Frequently Asked Questions about Kansas Online Education

Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about Kansas online education.

If I enroll in Kansas online education, do I ever have to physically attend class?

With most degree and certificate programs, learning is done completely in the online environment. For such classes, you will never have to attend a brick-and-mortar classroom. However, there are some degrees that necessitate real-world learning experiences, such as a practicum, internship, or residency. With these degrees, your coursework will probably be a mix of online learning and field experiences.

Do online learning institutions have to meet the same accreditation standards as traditional colleges and universities?

Though most of the accreditation standards are the same for Kansas online education institutions, accreditation agencies tend to apply additional criteria to distance learning organizations to ensure the quality of the education they provide. For instance, most accreditation agencies pay particular attention to the faculty support available with online institutions. The agency wants the school to demonstrate that it has the requisite equipment and resources to teach students effectively online.

Should I always avoid non-accredited online institutions?

Accreditation is not always necessary with online learning institutions. For example, if you want to take a continuing education course or complete a certification program, you can usually do so at a non-accredited school without consequence. Typically, schools that only offer certification programs or continuing education are ineligible for accreditation anyway. On the other hand, if you want to pursue a professional degree like an MBA, accreditation would obviously have much more of an impact on your school selection.

What kind of technology is used in Kansas online education?

Distance learning programs use an array of web-based technologies that usually include a course management system, such as eCollege or Blackboard, and an online campus website portal. In class, you will likely read and turn in PDF files and Word documents. Some classes have online textbooks, while others supplement online readings with printed literature. Depending on the nature of the course, you may also have access to podcasts and streaming video and audio files.

How will I communicate with my peers and instructors in an online classroom?

You can interact in a Kansas online education environment in several ways. For one, many classes rely on message boards that allow students to discuss a topic through threaded posts while the instructor facilitates the discussion. You may also communicate through chat rooms, emails, or the exchange of PDF or Word documents.