Distance Learning Center New To Distance Learning (FAQ)

							                                   Distance Learning Center

                             New To Distance Learning (FAQ)

What Degrees and Programs does KSU offer Online?
   • Undergraduate Programs:
     B.B.A. – Management & Entrepreneurship Major
     B.S. – Sociology
   • Bridge and Certificate Programs:
     Graduate Certificate Program in Leadership & Ethics
     Graduate Certificate Program in Information Security & Assurance
     RN/BSN Advanced Placement Program
   • Graduate Programs:
     Georgia WebMBA
     M.S. in International Policy Management
     M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education (June 2012)
     M.Ed in Educational Leadership
     M.Ed. in Instructional Technology (Spring 2012)
   • Search for Online Courses:
     Kennesaw State University Online Course Search
     Georgia On My Line

Am I Ready?
   KSU students registering for an online course are required to complete the online student readiness
   assessment. The completion records are stored in Owl Express and instructors will verify completion prior
   to the start of online course.

   KSU Distance Learning relies on SmarterMeasure, an online learner readiness assessment to help students
   determine the planning and resources needed to succeed in a technology rich learning environment.
   SmarterMeasure helps students prepare for a successful distance learning experience. Students are not
   penalized for guessing on SmarterMeasure. Upon completion of the assessment, students receive a score
   report which will explain existing strengths, opportunities for improvement, and access to resources to
   promote a successful learning experience.

I am a Traditional Student. Can I Register for Online Courses?
   Yes, students can combine on-campus and online courses based on their needs and preferences. Some
   programs are cohort-based online programs that specify separate admission requirements and processes.
   These programs do not open registration to all KSU students. Existing KSU students can search for
   available online courses through the KSU Online Course Search Tool or through Owl Express.

   Registration preference for online courses is given to students that are designated Web Learners. The Web
   Learners program is for students that plan to complete their entire course of study in online programs.
What are the Benefits of a Registering as a Web Learner?
   The KSU Web-Learners program is designed for students enrolled in online programs at KSU, or for
   students that opt to complete full semesters online. It is open to any student in good academic standing.

   As a KSU Web-Learner, students benefit from a reduction in campus-related fees and receive priority
   registration for online courses. As a result of non-fee payment, Web Learners are not eligible to use the
   campus services supported by those fees. Students that wish to use the campus services supported by the
   student fees may do so by paying the fee associated with the specific service (outlined below). These
   services include the recreational facilities, health center, parking, and other campus services supported by
   student fees.

   Students must register for the Web Learners Program by the associated semester deadlines (see below). If
   students choose later not to participate in the Program, they must opt out since Web Learners are not
   allowed to register for face-to-face classes.

   Out-of-state students who enroll in the Web Learners Program will pay the online rate plus the in-state
   tuition rather than the normal out-of-state tuition.

   Effective Spring 2012, the Student Services Fee (Recreation, Student Activity, Athletic, Global Learning,
   Land Acquisition, Health and Transportation) and Parking Permit Fees will be waived for any student
   taking all online courses, regardless of the discipline. The Institutional and Technology Fees are mandatory
   for all students and are not waived.

What are the Benefits of Distance Learning?
   Distance learning provides considerable freedom, allowing students to often choose when and where they'll
   participate in class activities. But students will have the same kinds of deadlines and structured
   responsibilities of a face-to-face class. In other words, flexibility must be balanced by responsibility. Like a
   face-to-face course, online courses require that assignments be completed by due dates, attendance (via
   your logins to your course), involvement in online discussions, and sometimes group collaboration. Most
   students enjoy the active learning that online classes involve.

           • Save time and money spent commuting to a campus
           • Continue working at your current job while you are taking classes
           • Attend your class from anywhere as long as you have a high-speed internet connection
           • Learn at your own pace and study at your convenience
           • Learning new technologies
           • Interact on equal footing

What are the Challenges of Distance Learning?
   Distance learning is not easier that traditional classroom learning. While the benefits are many, students that
   enroll in an online course because they believe it is easier, soon learn differently. Self-motivation and
   discipline are required to succeed in distance learning courses. For many, distance learning offers access to
   education not previously available. It also provides a solution to flexibility needs, work and travel
   responsibilities, and family challenges.

