eLearning FAQ
Who are online classes for?
Online courses were developed to increase access to Northwest courses by adults and other students who cannot attend campus-based classes because of work, family responsibilities or distance from campus.
How much does it cost to take an online class?
The cost of taking online classes is the same rate as the traditional classroom but with added technology fees. The technology fee is $20 per credit hr, and $60 per 3 hour class. Financial Aid is available for online courses.
Can anyone enroll for online classes?
Students who are current or former Northwest students can enroll in an online course after consulting with their advisor. If you are unsure of who your advisor is, you can find their name when you log into myNWCC. Students new to Northwest must first apply for admission to the college. Registration for online courses is conducted at the same time as campus-based courses.
How are online classes conducted?
Online classes are conducted using an educational platform called Canvas. When a student logs in to Canvas, a link to each online course that he/she is enrolled in will be visible at the top of the page. The link takes the student to his/her virtual classroom. There, the student can read class announcements, check for homework assignments, view the course syllabus and communicate with the instructor and other students through a variety of tools such as e-mail, Canvas Instant Messaging, discussion boards, wikis or blogs.
How to set up a proctored exam?
A minimum of one (1) and a maximum of three (3) proctored exam(s) per MSVCC course with a term of 6 weeks or more will be allowed, with the exception of four credit-hour courses which may require a maximum of four (4) proctored exams.
A proctored exam is an exam which is supervised by an approved, neutral person (a proctor), which ensures the identity of the exam taker and the integrity of the proctoring environment. Proctored exams are used for MSVCC courses to ensure compliance with SACSCOC standards which requires that institutions demonstrate that a student who registers in an online course or program is the same student who participates in and completes the course or program and receives the credit.
Students are required to take proctored exams at any approved proctoring center which most colleges and universities have. Upon entrance into the exam, students must verify their identity using a valid photo ID. The proctor will then sign them into the exam and monitor student progress until exam submission. There is no additional student charges associated with verifying student identity. No fee is assessed to students enrolled in an MSVCC course when using a proctoring site on a Mississippi community/junior college campus.
Students authorized to use off-site proctoring may be assessed a testing fee for site utilization.
What do I need to take an online class?
The following hardware are the minimum specifications required to work with Canvas:
- PC/Macintosh with Windows XP or later or Mac OSX or later
(1 GB of free disk space recommended) - Internet connection with 56 K modem or higher or broadband
- A webcam
What are the time requirements for online classes?
Online classroom participation, reading assignments, research projects, homework, presentations and various reports, the typical student will usually devote around 8 hours per online course per week for both online and distance learning. For students taking distance courses for the summer, this figure will need to be adjusted to 10-12 hours per week per course due to the compressed nature of the summer courses.
Learner Engagement Example
15 week class = 50 mins per credit hour
8 week class = 100 mins per credit hour
4 week class = 200 mins per credit hour
Do you need to speak with an advisor?
Email the Advising office with any advising questions at advising@northwestms.edu