Questions and Answers:
What is it like to take an online class?
How much study time will I need for an online class?
How many online classes will I take each term?
What kind of computer and computer skills do I need to take online classes?
What should I expect to spend each term?
Is financial aid available for online students?
Are online classes easier than traditional classroom courses?
Does an online class last as long as a traditional class?
Do I have to log in to VISTA on a certain day or time?
Can I do everything online?
How will I communicate with my professor?
1) What is it like to take an online class?
Online classes are offered over the Internet. Students navigate to the course website to access lecture notes, handouts, information pages, multimedia (audio/video), assignments, and communication tools. Students interact with classmates and the instructor through email, discussion boards, and sometimes instant-messaging type chats. Assignments may include discussion board postings, written reports/essays, journals, and interactive website activities. Assignment due dates are provided on a course calendar. Quizzes are taken online and may use a variety of question types including multiple choice, short answer, and paragraph responses.
Watch the video for a look at a sample online course.
2) How much study time will I need for an online class?
A traditional 3-hour college class usually requires 1-4 hours of study time outside the classroom each week. You should expect to spend the same amount of time studying for distance learning courses as for traditional classroom courses.
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3) How many online classes will I take each term?
Full-time college students usually take between 12 and 18 credit hours each semester (between 4 and 6 courses). Online students may also take this number of hours; however, if you are trying to maintain a household or you're working full-time, it is strongly recommended that you take less than a "full load."
A faculty advisor from your selected degree area will assist you in determining how many classes is best for your situation, as well as which classes you should take each term.
4) What kind of computer and computer skills do I need to take online classes?
Any computer purchased within the past several years that can access the Internet should be appropriate. A broadband Internet connection is best; however, our courses do accommodate low-speed connections. You should be familiar with email and word processors such as Microsoft Word.
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5) What should I expect to spend each term?
Online courses at MGC cost $110.00 per credit hour. All students pay flat $38.00 technology and $10.00 records fees each term. Students who only
take classes online do NOT pay fees for activities, athletics, parking, health, or campus card.
6) Is financial aid available for online students?
Yes. Depending on financial need and eligibility, online students have the same options available to them as traditional students, including scholarships, loans, and grants.
Apply for financial aid information
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7) Are online classes easier than traditional classroom courses?
No. Online courses at Middle Georgia College are comparable in rigor to traditional classroom courses.
8) Does an online class last as long as a traditional class?
The MGC online program generally follows the traditional college schedule. The primary semesters are 16 weeks long and begin in both the fall and spring. Some online courses are designed to run 8 weeks, allowing students to divide a 16-week term with two 8-week classes. MGC also offers a full 10-week summer term and two back-to-back 5-week summer terms.
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9) Do I have to log in to my class on a certain day or time?
Most instructors expect you to login on a regular basis. Typically, everyone does not have to be online at a scheduled time; however, some instructors do plan special help sessions or discussions as "synchronous" meetings. Such meeting times are usually scheduled from the beginning of the course.
10) Can I do everything online?
Yes. Admissions, advising, registration, course delivery, and all class activities are available to the student "fully at a distance."Â You do not have to come to campus.
Some instructors do post exams that require secure settings. In these situations, you may use an approved proctor who will administer the test to you at your location.
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11) How will I communicate with my professor?
You'll communicate with your professor primarily through course email. Other methods of communication may include discussion boards, blogs, chat, and/or course announcements. Also, don't forget: a phone call is always an option.
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