   A successful experience in distance learning requires a basic familiarity with technology. Resources are
   available for students through Information Technology Services for those interested in distance learning,
   but in need of a technology refresher. It is also strongly recommended that students have ready access to a
   computer or laptop with a high-speed Internet access, such as DSL or cable broadband. Online courses will
   require students to download and access course materials.

   Distance learning success depending on preparation, motivation, dedication, and planning. If you are
    interested in completing an online degree or registering for an online course, please take the Online Student
    Readiness Assessment. The results will provide you with some helpful suggestions on how to best prepare
    yourself for a successful distance learning experience.


Do Online Courses Cost More (e-Tuition)?
    Online courses at Kennesaw State University do cost more than on-campus courses. Undergraduate online
    courses are charged an e-tuition rate of $100 per credit hour ($300 for a 3-credit hour course) in addition to
    the in-state tuition rate. Graduate online courses are charged an e-tuition rate of $125 per credit hour ($375
    for a 3-credit hour course) in addition to the in-state tuition rate. The online tuition rates apply whether or
    not you have signed up for the Web Learners Program.

    The e-tuition rate was put into effect in Fall of 2008 to help support a growing need for technology
    infrastructure and the support of distance learning initiatives. The e-tuition helps to strategically ensure the
    high quality of online courses and programs. KSU online courses are not differentiated from face-to-face
    courses in terms of expectations, rigors, and learning outcomes. The resources needed for online courses to
    equal the on-campus experience are substantial.

    KSU subscribes to the Quality Matters (QM) program; a faculty-centered, peer review process that certifies
    the quality of online courses. The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) also partners
    with QM to train and certify faculty in the development and teaching of online courses. Each online course
    is peer-reviewed by a team of three faculty members and certified prior to being offered. This process
    ensures that the online courses offered at KSU are based in national standards of best practices and
    instructional design principles.

    With the help of the e-tuition, the Distance Learning Center was established in the fall of 2010 to provide
    centralized leadership, support and resources to the university, colleges, faculty and students in the growth,
    administration, creation, and enhancement of high quality distance learning activities. The e-tuition supports
    this mission through investment in technology infrastructure, instructional technology resources and student
    support resources (DLC helpdesk, ITS student helpdesk, training and virtual labs for web learners). The e-
    tuition is allocated to the CIO's office for technology support, the Distance Learning Center for campus
    support, and the colleges for the strategic support of their distance learning initiatives.


What is the Difference between an Online Course and a Hybrid Course?
E-learning includes all forms of electronically supported teaching and learning. The term is often used to
reference both out of classroom and in-classroom educational experiences using technology. Most courses are
KSU are e-learning courses and use the GeorgiaView Vista system. Course notes, assignments, projects,
evaluations and grades may be posted on webpages using this learning management system. Face-to-face
courses may also be e-learning courses. Online Learning includes all forms of e-learning, but is predominantly
delivered to distance learners.

Online courses at KSU are 95% or more distance education courses. Online learners may live in diverse areas
and time zones, though occasionally a faculty member may request a campus visit for orientation or testing.

Hybrid courses are KSU are 50% on-campus classroom based courses, and 50% distance education. Students
can expect out of class activities that are conducted via the Learning Management System. These may include
discussion activities, virtual team meetings, wiki and blog activities, and self-guided assessments and
evaluation.
What Equipment and Technology will I Need?
   Computer:
   Distance Learners will need reliable access to a desktop or laptop computer that has adequate memory and
   processing capabilities for large file downloads, video players, and synchronous meeting applications.
   Information Technology Services provides recommended specifications:
   http://its.kennesaw.edu/students/gettingstarted.html

   Auxiliary Equipment:
   The Distance Learning Center also strongly recommends a WebCam and Headset for video-based
   communication. Many newer laptop or monitor set-ups are pre-equipped. These items may be required by
   faculty on a course by course basis.

   Internet Access:
   Online courses at KSU use the web to deliver courses at a distance. So, to learn in an online course
   smoothly, you need a high-speed Internet connection (such as DSL, Broadband, etc). This is especially
   important to the distance learning experience.

