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We've moved! Please check out our new elearning website and course information at the following location: http://www.elearningkcsl.org/.

How do Online Courses Work?

Online courses are easily-accessible training components that are flexible and developed specifically to meet your professional development requirements and provide training that is convenient for your schedule.

You choose when and where you participate in a class - it's entirely up to your own schedule. Your course has a schedule, but there are no scheduled times that you must attend a "live" classes (unless your online course is offered in conjunction with a face-to-face - but most aren't). Instead, lectures, coursework, and discussions all take place at your convenience. You choose the place that you wish to learn – at home, at school, at the library, at a friend’s – where ever you have access to the Internet. You’ll receive high-quality instruction and course content that you deserve, but without the millions of obstacles that prevent most of us from attending or concentrating during training.

"Frequently Asked Questions" will answer some of the preliminary questions you may have.

The "Quiz" will take you to a fun questionnaire that will help answer your question of "Is Online Learning for Me?"

If you'd like to read a terrific analogy explaining the "Big Picture" of online learning, please link to OnlineLearning.net's website by clicking HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an instructor-led course? Just like a traditional course, your online course has an instructor. He or she develops the curriculum, conducts the class, gives the assignments, answers questions, and leads discussions.

What is a self-paced course? Self-paced courses allow you to work on your own in a non-classroom setting. There are no instructors and most courses do not have a start and end date. Think of this type of course as watching or listening to a power point presentation to get up-do-date information on a particular topic. There may be pre- and post-tests included with self-paced courses to monitor the learning taking place.

Does my class ever meet? For most online courses there are no class times. Online courses are conducted "asynchronously," which means individuals are on at all different times during the day or night - they are "out of synch" with other learners, learning at their own convenient time. individuals "take turns" sending messages back and forth between students and instructors or, in the case of self-paced courses, following their own schedule to complete assignments.

How many other people be taking my class at the same time as me? Kansas Children's Service League's enrollment for each online instructor-led course is limited. Most classes are rarely larger than 20 students, with 25 being the maximum capacity.

What kind of computer or other hardware and software do I need? Any windows-based PC computer will work. You’ll need a connection to the Internet, and you'll need to make sure you have the most recent version of Internet Explorer. The ability to watch and listen to video and audio clips is a nice enhancement, but not totally necessary. Unfortunately, mac-based computers are not compatible with the Isoph/LearnSomething system that we use.

Will I need to buy and learn to use complicated software? No. We provide all the software you’ll need free of charge hosted on our own system. Our online courses are designed to allow anyone with even basic computer skills to be up and running in no time. In addition, you’ll receive a free online orientation in advance, to assure that you’re completely up to speed when your class begins, and to assure that you’re comfortable navigating through the course while you’re focused on learning.<

How much time to I get to complete a course? Most courses have a start and end date. In between, the schedule of coursework, assignments and recommended due dates are determined by each instructor or in the case of self-paced courses, by you! The majority of our instructor-led courses last 3 to 4 weeks. The student has the flexibility of working on the course at any time that is convenient to them during those weeks.

Who will help me if I run into a technical problem? Every instructor-led course has its own Instructor who is your primary contact for questions or problems that involve the mechanics of taking your class. If that person is unavailable to help with your technical problem, there is an online administrator who assists as well. Most technical issues are resolved by simply changing a few settings in your Internet Browser.

What if I start a class and decide it’s just not for me? Refund requests will be accepted on a per-person exception. We prefer that you enroll with a serious intent to complete the course, and are flexible in moving you to another set of course dates if needed. We recognize that life happens, and in extreme cases, can offer refunds minus administrative processing fees.

Will I get a grade? As with all courses, that varies by course and varies according to which option you selected when you signed up (college credit, in-service, CEU, CNE, etc.). We work with a variety of professional institutions to offer you many options for credit.

What Core Competencies do the Instructor-Led Courses Meet? Each course that is developed for early care and education providers meets certain Kansas/Missouri Core competencies as well as CDA Core competenceis. To find out which courses fall into what competency areas, please open the following file by click HERE.

How Do I Know if Online Learning Is For Me?

Read through the following list of questions. Answer with a "True" or "False" response.

I have access to the Internet, know how to log on, and either own a computer or know where I can easily access a computer.
I use email regularly, or think I can learn it rather easily. I have sent emails before.
I know how to send email attachments and how to copy and paste text.
I enjoy taking my time typing out my thoughts - I do not find typing to be overwhelming.
I enjoy reading.
I enjoy exploring new things and trying different means of learning.
I ask questions if something is confusing to me or if I need additional help or clarification.
I am a self-starter and enjoy working independently.
I do not view being at a computer as a form of torture.
I am not considering an online course because I think the work will be easier than in a "real" class.
I like the idea of learning at my convenience and setting my own learning schedule.
I have missed out on classes in the past because it didn't fit into my schedule.
I enjoy knowing other people's view points on different issues.
I like the idea of having conversations in a written format where I can study, think about, and even print for future reference.
I enjoy receiving feedback from an instructor.
Often, after I’ve just left a meeting or a class or a discussion, I think of just the thing I should have said at some critical juncture. By then, of course, it’s too late!
Writing can sometimes help to organize my thoughts better than when I talk.
I'm excited about possibly having class with people from all over the state or even the country.
I'm excited about going to class in my pajamas and not worrying about other people seeing what I look like.

If you answered more "True" than "False" then you are a prime candidate to sign up for an online course! Congratulations!