To be successful, online students need certain skills (such as familiarity with using email, browsers, and word processors) and a high degree of discipline and motivation. Here are some other characteristics that favor success in online courses. The student:
Internet courses are not briefer versions of classroom instruction. Some online courses are open entry and exit, while others are semester-based. However, all students are expected to complete coursework within the semester in which they enroll. (Amplification on Exit and Entry Guidelines here.)
Comprehensive registration information is available on the Registration Page.
Briefly, however, there are three ways to register for NPC Online courses:
Payment or payment arrangements must be made within two business days.
Whether you are an Arizona resident or out-of-state student, Northland's tuition remains the lowest of Arizona community colleges. Click to view current tuition rates (.pdf file). Each Internet course is subject to a technology fee ranging from $25 to $75. Course fees are listed in the Schedule of Classes.
Find your class and instructor on the
main Online Courses page. Once you're there, the next step is
usually to send an e-mail to the instructor. The instructor will then contact you with a login ID and password (if necessary), and other
information. When checking in with your teacher, include your name, mailing address, course name or number, phone number including area
code, and e-mail address. If you have difficulty contacting an instructor, please use the
Support Center page to send a message or call toll-free
1-800-266-7845 to leave a message for the instructor.
If, after enrolling, you discover the class is not what you expected, you should complete a Course Change Form at an NPC campus or center. Students out of the NPC service area can call the Records and Registration Office to request a form and instructions for returning the signed request. To avoid a 'W' (grade of withdrawal) on your transcript, be sure to complete the form prior to the fourth week of the semester. See the Academic Calendar for current deadline dates.
To receive a 100% refund for an Internet course, a student must officially drop the class within one week of registration and not have initiated any of the Online coursework. A 50% refund is provided if a student has dropped the class within two weeks of registration and has not initiated any of the Online coursework. Refunds are processed by the NPC Business Office, and checks are mailed.
Remember that withdrawing from a class may affect your financial aid eligibility. If this applies to you, contact the NPC Financial Aid Office.
Requirements will vary and times change. But in general, you'll need:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or higher,
or a current build of Firefox.)
(It makes sense to have multiple browsers available in case a problem develops while completing an exam or
deadline-critical assignment. Be sure to enable all Java/Javascript, set your cache to 'Always Reload' a page, and Allow Popup Windows, where
necessary.)
Open Office. Your instructor may require assignments to be turned in
using a particular format (such as .doc), and not many will be able to read 'Microsoft Works' files. Helpful tips:
firewalls and anti-spyware.
'browser tune-up'.Some courses may require additional browser plug-ins to use, display or print various multimedia files. These are generally free and install quickly on your computer. When downloading, be sure to select the file for your specific operating system and browser. This may mean multiple downloads to keep different browsers supported.
Adobe Acrobat Reader lets you read and print files saved in the PDF format.
Shockwave Viewer lets you view Shockwave and Flash animations used on many educational sites.
Quicktime,
Real Player,
and
WinAmp.Many software providers offer discounted Academic/Educational Versions to students. Places to shop for discounts include
JourneyEd.com,
Warehouse.com, or
SoftwareCity.com
While NPC library and lab computers provide Internet access, these computers may not contain all of the software or services required for a specific Internet course. Students should contact the instructor to verify all hardware and software requirements before starting course work (see also 'Refunds' above).
Textbook requirements vary by course. The syllabus will list all texts, lab kits or software needed for the course. In some cases, texts for online courses are different than those used in on-site classes. These materials can be ordered through the NPC bookstore (online or via phone). Other online sources for purchasing textbooks can also be found through the bookstore link.
For digital textbooks:
NPC computers may not contain by default all of the software or services required for a specific Internet course. Students should contact the instructor to verify all hardware and software requirements before starting course work (see also 'Refunds' above).
Students residing near NPC campuses or centers can visit the library during regular business hours. If this is not an option, take advantage of the Library's distance learning support page.
The majority of communication will be via e-mail. It is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor after enrolling in a course. E-mail addresses are found via the Online Courses page. The course syllabus will list the instructor's office hours and phone numbers if you need to leave a voice message.
When sending an e-mail message, be sure to place an appropriate phrase in the Subject area so that your instructor will have some idea what the body of the message will contain. Most instructors provide guidance on appropriate Subject areas in their course syllabus. It is also recommended that you include your full name, e-mail address, course name or number, and unit/chapter number within all attached documents.
Some courses use threaded discussions or chat rooms. If so, instructions will be included in the course syllabus.
Some instructors use quizzes or exams, while others use other means of assessment. Refer to your syllabus.
If your course requires on-site testing and you live outside of the NPC service area, contact your instructor to arrange for proctored testing.
Follow the instructions on the Records and Registration page.
No transcript of a student's record will be released until all financial obligations to the college have been satisfied. Please allow one week for processing transcript requests.
If grades from an online course are needed immediately for a transcript, please inform your instructor that grades need to be posted as quickly as possible.
A grade of 'Incomplete' (I) may be given for reasons deemed legitimate by the instructor. Your course syllabus includes guidelines for Incompletes.
A student receiving an Incomplete has the responsibility of initiating the procedure for removal of the grade. If an Incomplete is not removed within one semester from the end of the semester in which it was awarded, it is automatically converted to a grade of F.
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