   Software:
   While this will vary by course, you will need a recent version of the Microsoft Office Suite. Access to MS
   Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel are expected and necessary for viewing course material or
   completing the assignment. Software such as MSWord, PowerPoint and Excel are suggested for viewing
   course material and completing assignments. Additional requirements include anti-virus protection,
   windows media player, QuickTime movie player, and a compatible browser. Visit
   http://its.kennesaw.edu/students/ for additional information on software training, compatibility and
   available downloads.


What is the Amount of Time Needed for One Online Course?
   An online student can expect to spend at least as much time in an online course as they would in a face-to-
   face course, and sometimes more. To give you a point of reference, for a 3-credit hour online course in a
   typical 16-weeks session, a student should expect to spend approximately 6-9 hours per week engaged in
   class work. In the summer semester, with the compressed 8-week schedule, the time dedicated per course
   will significantly increase. The notion that online courses are easier is not true. They are more convenient,
   but still require the same dedication and attention as a face-to-face course.


How Do I Get Started with GeorgiaVIEW Vista?
   KSU access to GeorgiaVIEW Vista (GVV) for both faculty and students is through:
   http://vista.kennesaw.edu (Use your KSU NetID to log in)

   Students will gain access to their GVV courses a few days before the start of each term. After students are
   loaded, the students will see in Vista all courses for which they are registered. They will not have access to
   a course unless the faculty member has logged into the course at least once.

   If a student registers during late registration/drop-add, it may take up to 48 hours to gain access to the
   course. Students are encouraged to contact their faculty member if they join a class during late registration.
   The faculty member may be able to assist in gaining immediate access to the course.

   To become familiar with GeorgiaVIEW Vista, visit the VISTA course tour and the Student Resources
How is my E-Tuition Applied?
   The e-tuition rate was put into effect in Fall of 2008 to help support a growing need for technology
   infrastructure and to support KSU’s distance learning initiatives. The e-tuition helps to ensure the high
   quality of online courses and programs. Our online courses are not differentiated from face-to-face courses
   in terms of expectations, rigor, and learning outcomes. Students receiving online degrees from KSU receive
   the same diploma as students attending traditional campus degree programs.

   Developing and maintaining high-quality online programs and making sure these are equivalent to our on-
   campus programs requires substantial resources. KSU subscribes to the Quality Matters (QM) program; a
   faculty-centered, peer review process that certifies the quality of online courses. The Center for Excellence
   in Teaching and Learning (CETL) also partners with QM to train and certify faculty in the development and
   teaching of online courses. Each online course is peer-reviewed by a team of three faculty members and
   certified prior to being offered. This process ensures that the online courses offered at KSU are based in
   national standards of best practices and instructional design principles.

   With the help of the e-tuition, the Distance Learning Center was established in the fall of 2010 to provide
   centralized leadership, support and resources to the university, colleges, faculty and students in the growth,
   administration, creation, and enhancement of high quality distance learning activities. The e-tuition supports
   this mission through investment in technology infrastructure, instructional technology resources and student
   support resources (DLC helpdesk, ITS student helpdesk, training and virtual labs for web learners). The e-
   tuition is allocated to the CIO's office for technology support, the Distance Learning Center for campus
   support, and the colleges for the strategic support of their distance learning initiatives.

   Since the fall of 2010, e-tuition was also used to create and maintain the DLC web-presence, student online
   readiness tools, and a new registration system to list Hybrid and Fully online courses clearly. E-tuition
   funding has also enabled KSU to purchase a closed captioning system for course videos to ensure ADA
   compliance which offers online course access to students who are hearing impaired. Inter-departmental
   collaborations are also working to increase the number of mobile web applications on campus.

   In the Distance Learning Center, online students have a strong advocate. Beginning in the spring of 2012,
   students enrolled as Web Learners (taking only online classes) will have many of the student services fees
   waived; paying only the technology and institutional fees
   (https://web.kennesaw.edu/registrar/students/web_learner_main). Yet those students with geographic
   accessibility, wishing to utilize campus resources, may do so by paying the fee associated with the service.
   Web Learners are an integral and valued part of the campus community.




                          Kennesaw State University, Distance Learning Center
                           1000 Chastain Road, House #58 Kennesaw, GA 30144
                                     distancelearning@kennesaw.edu