Frequently Asked Questions about North Dakota Online Education

Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about North Dakota online education. Find out what online education is and how it works.

What is online education?

North Dakota online education is also referred to as distance learning, virtual learning, and online classes. Online education allows students from all walks of life to pursue a degree or program using the technology of the Internet. Instead of attending classes in brick-and-mortar classrooms, students use a virtual classroom to interact with instructors and peers and learn the material. The material taught in a North Dakota education online program is similar to what you would learn at a traditional college or university; only the learning method is different.

Do I ever actually meet my classmates or instructor in an online class?

More than likely, you will never interact with your instructor or classmates face to face in a North Dakota online class. The virtual classroom eliminates the need for face-to-face (F2F) communication in most cases. In other words, you will probably never have to drive to a physical classroom or meet with your peers or professor. Of course, there are some online courses that also have an application component necessitating face-to-face interaction. For instance, some education classes require the completion of student teaching at a brick-and-mortar school.

Can I really attend class any time I want?

To an extent, yes, you can attend North Dakota classes online whenever it is most convenient for you. Most online classrooms are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so it's easy to work your class time into your schedule. However, although you are free to pick the time of day in which you participate in class, you may not have much of a choice about the days on which you participate. You still must heed the deadlines set for assignments and participate in class discussions at the appropriate time.

Does a degree have to be the ultimate goal of my North Dakota online education?

No, one of the strongest appeals of North Dakota online education is its flexibility. Although most students who take online courses choose to pursue a degree ultimately, it is not required. Some students take classes to complete a professional certification or fulfill requirements for continuing education. You can even take a North Dakota online class just for your personal edification.

What kind of academic support will I have in an online education program?

The larger North Dakota online education programs tend to have a large academic support network to help students succeed. Upon admission to your online college, you will usually be introduced to an academic adviser as well as a financial aid adviser to discuss your scholastic goals. In addition to this support, you will have access to the school's administrative staff for help with billing, registration, books, etc. Finally, you will also have the support of your instructor through email, online chat, discussion boards, and possibly telephone.