Frequently Asked Questions

Below are questions that are most often asked. Click a specific question and you will be taken to the answer. Or feel free to scroll through all of the questions. If you have a a question which is not listed here, send me the question and I will post the answer.

1.  How Do I know if I am ready to teach an online class?

2.  What is the Etudes NG program?

3.  How Do I get an Etudes NG shell?

4.  Do I really have to take an online class to get my Etudes NG shell?

5.  Can't I just keep my Etudes Classic system?

6.  How What kind of help can I receive in creating my online course?

7.  How I just don't know if I can or really want to teach an online class.
     What should I do?

 

2. What is the Etudes NG program?

The Etudes NG system is a classroom management system which allows you to offer your course content, contact your students, give assignments and tests and other features you need to offer your online class. Etudes NG stands for Easy to Use Distance Education Software Next Generation and replaces the Classic system we have been using. Etudes, pronounced “A-Tudes” is also the French word for, “studies.”

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3. How do I get an Etudes NG shell?

To be issued a shell that you use to create your online class, you have to take an online course from Foothill College. After successfully completing that course you can order the shells you need. Go to the link on the left titled “Etudes NG Introduction Training” for the schedule of classes and how to sign up.

4. Do I really have to take a ten day online class to get my Etudes NG shell?

Yes. In the past shells were just given out. But now, Foothill College who is in charge of the program wants to make sure that those getting shells will have an understanding of how Etudes NG works. Also, besides learning how to use the system, it is really useful to actually be an online student and get the perspective of your future students.

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5. Can’t I just keep my Etudes Classic system?

No. Valley College is paying for two systems in the Fall, but starting in the Winter Session, only the Etudes NG will be supported by the college.

6. What kind of help can I receive in creating my online course?

There are several opportunities for help in creating your online class. First, feel free to contact someone on the Online team by going to the link on the left titled, “Contacting Online team.” Second, please come by one of the Valley College training sessions. Click the link on the left titled, “Valley Training Session” to find what training programs are being offered. Your level of computer understanding will guide the type of training we will provide you for successful online class development.

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7. I just don’t know if I can or really want to teach an online class. What should I do?

Teaching online is not for everyone. So before you make the significant time commitment here are a few things you can do. Call someone on the training team. Attend a training session. Talk to other instructors who are currently teaching online. Get a feel for what it is like to teach online.

If you have a question that is not here, please send it to me, Jim Marteney.

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