FAQ's

Questions Regarding Classes



Are there additional policies for students?
Our online policy manual contains student policies, including policies regarding academic integrity and online netiquette.


Are there other reasons why I would not have to pay a cancellation fee?

You will not pay a cancellation fee if:
  • The course is cancelled (AEA PD Online cancels courses with less than 6 participants due to low enrollment)
  • You were on the waiting list to get into a course
  • You paid for the course and now your school district is paying for it
  • Family deaths or critical illness
  • Other circumstances determined by Professional Development


How do I cancel out of a course?

To cancel out of a course, please contact Professional Development at (800) 255-0405 x14702.

Note: If you cancel out of a course between 2 weeks prior to the start of class and one week after the start, there is a $20 cancellation fee. If you cancel out earlier than that, there is no cancellation fee.
You may not cancel later than one week after the start of the class; you may however withdraw from the course (resulting in no grade for the course), but you will not be refunded any money.


How good do I need to be at computers to take an online course?

AEA PD Online courses are designed to be accessible to participants of all skill levels. Many skills specific to the LMS and the courses will be developed in the course orientation. However, a participant should have a minimum competency with Internet navigation and computer use in order to be successful in the course.

For example, can you navigate a site like eBay or Amazon well? Can you send an e-mail with an attachment?



How many hours is an online course? When do I meet?

Most AEA PD Online courses are asynchronous, meaning that participants can log in and work in the course at their own schedule. If there are synchronous components (through Adobe Connect Pro or the ICN, for example), your instructor will let you know when they are.

Because courses are asynchronous, the amount of hours spent in a course varies. Courses are designed to be 15 hours of instructional time (and 30 hours of homework/out-of-class time for graduate credit) per credit hour. This amount varies depending upon a participant's technological proficiency, typing speed, reading speed, and Internet connection. In addition, new courses are often re-calibrated based on student feedback to make sure they are in line with the time expectations.


I'm having technical problems. Who do I call?

Participants should first contact their instructor with technical problems. Instructors will be available to handle issues when the Professional Development Office is closed, will have better knowledge of issues relating to courses, and if there is a problem with a course itself, they will be able to fix the issue.

Participants having difficulties registering for courses or creating a Moodle account (i.e. before having an instructor) should contact the Professional Development office between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. M-F at (800) 255-0405 x14702 or at support@aeapdonline.org


I've never used Moodle (or taken an online course). What do I need to know?

AEA PD Online provides a short, self-paced orientation to online learning. This orientation can be accessed at any time through your course, and features tutorials on how to complete common tasks in Moodle as well as tips for troubleshooting.


If I want to transfer to another course instead? Do I pay a cancellation fee?

No. If you transfer to another AEA PD Online course, you will not need to pay the $20 cancellation fee. However, you may not transfer out of a course later than one week after the start of the class.

To transfer, please contact Professional Development at (800) 255-0405 x14701.


What if I want to offer my own course online?

We are always looking for quality instructors in a diverse range of educational su bjects. To find out how to become an instructor, see our Instructor Toolbox.


Why do I need to take an online course?

All online courses require the participant to have a computer with an Internet connection. You will be accessing the course through our Moodle system, which is an online website.

It is recommended that you have the following:
  • Computer - A modern computer manufactured within last 3 years, including audio (speakers)
  • Operating System - Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7, Mac OS 10.4 or later
  • RAM - 512 MB or higher
  • Internet - Cable Modem, DSL, or LAN (1 Mbps or greater)
  • Web Browser - Firefox 3 or higher (Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Safari may be used, but are not optimal)
Additionally, instructors may require additional computer applications or Web 2.0 tools to be used. They will indicate so on the course description for their course.


Questions Regarding Credit Options


I am registered for a course. How can I change my credit option?

If you are changing to a credit option with a higher fee, click here for directions (pdf) for paying with a credit card or check.

If you are changing to a credit option with a lower fee, you must contact Professional Development at 515-270-0405 or 1-800-255-0405, Ext. 14702.

You will have until the last day of the class to change credit options.


What credit types are offered?

Online courses are offered for license renewal, substitute authorization, and graduate credit.


Questions Regarding Online Trainings (Mandatory or Non-Mandatory) 

 

Where can I register for the mandatory classes?  I looked in AEA PD Online registration for the mandatory classes but I could not find them. Where are they?

Our online registration system is for online courses only. Our mandatory trainings, such as Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Occupational Hazards: Bloodborne Pathogens are located on our online training system.


When did I take the Mandatory Reporter Child and Dependent Adult Abuse training (or other training)?

The completion date of the Mandatory Reporter can be found both on your copy of the Certificate of Completion as well as within the online training system.  When you log into the system, you will see a link on the left marked "Completed Courses/Certificates".  Click on that link, and you will see the dates you last completed your training.


Where do I get the password to take an online training course?

I need to take an online training and I don't have the correct password. Where do I get this password?

If you are currently an employee of a school district in the state of Iowa, please contact your school district or servicing AEA to obtain the password for your district.

If you are not an employee of a school district, you will access the training as a Pay Customer and will be asked to pay $25 upon completion of the training in order to receive a certificate.


When will I receive in the mail the certificate for the training I took online?

Certificates of completion are no longer printed and mailed by Heartland for the trainings. You are able to print your own certificate from within the system.


How do I print the certificates for trainings?

You may access these certificates for up to one year and print at any time from any computer. To print certificates, first login at our training site, then click the "Completed Courses/Certificates" link on the left.  You will then see a link by each completed non-expired course to download a certificate, which will be a PDF.  If you are having difficulties, please contact support@aeapdonline.org.


Questions Regarding Registering for Courses


Can I pay with a check instead of a credit card?

Yes, you may pay by check. To do so, download and fill out this pdf. Then send in the form with your check or money order to:

Professional Development
Heartland AEA 11
6500 Corporate Drive
Johnston IA 50131



I get an error message when I tried to use my credit card. Now what do I do?

If you are receiving an error, when trying to pay with a credit card, please Professional Development at 1-800-255-0405 ext. 14443.


Why does Area Education Agency 11 appear on my credit card statement?

Area Education Agency 11 ("Heartland AEA") is the host AEA for the online system, meaning while the professional development opportunities are produced and delivered by all AEAs working systemically, AEA 11 is the fiscal agent handling the transactions on behalf of all the AEAs.


Questions Regarding Transcripts


How do I access my electronic transcripts or view my course history?

To access both your Heartland AEA and AEA PD Online transcripts, log into your record through the Heartland website:

·       Go to http://www.aeapdonline.org
·       Click the Registration tab
·       Locate the statement, "To view your Class History and Current Enrollment". Click here. 
·       After verifying your personal information, continue to your Enrollment History page and click the button, Download Your Transcript

You can download your transcript showing credits issued during the last five years or showing your complete history.


If you have any questions, or need assistance, please contact the Professional Development office by calling 1-800-255-0405, Ext. 14702.

Do I need a transcript when renewing my license?

No, the Board of Educational Examiners requires you to enter your course information into the online application, but only requires an official transcript if it audits you (at which time, you can request an official transcript).



How do I order a copy of my official transcript in a sealed envelope?

If you need a copy of your Official Transcript in a sealed envelope from Heartland AEA, call Heartland AEA Professional Development at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14701 or (800) 255-0405 ext. 14701. The fee is $10.

No comments:

Post a Comment