Pre-College Program Online FAQ

Will I have any contact with my classmates?

Limited class size, integrated use of the Internet, and conferencing software enable online instructors to create a seminar-style "classroom" environment in which students interact with each other as much as they do with their professor. Since the online discussions are asynchronous (simultaneous participation is not necessary), you can ask questions as they arise and contribute to discussions at any time.
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Can I contact an instructor if I need help?

You can contact an instructor through the online discussion, class e-mail, or phone.
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Can I get academic help in my online classes?

Academic Support
Our Online Academic Support team provides individualized academic help. We focus on online learning strategies which include how to:

effectively manage your time in a flexible class environment
communicate with your instructors and fellow classmates
successfully participate in discussion

To request academic support, click on the Online Academic Support link on the right side of your student homepage.
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What are the components of online classes, and how do I participate?

Just like a physical campus, your online class has students, instructors, advising, and staff. The only difference is that students interact using web-based discussion, email, phone, and fax. Instead of raising your hand, you ask a question in an online discussion. You never have to worry about getting to class on time because the content is available to you whenever you need it. Discussions, lectures, and assignments can all be reviewed online whenever and wherever it is convenient for you, provided you are completing material and assignments within the allocated time frame for each module, or lesson. You will be given clear participation requirements in your course content. The level of instruction and interaction between students from around the world is exceptional.

Online Discussions
You can either post to the online discussion or e-mail your instructor through your web browser. Conferencing for online classes is entirely web-based. A web-based conferencing system is the most effective interactive device for distance learning today. You can post text, graphics, HTML and Internet links to a class discussion. All you need is a current web browser to access and interact in your class discussions.
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What class supplies will I need and where will I purchase them?

For many classes you will be required to purchase supplies. Please be sure to order your supplies as soon as possible and in time for your first day of class!! Instructions are provided on each class description web page about what books or supplies you will need to order, if any, and how to order them. The class description web pages can be accessed from the Online Course Schedule.

If you need to order software please give yourself at least two weeks to do so. You will need confirmation of registration in certain classes in order to obtain discounted educational versions. To find out if an educational version is available go to JourneyEd.com.

Please contact us at online@academyart.edu if you have textbook or software questions.
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Should I have a MAC or a PC Computer?

Some online classes may require software that is only available for a Macintosh or PC computer. If you see either icon below in the required software section on a class description page, you must have access to a Macintosh or PC computer.

Mac Only
This alerts you if an online class requires software that is ONLY available for a Macintosh computer.

PC Only
This alerts you if an online class requires software that is ONLY available for a PC computer.

While the majority of classes in any online degree we offer can be completed on either a Macintosh or PC computer, the individual online degree description pages on this web site will notify you if it offers any classes requiring software that is only available on either a Macintosh or PC computer. The above icons will also be shown on the online degree pages that offer such classes. It is recommended that online students refer to these description pages for the degree that they are pursuing prior to purchasing a new computer.
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