Online Learning FAQs

(Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How do I “get” the information?
A: Many ways! There are online instructor commentaries, textbooks, links to online articles and resources, online “handouts,” internet explorations, and shared participant-generated information. T.O.E. courses are designed for active learning.

Q: How do I “talk” to my instructor? To other participants?
A: In T.O.E. courses, communications among and between instructors and other participants are online written exchanges made by sending messages within the Moodle platform, via regular Instructor feedback, and through discussion forums.

This type of written exchange is called asynchronous, which means that the question and the response don’t take place at the same time (as compared to a site-based classroom where discussion questions and answers are synchronous and occur together).

Q: How do I turn in assignments?
A:  Assignments are turned in online. There’s no hassle with mailing! It’s a simple, efficient, and very quick process. There are very clear directions (and a demonstration) to show you how this is done within each course.

Q: How do I find out what my grades are?
A: Grades are posted online too! With one click, you can see what your score is for each point-bearing element of a course. There is also a Scoring Guide for every point-bearing element of each course, so you’ll know ahead of time exactly what’s expected and how it will be evaluated.

Q: How do I get to know more about my instructor and other course participants?
A: In addition to the communication tools mentioned earlier, T.O.E. courses have two other neat ways for a course “community” to become better acquainted.

Profiles: Each instructor and participant completes an online profile. Of course, it is optional how much detail is shared, but many participants talk about their hobbies, their interests, and where they live.

Images: One of the most unique aspects of each profile is the option to upload a digital picture or representative image. This image pops up each time the person sends a message or posts to a forum. Thus, for example, in any forum, one can “see” the face (or image) of the participant who posted the discussion as well as anyone who has responded.