q: Are there assignment due dates or can I work on things when I want?
A: Each online instructor structures their classroom differently, but most have assignment due dates. These dates are given to you at the beginning of class so that you can structure your time to meet the deadlines. This allows you flexibility in your schedule, but also keeps you on track to complete the class by the end of the quarter.
Q: How long do I have to complete and online class?
A: One quarter. Correspondence classes are given two quarters to complete.
Q: How accessible are online instructors?
A: Some online classes are taught by Centralia College faculty but most are taught by instructors from various colleges around the state. All instructors must put their contact information and schedule of availability in the syllabus of their online class. If you have problems accessing your instructor let the Dean of Library and e-Learning know.
Q: Can I
take a mix of online and correspondence courses to earn my AA degree?
A: Yes, as long as you follow the Associate of Arts Degree Plan, you can
mix online and correspondence courses that meet the required distribution
needs. For more information about the Associate of Arts distribution
requirements, please view the degree plans for
correspondence and
online
AA degrees.
Q: How do I order textbooks?
A: You may purchase your books from the Centralia
College Books Store at (360) 736-9391 x301 or online at:
http://www.centraliabookstore.com/
OR from the WAOL online book store at:
http://www.waol.org/studentservices/bookstore.asp
Q: What if I get into
the class and I can't do it because of technical difficulties?
A: If you are trying
to figure out if you are comfortable enough skill wise to do an
online class, go through the zero week online tutorial on the WAOL
webpage. If you feel very comfortable with it then you should
do fine. If you run into computer
technical difficulties, you can always use a computer in the
Centralia College computer labs to access your class or a computer
at your local library. Your login is tied to your username and
password not the computers so it is highly portable. If all
else fails, you can drop out of the class by following the regular
procedures. Contact the Dean of Library and E-Learning if you
have any questions.
Q: How do I get financial aid verification?
A: Log into your Blackboard classroom and print off
the “Welcome” page. Attach this page to your financial aid
verification form.
Q: How do I get help with technical problems?
A: Go to: http://www.waol.org/help/default.asp where you will find instructions for
24-hour per day technical support.
Q: How do I get information about withdrawal or
course add/drop procedures and other registration information?
A: Contact registration by email:
ntaylor@centralia.edu
or phone: (360) 736-9391, ext. 221
Q: How do I get help with assignments, course
content, or other course-related questions?
A: Contact your course instructor. Your instructor’s
email address is in your online classroom. Centralia College also
has an online writing lab and peer tutoring program available.
Q: What is a hybrid course?
A: "Hybrid" is the name commonly used nationwide to describe courses that
combine face-to-face classroom instruction with computer-based learning.
Hybrid courses move a significant part of course learning online and, as a
result, reduce the amount of classroom seat time.
Q: What is and ITV course?
A: An "ITV" course is composed of three distinct components--class
meetings, instructional video lessons, and a class website. These
components enhance the learning process by utilizing different methods of
conveying the course material.
Correspondence courses
Q: How do I get and Advisor?
A: Correspondence students who do not have an advisor, please fill out the Request for Advisor Form.
Q: What is a correspondence packet and how do I get the packet for my
correspondence course?
A: A correspondence packet contains all of the inserts, materials, and
information needed to complete a correspondence course. It will
include assignment cover sheets, correspondence success tips, program
guidelines, planning calendars and much more. It is the most crucial
tool for a correspondence class and the course can not be completed without
the packet.
Correspondence packets are to be picked up at the Learning
Resource Center in Kirk Library at Centralia College. New packets are
usually available for pickup about three weeks prior to the start of a new
quarter. If you cannot make it onto the Centralia College Campus, we
can mail the packet to you. Please contact Eric Richardson at (360) 736-9391
ext.374 or
erichardson@centralia.edu to
request to have your packet sent to you. We only mail packets out by
request; otherwise we assume you will pick up your packet at the Learning
Resource Center.
Q: Are correspondence classes harder than face to
face classes?
