Internet Courses -  Frequently Asked Questions

What Is An Internet Course?

Flexibility without giving up quality. As a Columbia State student, you can access Internet courses using any Internet connection, anytime, anywhere. 24/7 access allows you to complete assignments, interact with other students in the class through discussions, and communicate with your instructor at your convenience. 

What is the difference between Columbia State’s Internet courses and RODP courses? 
Columbia State’s Internet courses are developed and taught by Columbia State instructors. RODP courses are developed and taught by instructors at all TBR colleges. This means, your instructor may be teaching from anywhere in the U.S. Both charge an additional fee, but the Columbia State online fee is a bit  less.

How do I find Columbia State Internet courses in the schedule?
When searching for courses in the semester schedule, you will need to search under "Instructional Method" category. Search for available Internet courses under WEB-Asychronous in this category.

Q: How much computer and Internet experience do I need to succeed in an Internet course?
A: You need some experience navigating and using the Internet. Important skills include knowing how to download files, attach document files to e-mail, and use word processing software. An online orientation is available to learn to use Online Campus in your online your class.

Q: What if I don't have equipment needed at home to access an Internet course?
A: All of Columbia State campuses have computer labs and resource centers with open lab hours where the courses may be accessed.

Q: Is there an orientation for Internet courses?
A: All students are required to take the online orientation provided in the course. Individual instructors may schedule a face-to-face orientation to explain the requirements of the course and go over the online course management tools. Please check with your course instructor for information concerning onground orientation.

Q: Do students get the same information and content in an Internet course as they would in an on-campus course?
A: The education you receive from an online class is the same; however, due to the nature of online learning you may experience the course in a format that best transmits the learning experience through online media.

Q: Can I work at my own pace or do I need to follow a class schedule?
A: Internet courses follow the same schedule as traditional courses. These are not self-paced courses. Students follow an outline of topics, turn in assignments and take exams on dates scheduled in the course by the instructor.

Q: How is attendance taken in an Internet course?
A: An online class absence may be identified as a missed assignment or inactivity in the course site, which the instructor is able to track. Instructors may drop students who have not been in contact with the instructor by the date specified in the course syllabus.

Q: How do I access my online class?
A: Online Campus may be accessed by going to myChargerNet, logging in with your Columbia State PVT account, and clicking the Online Campus icon. Once you are logged in, you will see your course list. Click on the course name to enter the class.

Q: Will there be any on-campus meetings?
A: Internet course work is done completely online.

Q: Are all tests and quizzes taken online?
A: Yes, all tests and quizzes are taken online.  Some instructors may require students to come to the nearest campus to take online proctored tests or quizzes.

Q: What is a test proctor and how do I find the proctors schedule at the nearest campus?
A: A test proctor is a Columbia State staff member whose primary responsibility is to ensure that the test is given to the standards and conditions outlined by the instructor. Proctor schedules for each campus are located on the Columbia State Testing Services website. http://www.columbiastate.edu/testingservices

Q: How do I complete my coursework?
A: Internet courses are taught using the Online Campus course management system. Coursework completed within the online learning environment involves lectures, email, discussion boards, testing, file sharing, and group collaboration.

Q: Are Internet courses easier than traditional courses?
A: Internet courses require at least as much effort and time as traditional courses, if not more. Since students work primarily on their own without face-to-face contact with instructors, they may not always have regular classroom reminders and clarifications available to students in traditional courses.

Q: Where do I buy textbooks that are required for an Internet course?
A: Books may be purchased at any of the college's campuses or may be ordered online from the college bookstore at www.bkstore.com/coscc. Textbooks for Columbia State Internet Courses should be purchased following instructions provided on the course web pages or during the course orientation.

Q: Who do I contact if I need technical assistance in my online course
A: For course related issues, you should contact your course instructor.
For all other issues you can email helpdesk@columbiastate.edu
To provide the best services possible, please provide the information outlined below when contacting technical support:
          o First and last name.
          o Course name and number for which you require assistance.
          o A complete description of the problem for which you require assistance.

Q: Will I have an opportunity to evaluate the course and the instructor?
A: A course evaluation may appear in your ChargerNet account. You must complete the evaluation before you can receive your grade. Note: Only designated courses are evaluated each semester.

Q: If I have a question or complaint about my instructor, who do I contact?
A: You should first talk to your instructor directly. If you still have unresolved issues, you should feel free to speak to the Division Dean.

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