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Student FAQ
ABOUT WISCONSIN'S TECHNICAL COLLEGES
How can technical college courses help me with my career?
Graduates of Wisconsin technical colleges get the education and training that provides skills to compete in today's competitive technical job market:
- Two-thirds of the fastest growing occupations require technical education.
- Better value as a result of technical college credits costing much less than other four-year institutions, resulting in quicker financial freedom when you graduate.
- Smooth credit transfer to the University of Wisconsin System gives you the option of pursuing your bachelor's degree at a later date.
- 92% of our graduates are employed within six months of graduation.
- 74% of our graduates get jobs in a field that is directly related to their training.
- 97% of our graduates are satisfied or very satisfied with their education from the technical college.
These statistics are from the 2004 WTCS Graduate Follow-Up Report.
How do I find out more information about Wisconsin's technical colleges?
If you are a student looking for information, go to the Wisconsin Technical Colleges student site. This site will explain to you how to apply to a Wisconsin technical college and how to register for courses. This site also has links to all 16 Wisconsin technical colleges throughout the state.
If you are looking for information about the Wisconsin Technical College System, the organization that oversees all of Wisconsin's technical colleges, go to the WTCS website.
ABOUT ETECH COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
What is eTech College of Wisconsin?
eTech College of Wisconsin is the Wisconsin Technical College System's distance education consortium. An executive board comprised of presidents and others from Wisconsin's technical colleges oversees the eTech College program and works closely with standing committees to develop standards for the curriculum, instructional design, faculty/staff preparation, student support, and other factors critical to consistent delivery of quality educational experiences to students through online courses.
What are the benefits to me of taking online courses through eTech College of Wisconsin?
Taking online courses through eTech College of Wisconsin benefits students, instructors, Wisconsin's technical colleges and the State of Wisconsin.
How do I get more information about eTech College of Wisconsin?
There are three ways you can get more information about eTech College of Wisconsin:
- Contact any curriculum or administrative staff at any of Wisconsin's technical colleges.
- Email Nancy Woodward
- Call us at 1-608-266-7592..
HOW IT WORKS
How do I apply to a Wisconsin Technical College?
Roadmap
What is the process for enrolling in an online course?
The courses listed on eTech are actually offered by one of the 16 technical colleges within the state of Wisconsin. eTech College itself is not a district and serves as a support system for teaching and learning online. Because of that, each technical college has its own registration procedures .To enroll in a course, first view the online course catalog, select the course and section you wish, then click on the "register for this course" link at the bottom of each course information page.
What are transfer credits?
Transfer credit is the acceptance of credits from other regionally accredited institutions of higher education.
How do I know if certain courses and credits will transfer to other Wisconsin Technical College System districts or to a four-year institution?
First, you should always work with an advisor or other school personnel at the college or district you are transferring to (they will best know if courses you have taken meet their school's guidelines). For specific district contacts about transfer credits, please visit the following site:
http://www.uwsa.edu/tis/contact/wtctfrcontacts.shtml
Another option that might help is to use the Transfer Information System (TIS) web site which offers UW and Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) students the ability to see how their credits will transfer to any UW campus, as well as certain WTCS to WTCS districts. The site includes "wizards" that allow students to see how individual classes or courses in entire departments will transfer. The site also includes over 500 WTCS transfer agreements between UW and WTCS campuses. These agreements permit occupational courses in specific degree programs to transfer into a UW major. The TIS site is located at: http://www.uwsa.edu/tis/.
Can students under 18 take online courses?
Yes, but only with the permission of the school district that they are attending and their parent/guardian. A counselor needs to furnish a letter stating the course the student can take and who is responsible for paying the tuition. Check out the Youth Options program.
How many online courses can I take?
We suggest you be very realistic in planning your program because online courses require just as much work as on-campus courses. If you are already taking other on-campus courses, you should probably start with just one additional online course.
What is a "home district"?
If you are only taking a course, it is the district offering your course. If you are seeking a program degree, it is the district that will eventually grant your Associate Degree. If you are completing a program online, a certain number of credits must be completed within the home district. This requirement varies depending on the program.
ABOUT ONLINE LEARNING
What is an online course?
An online course is one delivered through the Internet and web-based software. Students interact with the instructor and other students via email. This class format is very flexible for busy schedules due to the fact that you can log on to the course at any time of the day (or night).
