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Frequently Asked Questions
(Click on the question to view the answer)
How does the APCO Institute Online work?
APCO Institute Online brings students and faculty together in an eLearning venue, using computers with Internet capability from points around the world. Just prior to the start of the class, you will receive the appropriate textbook and access information for the course. You will be required to log in a few times each week to participate in the class discussions and answer questions related to the reading assignments. APCO Institute Online courses are not self-paced or open-ended. There is a start date and an end date to each class, as well as weekly deadlines for assignments.
How is the APCO Institute instructor trained to teach online?
Adjunct faculty, as well as APCO Institute staff, complete a thorough training program designed to develop the skills necessary to instruct in this environment. This is above and beyond the traditional requirements for instructor certification through APCO Institute. Only upon successful completion of this program are they allowed to instruct as part of the APCO Institute Online.
What is a typical week for the APCO Institute Online?
Most students check in on Wednesday or Thursday and print the weekly assignments and other class information. Each week you will have reading assignments from the text. From this reading assignment, several questions are posed to you. You can log in throughout the week to answer the questions and continue interacting with your classmates and instructor. You should check the site several times to see how classmates have responded to questions, if the instructor has requested clarification of your response, and to comment on other postings.
Are there tests for APCO Institute Online courses?
Yes, the tests are completed online. You are immediately notified whether you passed or not. Other assignments for the courses, such as papers or videos, are submitted to your instructor before being forwarded to APCO Institute.
Can I talk with faculty and other students in private?
Yes you can. You may call, fax or e-mail others and even log into a secure chat room.
Does not seeing my instructor and other students detract from the learning process?
No. It is true that the visual clues people rely on are not present, but through the use of proven techniques, instructors are able to convey their messages to you in a way you will understand. It is also simple to contact others for clarification if needed.
The materials for the APCO Institute Online have been adapted for use in this medium. APCO Institute staff members are recognized leaders in the field of web training and are skilled in adapting existing materials and designing new materials for use in this new and exciting environment.
What type of computer am I required to have?
The minimum requirements are a Pentium processor with 128MB RAM or a Macintosh equivalent and an Internet connection. You are also required to have a web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, AOL, or Netscape Navigator. To ensure compatibility, you should use the latest version of your web browser.
Will I get the same quality education APCO Institute provides through their traditional training classes?
Yes. Our Institute Online courses use the same textbooks as our traditional courses, and you receive the same certificate. The results from our ongoing assessments indicate that our Institute Online students have performed as well as those in our traditional classes. The Institute Online allows for individual feedback from our faculty, as well as more time to digest and process the information, as opposed to traditional classes. In addition, those students who may be reluctant to speak up in a live class must complete all assignments in the online format. These factors, combined with the ability to schedule participation when it is most convenient for you, create a productive learning environment.
How much does it cost?
Tuition for Institute Online courses varies. Travel and lodging expenses are not incurred when attending Institute Online courses. An additional cost you may incur is the cost of Internet access. These costs vary according to the provider you choose. If you have Internet access but do not have a personal e-mail account, free web based personal e-mail accounts are available through various web sites.
How much time am I expected to spend on an Institute Online course?
The typical student spends four to five hours per week on their coursework. This includes reading, writing, and participation on the Discussion Board and chats.
How long does it take to complete an Institute Online course?
Time frames range from three to nine weeks, depending on the topic.
Do I have to be a computer expert to take an Institute Online course?
No. You should know how to use your computer, how to save and retrieve files, how to navigate the Internet, and how to use a word processor program.
If you have any questions, Let us know !
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