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eCampusAlberta and Online Education Frequently Asked Questions

 

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eCampusAlberta students enjoy technical support 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone or online.

"With the great support and encouragement of the staff, I enrolled in my first anatomy and physiology online course. I am 40 and I have never studied a science subject in my life but I was able to earn an A in my mid-term and an A- in my final. Not only do I feel proud of myself, but I also really appreciate my online instructor and all the help from the support group at eCampusAlberta."
- Louise Wong, Practical Nursing, Bow Valley College

The following FAQ is provided to answer many questions you may have about eCampusAlberta, online education and the online courses, online certificates and online diplomas offered by member institutions.

Questions about course delivery

Questions about technical issues

How does the lead and partner model work?

The lead and partner model enables students to take online courses from any member college or technical institute while accessing the educational services, such as the library, academic counselling and exam supervision at the institution that is located closest to them.

The lead institution offers the course. For example, if an online course created by Medicine Hat College was offered through eCampusAlberta and a student in Fort McMurray wanted to take that course, Medicine Hat would provide the instruction and course materials while Keyano College (located in Fort McMurray) would be a student’s partner institution.

The partner institution provides educational support services to students. These may include assistance with library services, exam supervision and academic services, such as study skills enhancement instruction to name a few.

Learners register with the lead institution and may select a partner institution (optional) that is located close to where they live. This can be done online, in-person, by phone, fax or e-mail. Students should check with the institution offering the course or program.

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Who are the eCampusAlberta members?

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What are the advantages of online learning?

Online learning through eCampusAlberta offers several advantages to students, including:

  • flexibility to complete coursework at a time and in a location that is convenient
  • the opportunity to take advantage of courses and programs offered by institutions across the province
  • the flexibility to pursue a post-secondary credential while working or raising a family

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What skills do online learners need?

The skills required for individual online courses varies and students should check with the institution offering a course before registering. However, most courses require a basic level of computer skills, including the ability to: send and receive e-mail; research on the Internet and use online library resources, such as academic journals; write using word processing programs (such as Microsoft Word); and participate in online discussions, such as chat rooms and/or blogs. If more advanced skills are required, they will be listed in the course description. If you are uncertain, we recommended that you discuss the skills required for a course with the institution offering it.

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I am not resident in Canada. Can I take an eCampusAlberta course?

International students are welcome to register in eCampusAlberta courses.

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Does eCampusAlberta offer its own online courses, online certificates or online diplomas?

All courses and programs are offered by member colleges and technical institutes. eCampusAlberta provides the information students need to find courses and credentials offered by 15 Alberta colleges and technical institutes.
View programs offered by member institutions.

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I am already taking courses on campus. If I take online courses, will they count towards my credential?

Courses offered online through eCampusAlberta are typically credit-based courses unless otherwise specified. Students must check with the institution offering the credential they are pursuing to ensure any online courses they take are transferable prior to their program of study. For more information, please consult the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer guide.

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Can I complete my entire program online or do I have to attend courses on a campus for part of it?

eCampusAlberta online courses, online certificates and online diplomas are typically offered entirely online. Some credentials are offered partly online and partly through campus-based courses. Online students are also occasionally required to visit a member college or technical institute to write exams etc.

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Do students have access to technical support?

Students and faculty have access to live technical support, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Once you are registered in an eCampusAlberta course, you can get technical assistance by calling 1-866-548-8544. Follow this link to visit the Online Technical Support Center or access Live Chat.

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How do students interact with instructors?

All classes are taught by instructors who run the course. The instructor is responsible for facilitating student-teacher and student-student discussion, as well as answering students’ questions and reviewing and grading assignments and exams.

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Technical requirements

How much computer and Internet experience do I need to take an online course?

You will need to be familiar with using a computer and the Internet. The skills most often required include using e-mail, downloading and attaching files and working with word processing software (i.e. Microsoft Word or WordPerfect). If more advanced skills are required, they will be listed in the course description. We recommend you discuss this with the institution offering the course who can advise you about the specifics related to your course or program.

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Do I need an e-mail account for my online course?

Yes, all students taking online courses must have an e-mail account. E-mail accounts may be obtained either through the institution offering the course or students may opt to sign up for a free account through Yahoo! or Hotmail. It is strongly advised that students do not use AOL for their e-mail account.

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Will I need special hardware or software?

You will need access to a computer and the Internet to take your online course. Some courses may require special software or hardware; this information is provided in the eCampusAlberta course catalogue.

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Will I need an Internet connection?

An internet connection is necessary to access the online content. A DSL or cable modem is highly recommended. A dial-up connection may work, but will likely cause you some frustration.

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System requirements for Windows users*

The following is required for content delivery using WebCT.

  • Operating System: Windows 98, Me, XP, Vista
  • Ram: 128 MB (256 MB recommended) 1 GB recommended for Vista
  • Free disk space: 50 MB (100 MB recommended)
  • CPU speed: Pentium III or greater is recommended
  • Clock speed: 500 megahertz (1 gigahertz recommended)
  • Software recommended: Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Reader and a media player such as Flash Player, QuickTime or Windows Media Player
  • Web Browser: Internet Explorer version 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 and 7.0; Netscape version 6.2, 7.0 and 8.1; Firefox 1.5 and 2.0
  • Internet connection: DSL or cable modem is highly recommended. A dial-up connection may work but could result in some frustration
  • Sound card and speakers required for some courses
  • Webcam and headphone/microphone set required for some courses

Note: Your course may require software and/or hardware beyond what is listed above. Please consult your institution and instructor.

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System requirements for Macintosh users*

  • Operating System: 9.0 or higher (OS X is recommended)
  • Ram: 128 MB (256 MB recommended)
  • Free disk space: 50 MB (100 MB recommended)
  • CPU speed: PowerMacintosh or higher
  • Software recommended: Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Reader and a media player such as Flash Player, QuickTime or Windows Media Player
  • Web Browser: Internet Explorer (IE) version 5.1 and 5.2; Netscape version 6.2, 7.0 and 7.1; Safari version 1.2 or 2.0, Firefox version 1.5 or 2.0
  • Internet connection: DSL or cable modem is highly recommended. A dial-up connection may work but could result in some frustration
  • Sound card and speakers required for some courses.
  • Webcam and headphone/microphone set required for some courses

*Note: Your course may require software and/or hardware beyond what is listed above. Please consult your institution and instructor.

More about eCampusAlberta
eCampusAlberta is a consortium of 15 Alberta post-secondary institutions that was established in 2002 to facilitate greater access to high quality online learning (online education) opportunities for Alberta students. The organization enables students to choose from more than 50 provincially accredited programs – online certificates, online diplomas and online applied degrees – and 400 online courses.

Online education or eLearning as a modern form of distance education, has become increasingly popular in Alberta and across Canada over the past few years, especially as Internet technology has enabled better communication between instructors and students. Students typically choose distance learning or eLearning when they require flexibility in their studies to enable them to pursue other occupations, such as working full time, running a business or raising a family.

Some eCampusAlberta colleges and technical institutes also offer continuing education (non-credit) and adult upgrading programs and courses online.

Learn more about the online courses and programs offered through eCampusAlberta.

Learn more about online education and whether it may be right for you.