Online Courses: Frequently Asked Questions

Brookhaven College Workforce and Continuing Education offers a wide variety of online courses, some in partnership with other training providers and others through our own qualified instructors. Please review carefully which source for online instruction is available and best fits your needs as policies for registration, financial aid and course completion.

Q: What is an online course like?
A: An online course is different from a campus classroom course. The course has an electronic classroom with a real instructor and students. The course is built around a syllabus, completion schedule, assignments, and textbook, if required. You are evaluated by means of your completed assignments, quizzes and a final exam.

The biggest benefits of an online course are:

• You can access the course from any computer with Internet access—any time, day or night.
• With self-study learning materials and instructor guidance, you work at your own pace within a pres-set time period as guided by a completion schedule.
• You don’t have to rush to get to a class.

Q: How does an online course work?
A: With an online course, you can take the time necessary to complete a lesson - you don’t have to stop at a designated time. Your instructor is available via e-mail to help you through the course. Your instructor acts as a facilitator to help you master the course goals; please do not hesitate to contact your instructor.

• The combination of online learning materials with a highly qualified instructor provides an effective, flexible and low-cost training solution for busy students and professionals.
• By now, you probably realize that this course requires motivation and self-discipline on your part. You must supply both.

Q: How do I enroll in an online course?
A: Some online courses are offered directly from Brookhaven College; from our qualified instructors. Others are offered through partnership agreements with other education providers. For these courses, follow these instructions.

1. Click on the Web link as indicated for the desired course;
2. Click on the Enroll Now button;
3. Complete the online orientation – all steps;

There is no online payment option available at this time. Please contact Brookhaven College, Workforce and Continuing Education Division and ask for the program manager for online courses regarding payment information.

Q: Can I pay online?
A: We do not offer online payment. Contact the Workforce and Continuing Education Division, at 972-860-4600 and ask for the program manager for online courses regarding payment information. Brookhaven College accepts American Express, MasterCard, VISA, Discover, checks, financial aid, or company sponsorship.

Q: Can I take more than one course at a time?
A: Yes, we often have students taking two or more online courses at the same time. Think carefully about the amount of time you will have to devote to your coursework and study when deciding how many courses to take.

Q: Can I enroll in courses that overlap, taking one each month?
A: Yes, you may register for a course each month. The courses are six weeks in length, and they are offered each month.

Q: How do the Ed2Go courses work?
A:

• A lesson is released each Wednesday and Friday, for a total of six weeks.
• There are a total of 12 lessons.

Q: How do the Gatlin Education courses work?
A:

• These courses are self-paced.
• You have six months to complete the course.
• You can request an additional six months extension, if needed.
• All materials are covered in the cost of the course.
• These are certification courses

Q: Is this course scheduled so I can work at my own pace?
A: A course can have a schedule of completion or be self-paced, depending on the course and the instructor. Scheduled courses generally have two lessons released each week for six weeks – a total of twelve lessons.

Q: How can I successfully complete an online course?
A:

1. Be self-disciplined.
2. Set a regular time to attend your class.
3. Stay focused on your commitment and limit interruptions during study time.
4. Take responsibility for your own learning.
5. Begin your class on the official beginning start date.
6. Obtain the required textbooks and software, if necessary, before the course begins.
7. Read and study the assigned material.
8. Complete assignments.

Q: Required hardware / software?
A:

• Connection to the Internet; Mozilla, Netscape or IE is preferred; although AOL will work
• E-mail address
• Computer with 233 MHz or higher processor, and at least 128MB of RAM
• Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution video monitor
• CD-ROM drive and other external media
• Windows XP or Vista operating system
• Software for virus protection
• Software installed and operating before the course begins

Q: Is there financial aid available?
A:

• You should contact the Financial Aid Division in one of the following ways:
  • By phone at 972-860-4110;
  • By e-mail at bhcFinAid@dcccd.edu; or
  • In person - Come to the Student Services Building, Building S, Room S015, at Brookhaven
• You may also apply for Federal Financial Aid at www.studentaid.ed.gov/
• The Brookhaven College school code is 014471.

Q: Do I need a textbook?
A:

• If a textbook is required for a course offered through a partnered training provider, it will be listed with the course description.
• Textbooks should be purchased before the course begins.

Best wishes for a successful semester.