- What types of online courses do you offer?
- We offer three types of online courses:
- ASYNCHRONOUS CLASSES: Self-paced, on-demand learning with no scheduled class times. Access and complete lectures, readings and assignments on your schedule, with coursework typically due within a specific timeframe or by the end of the course. Self-paced courses are instructor-led with regular feedback and communication, as well as opportunities to connect with classmates. Instructors often hold live office hours, and group work can be scheduled around peer availability. Because you don’t have to be online at a specific time, this self-guided learning experience provides the most flexibility.
- SYNCHRONOUS CLASSES: Live online sessions with real-time interaction. Attend classes at the same time as your instructor and classmates and move through the course together. While assignments are expected to be completed by specific dates, there may be readings and pre-recorded lectures that you can pace yourself through. Because you attend class with a cohort of other students, synchronous courses require a commitment to the class schedule and can’t be rescheduled to fit your needs.
- HYBRID CLASSES: A blend of online and in-person learning experiences. - How is an online course different from a course in a classroom setting?
- The most obvious difference with an online format is that you don't have to travel to a classroom—you work at a time and place that is convenient to you. You can enjoy more flexibility and more responsibility for your own learning. Our online courses offer the same quality and academic rigor you expect from our traditional courses. And, they require the same commitment and effort you would bring to a classroom experience. However, online courses allow you more time to complete the course than those in traditional classroom settings.
- How will I receive course login information?
If you are enrolled in a web-based course on our online platform you will receive an email on the start date with information on how to log in to your course. If you enroll online on or after the start date, you will normally receive your login information within one hour. If you feel that you have not received your email, please check your spam folder.
If you do not receive your login information in the timeframe indicated, you can go directly to our online platform and reset your password by clicking the "Forgot Password?" link under the login form. Input your email address associated with your enrollment and an email will be sent to you with further instructions.
- How long will I have to complete the online course?
- The time required to complete an online course varies depending on the course.
- Asynchronous, self-paced courses: In a self-paced course, you must finish the course by the course end date. While you can complete lectures and reading assignments on your schedule, some coursework may need to be completed within a specific timeframe.
-Synchronous courses: In a synchronous course, you begin the course on a specific date with a group of other students. You progress through the course together, following the same schedule and end the course on the date specified. Some courses allow you to pace yourself though the program but have set exam dates.
*An extension can be granted upon written request. You will be charged an additional fee. If you do not complete the course and allow your user ID and password to expire without requesting an extension, you must pay the entire course fee again if you choose to finish the course.
- What are the refund/withdrawal policies for online courses?
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Please visit our Student Services section for information on our online enrollment policies.
- How will my learning be assessed?
- Our online courses contain a variety of techniques to assess your learning. Each course is unique but may include one or more of the following features:
- Instructor-graded assignments and projects
- Quizzes that can be automatically scored and provide immediate feedback
- Paper-based exams taken in the presence of an approved proctor (only applies to some courses)
- Projects you work on with a team of fellow students
- Discussion forums and chat sessions - What is the availability of my instructor?
- Our instructors make every effort to respond quickly to student inquiries. Instructors will provide you with their availability when you enroll in the course. Many also hold live office hours regularly where you can ask questions in real-time whether you’re in a synchronous or asynchronous class.
- How do online students get help or support during a course?
Our online courses are designed with a student-centered approach. Every open enrollment course includes multiple support resources to help students have a successful learning experience.
Not sure where to start? On the homepage of each course is a “Who to Contact” guide to help you identify the appropriate support channels for various needs, such as course-related matters, technical issues and administrative and enrollment support.
Our built-in support systems include:
-Online Help Desk: Online students can submit a ticket to the CPE Help Desk anytime through the Canvas portal. This feature is three clicks away from you Canvas dashboard. Our team aims to respond within 24 business hours to provide quick support.
-Syllabus: Each academic course includes an accessible syllabus outlining CPE policies and expectations. They also provide detailed information about the course description, requirements, workload expectations, assessment policies, grading breakdown and weekly topics to clarify any course-related questions you may have.
-Getting Started Module: New to online learning? Our online courses begin with a Getting Started module to help you prepare for your course and its key components. This module includes guides and tutorials for any educational technologies used in the course, allowing you to explore and practice before the class officially begins. It also features a discussion board where you can connect with classmates, build community and reach out with questions or requests for support.
-Canvas Tutorials and Success Checklist: Our online courses also include a success checklist with resources to help students new to online learning become proficient in Canvas and engage effectively with their courses and peers.
-Disability and Accessibility Support
-Accommodations: Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Student Services to request accommodations and support that promote their success in the course.
-Alternative Formats: Each course includes an accessibility tool that allows students to engage with content in the format that best meets their needs. Whether you prefer reading transcripts or listening on the go, you can choose from multiple formats designed to support diverse abilities and learning preferences.- What are some tips for successfully completing an online course?
- - Exercise the discipline and initiative to set time aside on a regular basis to complete the course.
- Be prepared to spend as much time studying and completing assignments as you would in a traditional classroom course.- Make sure your computer meets the minimum technical requirements listed for each course.
- Take advantage of the ability to interact with your instructor and fellow students.
- Let us know immediately if you are experiencing any difficulty with your course.
Visit our Resources for Online Learning page for more on how to succeed as an online student.
