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ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the advantages of online learning?
There are many advantages to online learning:
- It is cost effective – no commuting.
- It allows you to study and learn at your convenience and own pace.
- You can receive information and even obtain a degree while still holding down a full-time job.
- With e-learning, you can learn any time, any place where there is a computer; there’s 24/7 accessibility.
- Most employers have tuition reimbursement as an employee benefit. They will be glad that you don’t have to "leave work" to attend a class.
- You can prepare for professional certifications, take a single course to help you personally or on the job, or work toward a college degree – all without leaving your home.
- You can meet other professionals – just like yourself – from literally around the world.
- You actually have better access to faculty and technical help because you can post questions or seek assistance any time of the day or night – not just during faculty "office hours."
- There’s no circling the campus looking for student parking.
Are there any disadvantages to distance education?
Here are some of the frequently mentioned disadvantages.
- You don’t have face-to-face contact with faculty and students, like you would at a local school in a traditional program. But having opportunities to "talk" and share experiences online with others in the class, doing projects with other online students, being able to access an online advisor, and having the ability to communicate with your instructor by phone, fax, or e-mail lessens the impact of not actually being on site.
- Some would say that your verbal skills aren’t being honed. But actually, they are. Every time you key in questions or answers, e-mail classmates, or prepare papers and reports, you are increasing your ability to communicate. And since the workplace is depending more on e-mail and Web site interactions, you are perfecting your ability to effectively communicate.
- Many individuals lack the self-discipline to work through online courses when there is no completion date stipulated and some start a course, but never finish. But remember, MATC operates its online courses based on a semester system, so deadlines are built in, unlike some other online programs.
- Employers may not believe that online courses are as rigorous as on-site courses. But, by sharing the course descriptions and syllabi for online courses, employers will quickly see that content and objectives are the same for courses that are offered online and in the traditional classroom. By applying to an institution that has a history of quality education and one that uses its faculty to develop the online courses, you get the same excellent education online as you would sitting in a classroom.
- Some students worry that credits obtained online may not transfer to colleges or universities with traditional programs. Every school makes its own determination, course by course, as to what it will accept and what will apply to a degree program. This is most often based on course content, exit competencies, and the reputation of the institution that granted the original credit. Whether the course is taken online or in the regular classroom should not make a difference.
Why did IAAP choose MATC as its online education partner?
IAAP has successfully worked with the Wisconsin Technical College System, its educators and administrators, for many years, in many different ways. Examples of past ventures included: the PSI Model Curriculum For Business Education and the PSI Postsecondary Model Curriculum For Office Careers (IAAP was formerly called Professional Secretaries International or PSI); and the National Skill Standards Board participated in providing input on Administrative Professions, to name a few projects. IAAP respects the vision and emphasis on quality education that MATC has demonstrated in all its programs for administrative professionals. Their dual focus on technology and interpersonal skills complements the skills that employers across the nation are requiring of capable, promotable, and exceptional support staff.
What computer requirements are there for taking online courses?
For online courses, students must have access to a computer with the following recommended requirements:
| I Gigahertz (GHz) processor or better | Sound Card or integrated/on board sound |
| 56k Modem or high-speed Internet connection | Plug-ins as needed |
| 40 GB hard drive | Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2007 |
| 1 GB Ram | Internet Explorer 6 or later |
| Windows XP or later |
I am an administrative assistant. You say that I can get an online degree through MATC. Can you tell me more?
You may obtain an online Associate in Applied Science Degree – Administrative Assistant. It requires 67 credits. You may receive experiential credit for some courses based on your work experience, test for advanced standing, and apply for selected certifications. Courses may be applied to academic institutions for a Bachelor’s degree in selected program areas, at the discretion of individual schools. See the section that outlines the necessary courses and their descriptions.
What if I only want to take individual courses and not work toward a degree, can I do that?
Any of the courses listed in the AS Administrative Assistant Program may be taken individually. You do not need to plan on working toward a degree, but can take courses to fill skill gaps or to keep pace with changing work requirements.
What sort of help could I get as a student?
MATC Advising:
Advising services will be available to online students. You can e-mail, phone, fax, or use
the Blackboard for communication with campus faculty and staff.
Blackboard:
Blackboard is the Web Classroom software used for most MATC online courses. It can be accessed
through http://matcmadison.edu/matc and
clicking on Blackboard under Student Resources. Students can use this site to view class syllabi,
assignments, and other information in a uniform structure.
A
discussion board specifically for IAAP members who are MATC students or
considering enrollment in the MATC program is available here:
http://blackboard.matcmadison.edu/
Log in instructions for the IAAP/MATC blackboard:
- Log in by using AA for both the username and password.
- Under "My Classes" choose Online Administration Program.
- Click the Discussion Board button on the left of the screen.
- Click "Add New Thread" to enter chat, or click on existing chat to
read messages.
How do I register?
Registration may be completed by phone or online. There will be no out-of-state tuition. The tuition range will be approximately $106 per credit hour. There is a one-time $30 application fee (dependent on continuous enrollment, plus a $5 online processing fee). Textbooks and instructional materials may be purchased online. Students have online library access and may purchase selected software at a discount. Qualified/Certified instructors present the classes; help is provided for any technical problems/questions that arise during the course.
How can I get the textbooks needed?
Textbooks may be ordered online at http://www.matcbookstore.com/. Web orders will be shipped the next business day. A fee of approximately $15 will be added to the cost of each textbook to cover shipping and handling. Either prepayment or credit card may be used to purchase textbooks.
What type of tests will I have?
Course testing varies. It may include projects, multiple-choice tests, hands-on tests, and other forms of evaluating understanding and application of the material.
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