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Frequently Asked Questions for: Online Campus- How do online courses work?
- What are the advantages over traditional classroom courses?
- How long do online courses last?
- Does my online course require textbooks?
- How do I take tests in an online course?
- What kind of credit will I receive?
- Can I travel while taking online courses?
- How much do online courses cost?
- How do I register for online courses?
- How can I get advising or tutoring online?
- I don't know much about computers. How do I know if I am ready to take an online class?
- Where can I get help if I need it?
- Do online courses at Aims transfer to other Colorado schools?
How do online courses work?In Aims online courses, you learn entirely online, using your computer with Internet access. Some classes require one on-campus orientation session and/or testing in an on-campus lab or at another proctored site. The course content is presented through web pages, audio/video presentations and other means. Communication tools, such as web-based chat rooms, message boards and email, allow students to interact with the instructor and other classmates. Assignments may be uploaded to the site, which is much like creating an attachment in email.
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What are the advantages over traditional classroom courses?Aims Online Campus offers courses outside the confines of the classroom, allowing students greater flexibility to balance their work, school, home, travel and social schedules.
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How long do online courses last?Online courses are semester based. Most online courses are not self-paced. Students must log in to the course regularly and meet deadlines throughout the duration of the course. Some instructors may provide shortened intensive late-start courses. These will be indicated in the course schedule.
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Does my online course require textbooks?Most online courses use textbooks. In many cases, additional content and resources are supplied in the course, including web links, downloadable resources, audio and video files, etc.
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How do I take tests in an online course? Tests are given in variety of ways. They can taken "online" by using the course software with an internet browser, as a “take home” exam where a hard copy is printed out and handed in, or "proctored" in approved locations. Students can take "online" exams anywhere there is a computer with Internet access. "Online" exams can have a variety of question types, including multiple choice, matching, true/false, ordering, fill in the blank and essay questions. "Online" exams can be timed.
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What kind of credit will I receive?Credits earned through Aims Online courses are identical to credits earned through traditional on-campus courses. Our Associate of Arts online degree has been approved by our accrediting agency.
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Can I travel while taking online courses?Yes, students may log on from anywhere in the world as long as they have access to a computer and the Internet. (Please note that Internet access may have restrictions in some areas that prevent students from fully utilizing all features in their online courses.)
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How much do online courses cost?Currently, tuition for online courses is the same as tuition for Aims traditional classes.
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How do I register for online courses?Students who have completed the admissions process can register online by logging in to myAims. Online registration is available under the Student tab.
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How can I get advising or tutoring online?Students who need advising can receive those services in person, on the telephone or by email. If necessary, a web conferencing session can be arranged. See the Advising web pages for more information. Online tutoring is available in some areas. See the Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction web pages for more information.
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I don't know much about computers. How do I know if I am ready to take an online class?Use our computer skills checklist to determine if you have the computer skills necessary to succeed in an online course.
Computer Skills Checklist for Success in an Online Class
I can | | Type a minimum of 40 words per minute | | Create new folders on my computer | | Create documents in a word processing software program | | Use “Save As” to save files with a .doc or .txt extension to folders I created | | Access, read and reply to email | | Attach a document to an email message | | Download and install a plug-in on my computer such as QuickTime or Windows Media Player to access audiovisual files or Adobe Reader to view PDF files | | Change settings in my internet browser, for example, to disable a pop-up blocker | | Download and upload files | | Move files to and from a flash drive |
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Where can I get help if I need it?There is a lot of information for online students on the Aims Online Campus web pages.
You can find Aims Online Tutorials, Sample Course, Lab Orientation Schedules, Online Learning Tips at http://www.aims.edu/online/orientation.htm
For General Information and Assistance:
Contact the Online Learning Office
970 339 6476
onlinelearning@aims.edu
For Technical Help:
Contact the Aims Help Desk
970 339 6380
helpdesk@aims.edu
For Course Information or Help:
Contact your instructor.
The Academic Resource Center at all of our campuses is also available to online students.
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Do online courses at Aims transfer to other Colorado schools?Yes, all courses offered at Aims that are transferable to other Colorado schools will be accepted regardless of the method of delivery of those courses.
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