General FAQs

How do I know if distance learning is right for me?

Take the Self Test to learn if distance learning is right for you.

How do I register for a course?

Perform a "Course Search." When you find the course you are interested in, click the name of the course. At the top of the course detail page, click the "Registration" button to being the process.  You will need a FACTS account to complete you registration. If you don’t already have one, you will be able to create one later in the registration process. This process will communicate with your currently registered institution (Home Institution) and the new institution. This is to ensure the credits can be transferred and the course you are requesting is valid for your degree path.

Can an inmate take a distance-learning course?

Yes, an inmate of any State of Florida jail or prison can take print (correspondence) courses. Print (correspondence) courses are the only distance education courses available for Florida inmates. Print courses use printed materials such as textbooks, study guides, supplemental readings and other course materials to present course content.

Do I have to apply for admission to the institution?

Whether you need to apply for admission will vary and depend on several factors.

1. Are you planning on taking several courses from this institution or just one?
   1. Does the new institution offer special student registration for those interested in only taking a couple of courses (up to 12 hours) and not completely transferring to the new institution?
      
      
2. What are the rules of your home institution?

What is the cost to take a distance-learning course?

The institution that offers the course sets the tuition cost. Cost information is listed with each course description listed in the catalog when available.  You can also visit the institution’s web site for specific tuition information.

Are these courses transferable?

Again, it will depend on your home institution but in most cases the courses are transferable due to the common course numbering system in Florida. As you plan your program of study, seek the help of an advisor and consult the catalog of your intended transfer institution.

How do I get a transcript for my completed course sent to my home (degree granting) institution?

I some cases you may need to request that a transcript be sent to your home institution upon completion o the course and a nominal fee may be involved for this service.  Students utilizing the online registration process from within the catalog will have a grade report electronically returned to their home institution upon completion of the course(s).

What is common course numbering?

Prefixes and numbers that were assigned by Florida’s Statewide Course Numbering System identify courses in this catalog. This common numbering system is used by all public postsecondary institutions in Florida and by two participating private institutions. The major purpose of this system is to facilitate the transfer of courses between participating institutions.

Can students with disabilities take distance-learning courses?

Students with disabilities can definitely take distance-learning courses. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities or limitations should be made prior to the date of the program or activity for which it is needed. Please do so as early as possible prior to the program or activity so that proper arrangements can be made. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the program coordinator or the office giving the program. Requests are kept confidential.

Delivery Methods

Print & Televised Classes.

What is a print course?

Print courses are also known as correspondence courses or text-based distance learning courses. Print courses use printed materials such as textbooks, study guides, supplemental readings and other course materials to present course content. No additional equipment is needed for print courses.

How do Two-way TV courses different from face-to-face courses?

Two-way TV (or interactive conferencing) courses are usually taught in a specially equipped conference room. The instructor and students are usually located in two different places and communicate through interactive video and audio equipment. The Two-way TV course is similar to face-to-face course except that you will see your instructor through TV instead of face by face.

Online Classes.

What kind of equipment do I need to take online courses?

The technology requirement of the online course will depend on the nature of the course. Please refer to the institution’s web site for the detailed information on technology requirement. For example, a higher grade of computer will be needed for a graphic arts course when compared to that needed for a writing course.

How does participation work in an online course?

It will vary depending on the course, the instructor and the institution requirements. You may be asked to participate in online discussions, team projects and webinars. Please consult the course information page and the institution for details.

Is an online course like a correspondence course?

No. Some institutions have online courses that are like correspondence courses in that the student has a year to complete the work and works independently. However, most of the institutions try to capture the excitement and learning environment of a face-to-face classroom in the online course. Most institutions require student-to-student and student-to-professor interaction, and those requirements impose upon our students a need to work on a regular schedule.

I am currently attending a FL state college, but my college does not offer all the courses I need online. How can I find courses offered by other institutions?

To search for all available courses, simply click "Course Search" on the navigation bar.

Why can’t I register for more than 1 course at time?

Current catalog functionality restricts this for the 2011/2012 year. This functionality is being designed into the system. At this time, requests for more than 1 course will need to be entered individually.

How do I pay for an online course offered by another institution?

Once your registration request is submitted and approved by the offering institution, you will receive instructions as to how to complete the registration process and pay for the course.  Payment will be made to the offering institution.

Do I have to apply to the other college to be admitted?

Yes.  You would apply as a transient student.  The transient student application process is based on your status as a currently enrolled student at a Florida public institution.  The online registration process is a streamlined approach to the transient admissions process.  You can utilize this option either through the registration process within this catalog, through the FACTS system or through direct contact with a Florida public college or university.

How does the registration process work?

Only students currently enrolled in a Florida public institution may register through distancelearn.org. Perform a "Course Search" to find the available courses for registration. From the search results list, click the "Course Number" of the course of interest. Here you can learn more about the course and register.  Clicking register will, after a few quick questions, take you to the appropriate page to complete the request. Once submitted and approved, this process will communicate with your currently registered institution (Home Institution) and the new institution to ensure the credits are transferred and the course you are requesting is valid for your degree path. Further communication will come from the selected institution regarding your ability to proceed in the course.

Who can use this process?

Students currently enrolled in a Florida public institution.

What is the cost of the process?

At some offering institutions there may be a $5 per enrolled course transaction fee in addition to regular tuition and fee charges.

Can I actually a register for a course from the catalog?

Yes, if you have a FACTS account and are currently enrolled in a Florida institution.  You are actually applying for admission to the offering institution using the streamlined transient process and then completing the registration process at the offering institution.

What did the course availability indicators mean?

Particular attention should be given to the course availability indicators.  Distance learning courses and programs are very popular with students and they can fill quickly.  The availability indicators are used to provide student with an indication of the availability of seats in a course AT THE TIME OF LISTING.  They are defined as follows:

• Restricted Availability – Course enrollment restricted to students enrolled at the offering institution.
• Limited Availability – Limited seats available for student meeting certain criteria such as those accepted to a specific degree program.
• Open Availability – Open to all students (including transient students) until class size limits are reached.

Can I check on the status of my application?

Yes. Once you have submitted your request for registration, you can check the status of your request within FACTS at anytime.

How many courses can I enroll in that are offered by other colleges? Is there a limit per term? Per year?

There are limits that may be set by your home institution or degree program.  You should check with your academic advisor if this is a concern.

Can I enroll in courses in my college at the same time I am enrolled in an online course(s) at other colleges? Can I take online courses from several colleges at one time?

Subject to approval by your institution and program, you may be enrolled in multiple institutions at the same time.

What are the reasons that my enrollment request would be denied?

Some reasons that an admission/registration request might be denied include:

• The offering institution does not have any remaining space in the courses you have requested.
• You do not currently meet the academic requirements for the course
• You have an outstanding financial obligation that needs to be cleared
• Additional information is required to approve your request.

If a request is denied, you may resubmit the request after addressing any noted issues.