Getting Started - eLearning - Winter 2012
eLearning
Contact: (253) 964-6244; Toll Free: 1-877-eLForMe (353-6763) | eLearning Website
eLearning allows you to take college courses without attending classes on campus. Several delivery modes are offered, ranging from fully online to video telecourses. All courses require access to a computer connected to the Internet. The amount of time online and types of activities differs for each eL mode. They are affordable, transcripted and transferable - just like regular campus-based courses! Several programs have degrees that can be completed online, including a general associate of arts transfer degree.
Things to Consider and Know
Is eLearning right for you?
Take the self assessment at the eLearning Web site or sign up for CIS 103 and see how it works first-hand.
Do you have an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
Don't register until you are connected and working! You can use campus labs, if convenient.
Does your computer meet the requirements?
Check www.washingtononline.org, click "Getting Started," click "Technology and Skills Requirements."
Are you ready to register? Check out the Getting Started guidelines.
Technology Requirements
- Computer with common software like Microsoft Office or MS Works
- Internet connection at home, work, in campus labs or some place like college or public libraries
- Skill using the computer, software and Internet systems like the Web and e-mail.
Additional Fees
- PCOL/WAOL - $8 per credit
- HYBRIDS - $4 per credit
Special Details
- Financial aid students can use their award to pay the fee.
- Tuition is the same as for standard campus-based courses.
- Class start dates may differ from the regular college calender.
If you have additional questions, you can check out the eLearning Frequently Asked Questions.
Pierce College Online (PCOL) and WashingtonOnline (WAOL)
Pierce College Online (PCOL) and WashingtonOnline (WAOL) are traditionally structured online courses that allow you the freedom to attend class on your own schedule. These courses are not self-paced, so you'll need to follow the structure and schedule of traditional classes. These classes have an $8 per credit technology fee per course.
WashingtonOnline (WAOL) courses are offered cooperatively by the Community and Technical Colleges of Washington. Instructors and students can be from any college in the state. Books and materials are all listed at a single online bookstore. You enroll at your local college and follow their admissions, advising and registration procedures.
Pierce College Online (PCOL) - Pierce College has also created online courses that are only available through Pierce College and all students enroll here. The instructor is at Pierce College and the Pierce Bookstore is the primary source for course materials.
WAOL and PCOL courses are NOT correspondence courses, nor are they self-paced! They have scheduled start and end dates closely following the normal quarterly schedule. You are expected to participate regularly in the virtual classroom. Count on spending 15 hours per week on a course, checking in five out of seven days a week. Activities include online threaded discussions, research, regular submission of assignments, group activities, textbook work, etc. You do not have to be online at a specific time, so you can fit course activities around your life.
Note: All WAOL and PCOL mode courses have an additional $8 per credit fee.
Need additional help? Contact WAOL at (888) 580-9011 or wa-online@ctc.edu.
Quarterly Schedule
Quarterly schedule courses operate on the same schedule as campus classroom courses. You are required to complete assignments by due dates, take exams when they are made available, participate in any periodic campus based sessions, and complete all work by the end of the quarter. Pay special attention to the grading policy in the instructor's syllabus.
Continuous Entry
Continuous entry courses allow you to join open course sections up until the last day that withdrawals are allowed. You work your way through course requirements, turning in assignments and taking exams as you are able to complete them. If you don't complete by the end of the initial quarter in which the course was started, you typically receive a "Z" grade that signifies you are "in progress." Some courses may require a minimum amount of completed coursework for a "Z" grade. Be sure you are aware of financial aid and other degree program requirements that require students to complete courses in the quarter they are started. Your final grade is posted at the end of the quarter in which you complete the course. All "T" mode courses have an additional $40 fee.
Self-Support Courses
Self support courses are offered outside the traditional "state-supported" tuition system. The noted fees are collected no matter how many courses are taken on a tuition basis. Generally, they do not qualify for Financial Aid funding. Credit courses will appear on Pierce College transcripts and certificates will be issued for non-credit courses upon request. Courses follow a learner-paced lesson schedule within a limited course time frame. Since courses are offered in various elearning modes, be sure you have the required technology.
Refund policy: Class cancelled by the College = 100% refund. Students withdrawing prior to first meeting = 100% refund, less a $5 non-refundable registration fee. Refunds are generally not made after a class has started, but remain at the discretion of the eLearning office.
Hybrid courses
Hybrid courses combine class work at the physical campus with work that's completed in the online classroom. This is a great option if you like online learning, but still enjoy face-to-face contact with teachers and classmates. These classes have a $4 per credit technology fee per course.
eLearning Registration
Register
You may register online, by mail or in person at either college. You may also fax your mail-in registration to (253) 964-6427. For phone-in registration, call (253) 864-3330 Mon.-Thurs. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (except holidays and summer break).
Please review the key date page for registration information.
Pierce College Online AND WashingtonOnline: Due to the time needed for students to prepare for the start of these online courses, any PCOL/WAOL sections with openings at the end of the last day to register will be fully closed. This means there is no late registration with instructor permission, plan in advance.
Fees
Costs follow the institutional guidelines for tuition and fees:
- Quarterly and Continuous Entry: In addition to tuition and fees, a $40 eLearning support fee is charged for each course designated with "T" mode.
- PCOL/WAOL: An $8 per credit eLearning support fee is charged, in addition to tuition and fees, in courses designated with WAOL and PCOL mode.
- Self-Support courses: Fees noted in list.
Withdrawals/Refunds
PCOL, Quarterly Schedule and Continuous Entry: Institutional guidelines and dates for withdrawal and refunds apply.
WAOL: Since start/end dates may vary from the regular campus schedule, check the key date information page for more information.
Self-Support courses: See policy in description.
Debts to the College: If you have an outstanding debt to the college, the college may offset the outstanding debt against any refunds due to you.
After Registration Steps
PCOL, WAOL and Self-Support Courses: Visit the eLearning Current Student page for detailed information.
Quarterly Schedule and Continuous Entry courses: Visit the eLearning Current Student page for detailed information.
College Policies
Pierce College has a number of policies related to students. You can find all our policies online.
