• General Questions
• Off-Campus Learning Programs
• Online Courses
  • How do online courses work?
  • Are online courses different from in-class courses on campus?
  • Are online courses easier than in-class courses on campus?
  • What is the difference between an online and print-based course?
  • What is the difference between online semestered and on-line monthly intake course?
  • How do I find out if and what textbook is needed for my online course?
  • Do I need special software for my online course?
  • What if I need help with my online course?
• Print-based Courses
• Exams
• Registration, Withdrawals and Refunds

Most online courses are offered at the beginning of each semester and additional intake sections start the first business day of each month .

We will supply you with an instructor and the course to begin your virtual learning experience. You choose the time and place to "attend class" (access is available 24/7 for the duration of the course) . Whether it is from work or home, you simply access your coursework, lectures, and submit your assignments electronically as specified by your instructor.

Prior to the start of classes, students will receive (via Canada Post) a letter with a "user ID" and a "password" as well as instructions to access courses. Technical support is available via a toll free help line. Basic computer, file management, email and browsing skills are required.

Please note that some courses may have mandatory group work and mandatory chats where you will be required to be logged into your course at specific times for specified periods of time. These requirements will be indicated in the course description.

To take an online course you must ensure that you meet the the following requirements:

Computer: A Macintosh or PC platform will work. A minimum requirement is a Pentium processor ( 200 MHz recommended) with Windows '98/2000/ME/XP (XP recommended), or comparable Macintosh system.

Modem: A 56k modem will work. Cable or DLS connections are strongly recommended for the ideal learning experience.

Internet Access: Students must access and use their own internet account to connect to their online courses. An internet account with a local or national Internet Service Provider (ISP) providing SLIP/PPP connections is required (freenet accounts will not work).

Email: For most online courses you will be required to use your personal email account. Your ISP will provide you with an email account or you can set up a web based email account for your course and course correspondance.

Web Browser: A graphical browser such as Internet Explorer (version 5.0 or better) with Java and Cookies enabled is required. In some instances, it may be necessary for some users to upgrade their web browser programs. Technical assistance is available.

Software: Online courses require word processing software such as Word or WordPad. Individual courses may have additional technical and/or software requirements.Back to Top

The course objectives and curriculum for online courses are the same as on-campus classes; it is simply the method of delivery which is different. For your convenience, you can access your course work anytime 24 hours a day. Once your course begins, you should log-on once a day to make sure you don't miss any updates and postings from your instructor and other course participants.

Online courses are usually harder than traditional face-to-face classes. This is because distance learning students need to be self-motivated and have good study skills. Courses require active participation through frequent online communication with instructors and other students; these courses are best suited for those who can manage their own time and take responsibility for their own education.

Print-based

Print-based (correspondence) studies are a continuous intake, self-paced method of learning. You will receive a home study kit, assignment requirements (via Canada Post) and be assigned a tutor who will be responsible for marking and providing some assistance through telephone consultations. Students have a maximum time limit of six months to complete print-based (correspondence) courses, including writing the final exam.

Online

Study in your own home, your workplace, or your community! Algonquin College is pleased to be a member of OntarioLearn, which is a consortium of 22 Ontario Colleges that provide learning opportunities through the Internet. To take an online course, students must have access to a personal computer (Pentium PC with a Windows operating System or a comparable Macintosh computer) with a modem (56 K recommended) and an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Most internet courses are offered at the beginning of each semester and are 14 weeks in duration, including writing the final exam. Refer to the courses page of the web for start and end dates.

Prior to the start of classes, students will receive (via Canada Post) a letter with a "user ID" and a "password" as well as instructions to access courses. Technical support is available via a toll free help line. Basic computer and file management knowledge is required.Back to Top

Semestered Courses

These courses start every semester and most run for 14 weeks. You have assignment deadlines to meet throughout the course. You must write the final exam by your course end date. You can register up to 1 week after the course start date.

Monthly Intake Courses

These courses start the first business day of each month, excluding the month of January, and run for 14 weeks. You must complete all course requirements and your final exam within the 14 weeks. You must register within the month prior to the course start date.

Textbook information for online courses will be included in the confirmation letter you receive from the Distance Education department.

Online students are responsible for the purchase of required textbook(s), Click here to visit the courses page for online textbook reference.

Textbooks for online courses are available at the Algonquin College Bookstore, call 613-727-4723 ext.7609 or visit  http://www.bookstore.algonquincollege.com/.Back to Top

Online students are required to submit their assignments electronically using word processing software such as Microsoft Word or WordPad. Some courses however will require specific software to be used to complete the required homework. Special software requirements will be indicated in the course description.

Students are responsible for the purchase of the required software unless otherwise stated in the course description.

Online students communicate with their instructor via course discussion board or email. Course instructors will respond to inquiries each weekday for the duration of the course. Please note however, that there may be a scheduled study break during which the instructor will not be available.

If you require technical assistance, free technical support is available 24/7 for students registered in
online courses. If you require assistance with administrative matters, you can contact the Distance Education office.Back to Top