Through Wisconsin's technical colleges, students can access online courses at home, work, or school via the Internet. Most online courses are offered 100% online in an asynchronous mode, anytime from anywhere with no on-campus requirement.
Some online courses may be hybrid and require some on-campus sessions. A hybrid online course will have a note on the course schedule informing the student of the required on-campus sessions.
After I register for an online course, what do I do next?
You should go through the Online Orientation to review procedures and tools used while taking an online course.
How can I check my online grade status or get an unofficial transcript?
Current students can check their enrollment status, G.P.A., and receive an unofficial transcript by calling their home district. Some districts have online student status information sites where one can check enrollments, registrations, and grades online. Check with your home district for these services.
How do I interact with my instructor and classmates?
Online students are able to interact with their instructor and classmates in several ways:
- By email: Students and instructors exchange email addresses at the beginning of each course, which enables ongoing discussion outside of the online classroom.
- By phone: You are free to exchange phone numbers with classmates.
- Using online discussion threads: Track topical discussions or respond to questions posed by your instructor.
How long do online courses last?
Online courses are offered on a semester (16-week) basis beginning in August or January and in a very accelerated session beginning in June.
How do I get my grade when I complete an online course?
Depending on where you are taking your course, grades will either be posted online or mailed to you. After a class is complete and credits and grade transfers have occurred, this information should be available to you from your advisor or your home district's admissions office.
Do online courses have tests?
Some courses have tests. Most exams are taken online; but your course syllabus will inform you if you need to take the exam on campus. Most online courses evaluate you on the quality of your assignments, projects and quizzes. The quizzes are graded automatically. The evaluation process of the course will be noted in the course syllabus.
How do I "attend" an online course?
You will receive a message on or before the first day of class describing how to access your course web site. Attendance in an Internet course is not based on "seat time" as it is in regular classroom-based courses. You will be involved in a variety of learning activities both on and off the Internet.
How will I get my textbooks and other resources?
Your instructor will contact you, via e-mail or orientation session, to let you know what textbooks and other resources are needed for your class. You can find an approximate cost of your textbooks by calling your home district's bookstore - just be sure to have the course number for the class.
How much time will I spend on this course each week?
This depends on each individual and their learning style plus other factors. As a very general estimate, plan on spending a minimum of 3-4 hours per week, per credit, over 16 weeks working on your course. For example, if you are taking a 4-credit course over 16 weeks, you will need to plan on spending 4 credits multiplied by 3-4 hours per week or 12-16 hours per week on this course.
Please remember that you will not have commuting time or in-class "seat time" with an Internet class.
How will I be evaluated?
This depends on the class. In some classes, you complete projects to demonstrate your learning. In other classes, you may take tests over the Internet. In other classes, there is a combination of both projects and tests used to evaluate your learning.
Is there a standard format to use for writing papers and assignments?
No. Just as in on-campus classes, the instructor will determine the format based on the learning activities required in the course. For some courses, you will complete assignments by typing in the body of an e-mail message. Other assignments will require that you use a word processor and attach this document to an e-mail message.
How do I schedule a proctored test for an online course?
If your course requires you to take some tests under the supervision of a proctor, you will be responsible for finding a suitable proctor at a location near you. Give your instructor the proctor's contact information (and vice- versa) to ensure that the proctor will receive the testing materials well in advance of the test due dates. An instructor at a local campus or a certified librarian would be a suitable proctor, or you can contact your instructor for additional recommendations.
Someone referred to a LMS? What is this?
LMS stands for Learning Management System. It is a broad term used for a wide range of systems that organize and provide access to online learning services for students, teachers, and administrators. (from Paulsen, M. F. 2002. Online Education Systems: Discussion and Definition of Terms)
Blackboard and Other Learning Management Systems
What time are online classes held?
You can access your class and participate via the Internet, any time, day or night, as long as you have an Internet connection. Students usually need to log in 2-5 times each week, unless otherwise noted by your instructor in the course syllabus. You can expect to spend 10-15 hours each week per course.
Do classes have specific start and end dates?
Most courses listed on eTech College have start and end dates. They are listed on the course registration/information page. Some classes are open in that they may not follow a traditional semester and may allow for more completion time. If you are unsure of the start and end dates, ask your district.
How long will my program take me to complete?
The amount of time you will need to earn your degree depends on several factors, including:
- The program you enroll in
- Whether you transfer in previously earned college or university credit
- Whether you receive credit for prior learning
- How many classes you take at one time
When can I register for an Internet course?
