Online Class FAQ
The answers to the questions below should address most of your questions about online classes.
Questions that aren't addressed below can be sent to christine@peakonlineeducation.com.
What is different about Peak Online Classes?
How long are the classes?
What are the technology & system requirements for online classes?
Do I need to install special software to participate in online classes?
How is taking an Internet course different from classroom instruction?
Once I register for an online course, how will I know where to go to access my course?
If I am a computer novice, should I not take an online course?
Why take online classes?
What is different about Peak Online Classes?
At POE, students come first. We limit class size so that the instructors will be able to interact with every student. You won't find yourself in a class of 200 where you are known by a number rather than your name.
We also believe that learning should be fun....for the instructor as well as the student. At POE, you will learn new skills, or improve existing ones, while you interact with some of the greatest people online - our students.
Online classes are 8 weeks long unless otherwise posted. Instructor lead classes are not self- paced, we will be following a weekly schedule. Students will participate in online activities, weekly assignments, and discussion board posts.
What are the technology & system requirements for online classes?
Connection: A T1, Cable, or DSL connection is best. A 56k modem will also work, but at a noticeably slower rate Browser: Internet Explorer (6.0 or higher), Firefox (2.0 or higher) or Safari (2.0 or higher)
Do I need to install special software to participate in online classes?
You will need to have access to Microsoft Office 2007 and the Internet.
How is taking an Internet course different from classroom instruction?
Students can "attend" a course at anytime, from anywhere. This means that parents can attend to their children, then sit down to class; working students can attend classes no matter what their work schedule might be, folks that travel for business or pleasure can attend class from anywhere in the world that has internet access.
Once I register for an online course, how will I know where to go to access my course?
Approximately two weeks before the start of your online course you will receive a Welcome Email that provides you information on how to access your course. Included in the email is the contact information for your instructor, the textbooks you will need to purchase, and any additional information your instructor feels is necessary. If you register within two weeks of the course start date, you will receive an email within 48 hours of your registration. It is extremely important that you provide a working email account when you register, as well as a phone number where you can be reached in case we need to call you with information regarding the course.
If I am a computer novice, should I not take an online course?
Many students who claim to be computer novices have successfully taken our online courses. Being a computer novice should not deter you from taking an online course. If you are able to access the Internet, navigate to various Web sites, send email with attachments, then you have the necessary skill to take an online course. We also provide any help you made need to be a successful student.
Convenience - Students can "attend" a course at anytime, from anywhere. This means that parents can attend to their children, and sit down in our E-class; working students can attend classes no matter what their work schedule might be; folks that travel for business or pleasure can attend our classes from anywhere in the world that has internet access.
Individualized Instruction – Through online education, students are able to learn concepts and theories in their own way and at their own pace. Maybe YOU learn better when you listen to the information or when you read it to yourself. Online education offers the ability to choose which method you prefer. Many course presentations can be viewed, listened to or printed out.
Communication – Online education tends to promote more communication. Students are no longer confined to asking questions during a class. Instructors and other students are easily available through posting on message boards, instant messages and email. Since online education instructors are unable to physically take attendance, the participation of students is the only way to know if a student is active in the class. This makes interaction and communication from students extremely high.
You can establish meaningful interaction with your tutors and other students via the Internet without leaving your home. You can contribute to course discussion and comment on the thoughts of others. This quality and extended discussion capability enhance your study experience.
Participation - Participating online is much less intimidating than "in the classroom." Anonymity provides students a level playing field undisturbed by bias caused by seating arrangement, gender, race and age. Students can also think longer about what they want to say and add their comments when ready. In a traditional class room, the conversation could have gone way past the point where the student wants to comment.
Technology - Using the internet to electronically attend class, research information and communicate with other students teaches skills in using technologies and methodologies that will be critical to workers in the 21st century business community that works with colleagues globally and across time zones.