FAQ Related to Online Courses

Quick Links

• General Online Course Information
• Exams
• Projects
• Email Information

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General Course Information

First visit and read completely the FAQ page.

Online courses are entirely online - no in person meetings. Exams are online and have time limits.

If you are considering an online section you should consider these points when deciding whether the online course is the appropriate choice for you:

• There are no lectures -- you read & follow the textbook and other materials.
• You read the text, do the exercises (text or additional exercises), look at solutions and compare to yours, learn material on slides, complete projects and other assignments. Take exams.
• If you want a lot of traditional real-time instructor interaction such as whiteboard, you should consider a regular in-person class section. By its nature provides more real-time interaction.
• Email is best for specific questions that can be answered with a few sentences or examples
• Taking an online course is best suited for those who are comfortable working asyncrhonously/independently and do not require a lot of extra help from the instructor to complete course requirements.
• You should be aware that you will miss a lot of useful real-time impromptu information and discussion that is available only by attending a traditional in-person class.

Comparison of Regular and Online course.

	In-Person	Online
Lectures	Regular lectures	None Student reads the textbook, views slides, other materials.
Discussions & Demos	Normal part of lecture.	Read examples, explainations in textbook. web-available examples, other materials, email, phone, office visits, etc.
Exercises	Textbook Other Downloads	Textbook Other Downloads
Exercise Solutions	Textbook Other Downloads	Textbook Other Downloads
Help w/Graded Projects used as exams	None	None
Exams	In Class Online	Online

For Students Enrolled in an Online Section ...

• You must read and use use your MSC email for sending/receiving emails. Do not use any other email for this course. Important: Emails must follow certain guidelines. Read the FAQ page before emailing the instructor.
• You will receive an initial course email the first week of class that will provide course information. If you do not receive this email within a few days after add/drop ends, contact the instructor.
• You must respond to this initial email and indicate you are an active member of the class. Your response validates attendance and indicates you have received and read the initial email. If you do not respond to this email, you will be reported as non-attending to the registrar.
• Online exams will be administered using WebCT.
• You are responsible for having the HW/SW required for the course. The instructor is not in a position to provide help installing, configuring or managing your computer's SW or HW.
• Read completely the FAQ Page.

1. How are exams given?
Exams are give using MSCOnline or WebCT/Vista. Refer to your syllabus for more specific information.
2. Do I have to come to campus to take exams?
No.
3. Do I need a proctor to take an exam?
No. Exams are timed.
4. I have other questions about exams?
Visit the FAQ page for more information.

1. How should I submit a project?
Refer to your project spec sheet. Use either a floppy disk or CD. Do not email the projects. Projects can be submitted either by putting them in my department mailbox or by sliding them under my office door. If you are a distance student that lives too far to drive to campus, you can send your project by regular mail. It is your responsibility to see that your project has been received by the cutoff time.
2. I have other questions about projects.
Visit the FAQ page for more information.

1. First read the email FAQ section.
Visit the FAQ page for more information.
2. How quickly do you answer email?
I try to answer emails by the end of the next regular business day. Do not expect an answer on the weekend or holidays.
3. What type of help is available by email?
Answers to questions can be answered reasonably in a few paragraphs or short examples. Questions that require long answers or discussion are not well handled by email. Phone or office visits are available. Traditional in-person class sections are available for those that require instructor delivered detailed explanations with whiteboard.