A: Correspondence classes cover the exact same material that face to face
classes do but due to the method of delivery it sometimes takes students
longer to cover the material. For example, one page of text can be
delivered as a lecture in about a minute where as it takes different people
different lengths of time to read one page of text. A 50 minute lecture class covers
about 50 pages of material; someone reading this text can take
between 100 minutes (at 2 minutes a page reading) to 250 minutes at
(5 minutes a page reading).
Q: Are there assignment due dates or can I work on
things when I want?
A: Each instructor structures their classroom
differently so check your correspondence packet for details.
Remember that even though you have two quarters to complete, it is
recommended that you make a schedule and stick to it so that you are
not cramming the entire class into the last two weeks of the second
quarter. Students receive lower grades when they procrastinate
and it is also very hard on your instructor.
Q: How long do I have to complete a correspondence
class?
A: Financial aid students are encouraged to complete all correspondence
course work within the first quarter. If you are not able to finish
your class by the end of the first quarter, please contact the financial aid
office to discuss your options. The financial aid office can be
reached at: (360) 736-9391, extension 234.
Q: How accessible are correspondence instructors?
A: Correspondence classes are taught by Centralia
College faculty that are both on and off campus. All
instructors must put their contact information and schedule of
availability in the syllabus of their classes.
Q: Can I
take a mix of online and correspondence courses to earn my AA degree?
A: Yes, as long as you follow the Associate of Arts Degree Plan, you can
mix online and correspondence courses that meet the required distribution
needs. For more information about the Associate of Arts distribution
requirements, please view the degree plans for
correspondence and
online
AA degrees.
Q: How do I order textbooks?
A: You may purchase your books from the Centralia
College Books Store at (360) 736-9391, ext. 301 or online at:
http://www.centraliabookstore.com/
Q: How do I get information about withdrawal or
course add/drop procedures and other registration information?
A: Contact registration by email:
ntaylor@centralia.edu or phone: (360) 736-9391, ext. 221.
Q: How do I get help with assignments, course
content, or other course-related questions?
A: Contact your course instructor. Your instructor's email address is in your course packet. Centralia College also has
an online writing lab and peer tutoring program available.
Q: How do correspondence courses work?
A: Correspondence courses are a complete course done via mail (USPS). At the beginning of the quarter, students pick up or receive a course packet. A correspondence packet contains all of the inserts, materials, and information needed to complete a correspondence course. Students follow the syllabus in the packet and mail in all assignments to Centralia College. Tests are to be taken at the Centralia College testing center or through a test proctor at another approved site.
Q: What are the basic tips for success for correspondence courses?
A: Read and Follow the Instructor’s written directions provided in your Correspondence Packet. It is important to understand the course requirements and your instructor’s expectations. Keep your packet until you receive a grade- you may need to refer to the information later.
Use the Assignment Cover Sheets that have been preprinted for you and are included in your packet. Complete ALL of the information requested on the form and attach to each individual assignment. Quarter enrolled is very important. It makes a difference in where your work is filed and which test you take. It is the quarter you registered for the class- it does not change, even though you may be completing work in a different quarter.
Procrastination is your enemy! Submit homework as it is completed - NOT ALL AT ONCE- at the end of the quarter. Some students wait until the last day; turn in all the work at once, then take all tests the same day. Later they learned that they had earned a grade of 0.0! Instructors can’t give you any feedback or assistance if you do not give them time to grade your work and to respond prior to grading day. It helps to develop a schedule for yourself and follow it.
Take tests as outlined in your syllabus. Complete your homework. This is like any other class, you need to prepare and study! Provide picture ID to Testing Center/Proctor. There are two ways to take tests: a) obtain an appropriate proctor and arrange as directed, or b) come to the test center in the Kirk Library Building and proceed as directed.
Q: Who can students contact if they have problems with the program?
A: Contact Eric Richardson at erichardson@centralia.edu or 360-736-9391 ext. 374.
