FAQ’s about online learning at Maria

How can I access the online Course Schedule? 

Online courses are designated with a section number including the letter “Z”.  Access our entire course schedule by clicking this Course Schedule link.  Choose the semester you are interested in, and click “Continue.”  In the “Site” box, select “Day,” “Evening,” “Online,” “Weekend” or “All.”  Next, click the “Go/Refresh” button to view the courses available for that semester.  To view the online courses for a different semester, click on the “Pick a new semester” link, and repeat the process.

Online courses offered in Summer Session I 2012:
~ Composition II
~ Critical Thinking
~ Computer Technology Concepts and Skills
~ General Psychology
~ Developmental Psychology
~ Positive Pyschology
~ Introduction to Sociology
~ Management Procedures
~ Microbiology
~ Personal Finance
~ Short Story 

Online courses offered in Fall 2012:
~ Anatomy and Physiology I
~ Computer Applications for Law
~ Critical Thinking
~ Death, Dying, and Bereavement 
~ Diversity of Aging
~ General Psychology
~ Developmental Pyschology
~ Health of Aging
~ Introduction to Gerontology
~ Introduction to Literature 
~ Introduction to Occupational Therapy 
~ Introduction to Philosophy 
~ Introduction to Sociology 
~ Macroeconomics
~ Management Procedures 
~ Microbiology 
~ Occupational Therapy in General/Medical Practice
~ Personal Finance 
~ Religion in America 
~ Short Story

How do I register for an online course?

If you are a matriculated student, contact your advisor for approval.  If you are a nonmatriculated student, (not enrolled in a degree program), contact the Office of Student Records at (518)438-3111, ext. 224.

How much does it cost to take an online course?

The tuition and fees for an online course are the same as the tuition and fees for a regular or traditional face-to-face course.  Click here for information on the current tuition.

Can I receive financial aid for online courses?

The method in which a course is taught does not affect financial aid.  A student wishing to take an online course must meet all of the regular federal and state financial aid eligibility requirements.  Please contact the Financial Aid Office if you have any questions about eligibility or the financial aid process:  on campus, go to room 100, or you may call (518) 438-3111, ext. 229, or email finaid@mariacollege.edu.  You can also view information about financial aid by clicking here.

Where do I get help using Blackboard for an online course?

You should begin by asking your instructor.  You can also email registrar@mariacollege.edu for general questions, contact Sharon Hope, Director of Online Learning, at (518) 438-3111, ext. 285; or call the Office of Student Records at (518)438-3111, ext. 224.

Are academic and student resources available to me as an online student?

As an online student, you have access to the same support services as students who attend face-to-face courses on campus.  Services such as counseling, Campus Ministry, the Learning Resource Center, the Bookstore, etc., have dedicated pages within the Maria College website that provide the location, phone numbers, and email addresses of the faculty and staff to contact with any questions or needs.  Click here to visit the Student Services homepage.

You can connect to Web Services to view your semester grades, schedule, degree audit and billing statements.  (For specific grades on assignments, tests, and quizzes, log on to Blackboard).  In addition, all of the off-campus library resources can be accessed through the Maria College website or by clicking on a tab within Blackboard.

What type of computer hardware and software are needed to take an online course?

Following are the minimum hardware and software specifications to work with Blackboard:

Platform: Windows XP, or Vista; MacOS 9 or MacOS X or higher
Hardware: 256 MB of RAM, 1 G of free disk space
Software: Microsoft™ Word 2003 (XP) or higher, PowerPoint, and Adobe™ Reader™
Browser: Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, or Netscape 7.2 or higher
Audio and Video Player: Apple™ Quicktime™ 6.0 or higher and FlashPlayer
Modem: 56 K or other Internet connection
NOTE: JavaScript & Cookies must be enabled

You are responsible for ensuring that you have the required hardware and software to provide easy access to the online elements of the course.

What academic skills are essential for an online course?

You must be able to type in order to be able to complete assignments, to write, send, and receive email, and to participate in online discussions.  If you cannot type, we recommend that you do not take an online course.  In addition, you must have very good reading and writing skills, since most of the work is done by reading course materials and writing to complete assignments.

What computer skills are essential for taking an online course?

Basic computer skills are necessary to successfully navigate an online course.  You need to be skilled in using:

  • Basic Blackboard
  • Windows: to manage files
  • Microsoft™ Word: to create, open, print, and save documents
  • PowerPoint: for viewing presentations
  • Email: for reading and writing emails, and sending attachments (zip files)
  • World Wide Web access techniques

How can I brush up on my computer skills before I take an online course?

You can brush up on your computer skills by signing up for CSC100 (Introduction to Computers) in the semester before you plan to take an online course.  This is a three-credit course that covers such topics as the Internet and email, Microsoft™ Word, Windows™, computer components, including hardware and software, and the use of Blackboard as a course management tool and to take online courses.

How is an online course the same as a face-to-face course?

The content of an online course is comparable to the same course taught face-to-face, and both are taught by Maria College faculty.  The same number of credits is earned from both types of courses, and those credits are transferrable in both cases.

Do I need a textbook for an online course?

Much of the reading required for the course is still based on the textbook.  Textbooks are purchased at the college bookstore. 

Do I need to come to campus to complete any requirements for an online course?

Some online courses will not have you in a classroom at all, and others may require you to attend only an orientation class at the start of the semester.  Still others may require you to come to campus for assessments, such as the midterm and final exams.  Each online instructor sets his or her own calendar for required attendance.  Remember that for an online course, “attendance” includes regular participation in the online course areas of Blackboard, i.e., completion of required learning activities, assignments, tests and quizzes, and participation in discussion board forums.

Can I complete some of my work for an online course on campus?

You can access your course and complete some of your assignments on campus by using computers in the Learning Resource Center, as well as in Room 103 of the Main Building.

Is there wireless access on campus that will allow me to access online courses?

Maria College has a number of wireless hotspots on campus where you can use your laptop if it is wireless-enabled.  Wireless hotspots include the library, the student lounge in the Main Building, and Fitzgerald Court in Marian Hall.  For the best connection to the wireless network, an operating system of Windows XP or higher is recommended.

Once your laptop detects MariaNet, you will be prompted to enter a password to gain access to the network.  The password is merciful, all in lowercase letters.  Maria provides these wireless access points as a service to its faculty and students, and in so doing, provides a wireless connection to the Internet.  You should always take the necessary steps to protect your own computer with your own virus protection software, spam filtering, and anti-phishing software.  Please be cautious and use good computer judgment when connected to any network.