FAQ

In Aims online courses, you learn entirely online by, using your computer with Internet access. Some classes require one on-campus orientation session or testing or both 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 an email.

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.

Online courses are semester based. Most online courses are not self-paced. Students must login 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. 

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.

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 or false, ordering, fill in the blank and essay. Online exams can be timed. Some courses require a proctored exam.  Ask your instructor if Alternative Proctoring (Off-site) is an option.

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.

Yes, students may log on from anywhere in the world, as long as they have computer access 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.)
 

Currently, tuition for online courses is the same as tuition for Aims' traditional classes.

Students who have completed the admissions process can register online by logging in to myAims. 

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.

Use our computer skills checklist below 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/thumb drive

For general information and assistance, contact the Learning Environments office through the web helpdesk support system. For assistance taking online courses, an Online Learning Specialist is available to assist you. You can find more information about how the Online Learning Specialist can support you on this page.

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. Check with the Advising Center or the college you wish to transfer to for details.