It depends on the course. Some districts have two types of registration:
- Traditional: Registration is before the beginning of a semester.
- Barrier-Free/Open: You can enroll anytime within the semester and are given a specific number of weeks from your start date to complete the course. Your course could span traditional semesters.
Check out the eTech College Course Catalog to search for courses, and see the registration dates for each course you are interested in.
How much time will I need to spend on the Internet?
This depends on the course. In most classes, you will need the Internet to view your learning activities. Some learning activities, like reading a textbook are completed off the Internet. For other learning activities, like viewing a web site, you must be on the Internet. Computer Based Training (CBT) Internet courses require you to be connected to the Internet while working on the course.
IS ONLINE LEARNING RIGHT FOR ME?
How do I know if I am a good fit for online learning?
Self Assessment
What is a "typical" online student like?
Student Profile
I don't have a computer at home, but still want to look at online learning as an option. Is this possible?
Computers are available for access at local libraries, community centers, and other public areas, depending on where you live. Each district also has open computer labs on campus for students to access.
Does the online format provide the same quality of education offered by face-to- face classes?
Both online and classroom courses offered by the Wisconsin's technical colleges are accredited college level courses. Both require registration in the class and completion of the assignments at regular intervals. Both require students to understand the concepts, read a textbook, turn in assignments, and take exams.
However, online students may complete a course from the comfort of home, work, or campus; classroom students must attend classes on campus. Online students have the option of going ahead in their work; classroom students must all follow the same pace. Online students interact with fellow students and with the instructor primarily online; classroom students interact in person with fellow students and the instructor during each class.
STUDENT SERVICES
What student services are available to me?
Online students have all the same student services available to them that traditional classroom-based students have: financial aid, the library, student activities, counseling, and other student services are available to online students through the district where you are completing a degree.
What types of services are available for people with disabilities? Who can I contact at a Wisconsin technical college to get more information?
What student services are available at my district?
Student services at each district will vary. It is best to check with the district you are taking your course with to verify which services are available and how to access them. Districts will be able to inform you of student services.
TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID
What does it cost to take an online course?
Tuition and Financial Aid
Is financial aid available?
Tuition and Financial Aid
How do I apply for financial aid?
Tuition and Financial Aid
TECHNICAL, HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
I don't have a computer at home, but still want to look at online learning as an option. Is this possible?
Computers are available for access at local libraries, community centers, and other public areas, depending on where you live. Each district also has open computer labs for students to access on campus.
What Internet browser software will I need to take an online course?
Any of the major Internet browsers will work. Some suggestions might include:
- Internet Explorer: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.htm
- Mozilla Firefox: http://www.mozilla.org
- Netscape: http://www.netscape.com
- Opera: http://www.opera.com
Are there any other technical considerations?
Skills Assessment
What if I am not a good typist?
Assuming your course is not advanced typing, this shouldn't be any more of a problem than it would be in a traditional course. If you are not a good typist, and a large amount of typing is required, you will need to use the same strategy that you would use to complete this assignment in a traditional classroom.
Most of the typing online involves responding to e-mail messages and taking tests online. The "hunt and peck" method of typing works okay for this.
Someone referred to a LMS? What is this?
LMS stands for Learning Management System. It is a broad term used for a wide range of systems that organize and provide access to online learning services for students, teachers, and administrators. (from Paulsen, M. F. 2002. Online Education Systems: Discussion and Definition of Terms)
Blackboard and Other Learning Management Systems
Do I need an e-mail address to take an Internet course?
Yes, many student/instructor interactions are done through emails. An Internet Service Provider (ISP) normally provides customers with e-mail accounts but if you don't have an e-mail address, one is available through your home district.
What if I need technical support?
Some districts have a student on-line help desk. Contact the student on-line help desk with technical questions. Some districts have call-in or walk-in help desks. Information on each of these services is available from your home district.
Can I purchase software at a discount?
If you are a student accepted into a Wisconsin technical college program, you can order several Microsoft software packages (including Microsoft Office), via a special pricing arrangement between Wisconsin educational institutions and Microsoft.
If you need or wish to purchase software, AND you are a student accepted into a program through a Wisconsin technical college, you may order software by visiting the web site http://www.wisc.edu/wisc . You will need your nine-digit student ID to order this software.
