New York State Teacher Center : Online Academy (OLA)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How comfortable do I have to be using computers?
A: Moderate experience with using a computer is recommended. Our online courses require participation in online discussions, which require a fair amount of typing and word processing. There also may be course specific-applications. For example, a PowerPoint class will probably require as least basic familiarity with PowerPoint. It may be necessary for you to find, download and install plug-ins for your browser as well.
Q: Do I need a lot of sophisticated equipment and software?
A: You need a computer (WINDOWS 9x, NT/2000/XP or MAC OS 9.x to 10.x platforms are fine), a printer, regular and convenient Internet access, email software that supports file attachments, Microsoft Word, and a Web browser (Netscape Navigator version 4.7 and up or Internet Explorer version 6).
Q: Can I use AOL?
A: You can use AOL to dial into your Internet connection but you must use Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator to access the Online Academy .
Q: What Internet skills do I need to have?
A: Email skills such as sending and receiving messages, attaching files to an email, and knowing how to open attached files are basic things you will need to know. You should be comfortable navigating, book marking and searching the Web.
Q: Do I have to be online at a given time to participate?
A: NO. While the option of real time chat is sometimes made available at certain intervals, all of the class can occur at any time of day or day of the week. All of our courses DO set deadlines for assignment & discussion submissions, just like a traditional course, usually on a bi-weekly basis. For example, the work can be completed on Tuesday at 5pm or Sunday morning at 3am , as long as it meets the deadline for the week. Each course will have a Road Map that outlines all of the assignments as well as their projected time requirement.
Q: What qualities as a learner will I need to be successful?
A: Being self-directed and able to work well on your own, having the discipline to work at the course regularly so that you don't fall behind, and being motivated to complete the work are the keys to successful online learning.
Q: What support is available to me if I need technical or other assistance while taking a course?
A: Email and phone access is available for assistance. Course materials including assignments, syllabi and other resources are available online 24/7.
Q: How do we know the course content is valuable?
A: An online class is designed the same way as traditional course, first by identifying a need and then determining relevant content and appropriate learning procedures. Courses use standards of performance for participants (rubrics) and usually require participants to produce a project, participate in online discussions and provide postings of weekly research responses.
Q: How much credit is the course worth?
A: Classes are given an "equivalency" rating based upon the comparison of the course with a traditional course (generally 15, 20 or 30 hour values). An online learner will often spend 10-40% more time on the work in on online course vs. seat time in a traditional course. However, seat time has rarely counted "homework", commute time and other traditional "time expenses." Online courses are based upon traditional courses and are then adapted to the online learning environment.
Q: How much time does the course take?
A: See"How much credit is the course worth" above.
Q: How do I know a particular staff member actually took the course?
A: As is the case with a traditional course, there is no guarantee that the teacher who participated in the course is the same person as the one who applied for credit. A person is identified by a login name, a personal email address, a completed project and the professional, content-related dialog contributed.
Q: What qualities as a learner will I need to be successful?
A: Being self-directed and able to work well on your own, having the discipline to work at the course regularly so that you don't fall behind, and being motivated to complete the work are the keys to successful online learning.
Q: Can you register after the deadline?
A: No. However, if there are extenuating circumstances, consideration may be given if space is available.
Q: Can you participate in only a few weeks of the online course?
A: No. Each course has specific due dates throughout the entire course therefore, you would have to log on and participate about 2-3 times each week for the entire course dependent upon the facilitator.
Q: How will the in-service credit be granted?
A: Your teacher center director will be apprised of your credit recommendation from your facilitator and issue the certificate to you. If you are applying for in-service credit, it is your responsibility to follow your district's policy and procedure which may require prior approval for courses.
Q: Can I choose when to complete my 15 hours any time within the dates the course is offered?
A: Yes and no. You must log on and participate about 2-3 times each week for the entire length of the course but those times can be chosen by you. You can log on at 4:00am on Tuesday or 4:00 pm on Friday.
Q: How should I register?
A: Please have participants register individually online.
Q: I never received an email about the course!
A: There are a few reasons an email did not reach you! First, if you filter your email, please check it! Since we send out a group of emails, it is sometimes considered spam and is filtered out! Second, make sure you are using an active email address that you check frequently! Please make sure the email address is complete and accurate. Be aware of this especially if you are taking a summer course! Finally, you might not be registered in the class!
