Student FAQs
- What types of courses do you offer?
- How much do courses cost?
- How do I enroll for a course?
- After I enroll, when and how do I get started with my course?
- How does online learning work?
- Are there specific technical or computer skills I need?
- What systems requirements should I have on my computer?
- When are classes available?
- How long do courses last?
- What time commitment should I make to take a course online?
- Are the online courses available to anyone, regardless of education level or geographic location?
- Will there be additional materials to purchase?
- Will I have interaction with my instructor like I would in a traditional classroom?
- What happens if I dont like a course?
- Why take a course at www.learningdesignonline.com?
- What assistance is available if I encounter problems?
What types of courses do you offer?
Learning Design Online offers courses in the areas of Professional Development, Academic Success and Personal Enrichment. We have chosen these very specific areas because these are the most desired topics. An example of an academic success course might be a writing or math course, communication, or sciences. You will find a large variety of courses within these three areas and hopefully one or more that pique your interest.
How much do courses cost?
Courses are priced differently. We work very closely with our instructors to price courses that give you a good value, but also give you confidence that the course is high quality. Most courses will be a minimum of $50 but depending on how in-depth they are and how long they last, the fees will be higher. We feel that good quality instructors and their courses have value and the motto you get what you pay for can even hold true in online education. Our goal for each student is to have a positive online experience. Price and quality are important aspects of that.
How do I enroll for a course?
Once you have decided to take a course at www.learningdesignonline.com, you will need to register. Click on the Enroll button and follow the steps. We use PayPal as a secure payment system so you are able to pay by credit card, bank account, or PayPal account although having a PayPal account is not required. Your instructor will be notified of your enrollment right away.
After I enroll, when and how do I get started with my course?
Depending on how your course is designed, you may have a specific start and end date or it may be ongoing enrollment which means you may start when it is convenient for you. You will receive a Username and Password to enter into your course and once inside, you should find instructions on how to begin your particular course.
How does online learning work?
Learning Design Group, LLC uses a computer-mediated distance learning process. Students and instructors communicate and share resources electronically through a virtual classroom environment that works on both Macintosh and PC computers. This virtual classroom enables students to read lecture notes, assignments, course syllabi, and participate in interactive discussions by posting and reading messages to course bulletin boards. The interaction occurs "asynchronously", or in other words, not in real time. The students and instructors build on the conversations and respond to one another on the course bulletin boards. Because students are not all required to be online at the same time, they can log into the system at their convenience, day or night, to retrieve course information and post messages. All courses are led by qualified instructors and may be open enrollment or have specific start and end dates. All assignments and assessments are completed online and no physical attendance is required at any time.
Are there specific technical or computer skills I need?
It will be helpful if you are comfortable using the internet, email, discussion areas, and attachments. Your instructor may be able to assist you with some basic technical issues if you have problems but overall it will be expected that students have a general knowledge about their own computers and can navigate around their course independently.
What systems requirements should I have on my computer?
Having a reliable internet service provider (such as a dial-up or DSL connection) will make your course run smoothly. Some minimum PC Hardware Requirements would be the following:
- IBM compatible 486/33 or better, including all Pentium PCs
- Windows 3.1 or 95 operating systems
- 16 MB RAM preferred
- 20 MB free hard drive space
- Modem: 14,400 baud or better
Some Minimum Macintosh Hardware Requirements:
- Macintosh or Macintosh compatible with a 68020 processor or better, including all Power PC machines
- Mac Operating System 6.05 or higher (System 7 or higher preferred)
- 16 MB RAM
- 20 MB free hard drive space
- Modem: 14,400 baud or better
Obviously the more up to date your system is, the better your ability to access some of the more technical tools your instructor may use such as video or audio clips.
When are classes available?
Classes are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week once you enroll and/or the start date begins. Your instructor will guide you through the course and you have access to the course anytime. This means you are able to complete assignments or activities on your own time. Everyone does not need to be online at the same time unless your instructor sets up a specific synchronous time for the group.
How long do courses last?
Each course will be unique in that there may be specific start and end dates, and thus specified lengths of time, or they may be open so you can start and end at various times. The instructors will set some limits on course length and suggested lengths for those open enrollment courses to help keep you on track. Research has shown that students do lose motivation after some time has passed so the sooner you can get started and work through the course materials, the more apt you are to continue and finish the course.
What time commitment should I make to take a course online?
Taking an online course still involves spending time perhaps reading, doing assignments, taking exams, and interacting with the instructor and possible others in the course. You may decide how involved you want to be in the course. Depending on the volume of activities in your specific course, you could spend anywhere from 6 to 8 hours a week possibly. Remember you have chosen to take a course to learn something new, so you will get out of it what you put into it!
Are the online courses available to anyone, regardless of education level or geographic location?
The beauty of online education is that you are not limited by time zones, geographic locations, education level or many other factors. The internet is a global tool so as long as you have internet access and a way to register, you can take a course at www.learningdesignonline.com.
Will there be additional materials to purchase?
Each instructor will have different requirements for readings and/or activities in your course. There may be times when an outside text is used and the instructor will provide information on how to get the book or other materials. Any texts used are additional costs to the cost of the course and instructors are asked to inform students of this upfront. We are Amazon Associates so you might be able to find some reasonably priced books online for your course. Please click on the Amazon link in your course for purchase of materials.
Will I have interaction with my instructor like I would in a traditional classroom?
Yes!! Each course is equipped with a variety of tools for communication – email, discussion forums, chat rooms, etc. You should always be able to reach your instructor during the course for assistance or guidance. The main difference is that you may not meet your instructor face-to-face, but the level of communication should be equivalent, if not better than a classroom setting.
What happens if I dont like a course?
We encourage everyone to give their course a good faith effort. Learning Design Group, LLC has the following refund policy. Prior to the start of any course and through the end of the first day, you may receive 100% refund minus a 20% course cost administrative fee. From the second day of class through the 7th day (the first full week), you may use your fee as credit towards another course. If this new course costs more, the amount paid for this course will be fully applied. If this new course costs less, there is no refund of the difference. There is no refund or credit after the first 7 days of a course.
Why take a course at www.learningdesignonline.com?
Courses at Learning Design Online are taught by highly qualified instructors in your area of interest. We do a careful screening process to find the best instructors out there. Learning Design Group, LLC is composed of experts in the field of online learning, both as instructors and as students themselves so they understand the dynamics of both roles. They strive to provide everyone with a positive learning experience in hopes they will continue to learn. We also understand adult learning theory and how more and more learners are coming back into education to learn new skills or enhance old ones. You have found us as a place to learn something and we will connect you with someone that can teach you. The affordability and flexibility we offer will hopefully meet your needs and keep you learning!
What assistance is available if I encounter problems?
Learning Design Group, LLC has a team available to assist if you encounter problems. Please e-mail us at support@learningdesigngroup.net. Contact us by phone at (303) 835–4188 weekdays from 9:00–5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.