FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use my own e-mail account?

Once you have† been given your UIS email account, you will be required to use it for all communication with the University. This account is used for all official UIS/Blackboard/course information. You should check it often.

For more specific information about UIS E-mail, please visit the Campus Technology E-mail Web Site or the UIS TechSupport FAQs.

2. How do I change my Blackboard password?

You can change your Blackboard password by clicking on ìPersonal Informationî which appears on the Tools Menu after you log in to Blackboard. Then, click ‘Change Password.’ A screen will appear prompting you to enter your new password. Make sure to ìsubmitî your change.

3. Will there be an initial class meeting to walk us through how to use Blackboard?

No, there is no meeting before class begins. However, there is a quick Blackboard tutorial. This should get you started, and there is an online manual for Blackboard once you are logged in to your class. Additionally, the first required course, EDL 585 Foundations of Teacher Leadership, begins with a Blackboard activity assisting you with becoming familiar with the key elements of Blackboard. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the MTL Coordinator, instructor or technical support staff by phone. They are always willing to help you.

4. About how much time will I be spending per class?

You should expect to spend as much time for study, or perhaps more, as a classroom course since you are managing your own learning using the online information and materials. This requires that you be self-disciplined, motivated, and have some skills using a networked computer and a Web browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, etc.). The content and rigor of the online courses offered by the University of Illinois at Springfield is equivalent to the on-campus version of the same course. Online courses may require at least as much, if not more time and commitment than traditional courses. Completing course assignments and other learning activities can take from five to fifteen hours or more per week. And you may find that you need to be online several times per week.

5. Can I take online courses even if I am not very familiar with using computers?

ABSOLUTELY. Your instructor and the staff in technical support will be happy to talk with you about how to set up and use your equipment.

6. How do I submit papers/tests/information to the professors or others in the class?

The most frequently used way to submit information is via Blackboard. However, there are other methods of submitting information such as the digital drop box and emailing your professor. You can electronically ìattachî your papers/projects in any of these formats.

7. How does an online course work?

Courses typically follow the sixteen-week format, though several eight-week courses are available each semester. Students have weekly or bi-weekly assignments. Assignments include reading or listening to the instructor’s “lectures,” participation in computer-mediated conferencing, doing homework problems and exercises, taking online quizzes, and participating in small groups to work on cases or projects. In many ways, online courses are like traditional courses with the main difference that there is often more interaction between the student and the instructor (and with fellow students as well) in the online version. We truly value this high level of interaction, as it is directly responsible for the dynamic scholarship that occurs in these classes.

8. How long do I have to complete the program?

Six years

9. Do I need to take a GRE exam?

No. Taking the GRE is not required for admission to the MTL Program.

10. How many courses can I take at one time?

You may take as many courses as you are comfortable taking. However, the courses are rigorous and will take time to complete properly. Therefore, we suggest you take no more than two. Traditional graduate-level courses require at least three hours of work per credit hour each week.

11. How many hours are required to complete the degree?

The degree requires forty hours, which includes twenty hours of required courses plus twenty hours of electives that can be selected from a variety of courses.

12. Is transfer credit accepted in the program?

Credit hours are accepted at the Graduate School, yet because of the unique focus of this program, each situation must be reviewed on a course-by-course, individual basis.

13. Can I take courses without being enrolled in the program?

Admittance to the degree is preferred, but not mandatory. Priority is given to those who are enrolled in the MTL program. NAS (non-degree seeking/non-assigned) students are allowed to take up to eight hours of MTL coursework before declaring a major. Upon completion of eight hours of MTL coursework, NAS students should complete a change of major form declaring MTL as their major.

14. Are campus visits required?

While we would certainly welcome a visit from you, no, there are no campus visits required for course work. You can even order your books online. Note: EDL 541 (Educational Research Methods) requires a proctored final exam, which may be administered off-campus at any pre-approved facility most convenient for you – e.g. public libraries, universities, community colleges. (EDL 541 is the only course that requires a proctored exam.)

15. Will I have an academic advisor?

Yes. – The MTL Program Coordinator will advise you.

16. Am I required to be online at specific times of the day?

Generally you will not be required to be online at specific times of the day. However, instructors may schedule ‘chat’ times with experts in a topic that are at specific times so you can participate in the discussion. If you are unable to attend these ìliveî events, they are recorded for later viewing; however, the ìchatî portion of the event will be unavailable when viewing recorded sessions.

17. Are the credits I earn in this degree the same as classroom credits, and how will they show up on my transcript?

Yes, the credits are the same as classroom credits. They will appear as regular credits on your transcript.

18. Will these online classes transfer as on-campus classes do?

Yes, absolutely! There is no difference in transfer credit for University of Illinois at Springfield online courses and on-campus courses. The college transcript entry for an online class is identical to the on-campus class. In addition, professors who teach online are the same ones who teach on-campus classes. The only difference between the classes is the location and convenience to you.

19. Can I be admitted on a provisional basis if my undergraduate grades are a little too low?

Yes, there is a Graduate School conditional admittance, with the requirement that you obtain a 3.0 in the first two courses you take.

20. Can I start anytime, or are classes offered during a regular semester?

Classes are offered during a regular sixteen-week semester schedule in the fall and spring semesters and during an eight-week session for summer.

21. What are the requirements for Illinois residency?

In-state tuition rates at UIS are very affordable in comparison to other institutions. To pay in-state tuition and fees, you must: a) be able to document residency in Illinois; OR b) qualify for e-tuition.

22. What is involved in taking an online course?

Upon being accepted into the program, you will receive a welcome letter from the program coordinator. With this letter will be a blue-colored list of instructions. Participation in the course occurs through discussion boards, virtual chats, and regular e-mail. Projects and other homework are regularly assigned, and you may have tests (EDL 541 is the only course that requires a proctored final exam, which may be administered off-campus at any pre-approved facility most convenient for you ñ e.g. public libraries, universities, community colleges); but most assignments involve projects and papers. You will probably work in teams with other class members. Each course will be slightly different in format.

23. What if my computer breaks or I can’t get online, etc.?

If that happens, contact your instructor immediately to let them know. We will work with you to make sure you stay up-to-date with the rest of the class.

24. Can I apply my veteran’s benefits to this degree?

You may contact the UIS Admissions Office at (217) 206-6174 or toll-free at 1-888-977-4847 for information regarding veteranís benefits and how they might apply.

25. Are there any special skills I need to be a good candidate for the degree?

The greater skill you have on a computer, the easier the courses will be for you. However, there is a significant amount of help available. Also, you will need self-discipline and motivation to complete the course work, especially if you have a lot of immediate concerns at home and work.

26. What level of access to library resources will I need?

The University of Illinois library has myriad online resources readily available, including full-text databases. The amount of library research you will need to do depends upon the course you are taking. We will work with you to help you succeed.

27. Is there a computer literacy requirement?

No, there is not a formal requirement, because there is significant help available. However, being computer literate will make the courses much easier, and you can concentrate on what you are learning rather than on how to deal with the computer.

28. What are the minimum hardware and software requirements?

You should have access to a computer with the minimum configuration of: Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT or ME; MacOS9 or MacOSx. Hardware: 64MB of RAM, 1 G of free disk space. Software: Microsoft Word,* Adobe Acrobat Reader,* sound card, and speakers (*indicates MAC equivalent).

29. What is the cost for tuition and fees?

The cost of tuition is set by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. For the most up-to-date information, visit tuition and payments.

30. I have never used online conferencing or chat rooms. Will this be a problem?

It should not be a problem because you will receive help to make sure the chat rooms work well.

Teacher Leadership University of Illinois Springfield

FAQs

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