Online with Oakton -

No. In addition, the administrative fee for non residents is the same amount ($50) as for in-district residents and persons who have a Business Service Agreement on file which confirms full-time employment with an approved in-district employer.

An online course is delivered via the Internet rather than in a traditional classroom in a building.
Students "attend" an online course at a time that is convenient for them rather than at a regularly scheduled class time.
Students in an online class are responsible for scheduling their own "class time." Motivation and self-discipline are essential for success in an online course.
Learning material in an online course is generally presented by means of textbooks and articles, online documents, and audio-visual materials.
Whether in a traditional classroom setting or online, the instructor organizes, prepares, and manages the presentation of course materials; crafts assignments to help students grasp and apply the material; and monitors student progress.
Students in an online course interact with their instructor and other students in the class via email, discussion forums, and chats, rather than face-to-face discussions. Students use their reading and writing skills more predominately than their speaking and listening skills.
As in a traditional classroom, students in an online class are evaluated by means of assignments and exams.

Do I need to buy a textbook(s) for an online courses?

In most cases, yes. Students are expected to purchase a textbook(s) for most online courses. You can check what text is required for you online course(s) at the Oakton Bookstore at either campus or online. Be sure the course section number matches your online course section number. For example,"0C1".

Will I ever need to come to campus for an online course?

Except for exams, all instruction will generally be via the Internet. However, check the course description. Some instructors have scheduled on-campus lab sessions and review sessions. Some instructors schedule Orientation Sessions on an evening at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters just before classes start. Alternative arrangements can be made for students who live at a distance which prevents their attending any on-campus activities.

If proctored exams are required as a part of an online course, local students can take them in Oakton's Testing Center on either campus. Call the Testing Center on either campus, in Des Plaines 847-635-1939 or in Skokie 847-635-1446, for hours of operation. Additionally, some instructors will make their own arrangements with students.

Special arrangements will be made for students who live out of the area to take any required exams.

Do I need to take placement tests prior to registering for an online course?

In some cases you do.

If you wish to take English or mathematics courses, you will need to take Oakton's placement tests. For further information and a schedule of testing dates, contact the Testing Center.
If you have already completed the prerequisite for a mathematics course, you can submit a transcript or send verification that you completed the prerequisite at another college to the Math Department before you register.

If you have questions about the placement test requirement, contact an advisor through the Advising and Counseling Center or by email.

Who do I call if I need assistance?

If you need to talk to an admissions advisor, call 847-635-1713.
If you need to talk with an academic advisor, contact the Advising and Counseling Center or send e-mail.
If you need more information about course content, call or e-mail the instructor.
If you need information about your bill, call the cashier, 847-635-1639.
If you need information about obtaining the books and materials for your course, call the Office of Alternative Education, 847-635-1970

Online courses are subject to to the same refund policies as conventional Oakton credit courses. If you withdraw from a class, abiding by College withdrawal policies, generally the last day to receive a full tuition refund will be very shortly after the start of the class. The schedule/bill statement you receive when you register will include the exact dates for drop deadlines and the amount of refund you may expect. You may also contact Registration and Records for refund information on your class.

If you receive aid from Oakton's Financial Aid office, you may apply it toward tuition and fees for an online course.

See the Oakton Registration pages for more Tuition and Financial Aid Information.

Students need to have access to a computer and an Internet connection and any additional hardware/software as specified for a particular course. Students who don't have a computer can use computers available in the open labs on either campus. Technical requirements are listed at www.oakton.edu/online/tech/techmenu.htm .

Students must possess a minimum level of computer knowledge to function in an online learning environment. They need to be comfortable with the Windows or Macintosh environment and with navigating the World Wide Web. Additionally, they should be able to use email and a variety of search engines.

Online courses provide students the scheduling flexibility of accessing a course from anywhere at any time, but they also require students to be self-disciplined and organized and to have excellent time management skills. Students must speak up for what they need, whether that is emailing a question, asking for help, etc.

To be successful in an online learning environment, students must keep up with the weekly schedule and actively participate in learning activities.