Frequently Asked QuestionsNorthern Star Online anticipates
that certain questions may arise from time to time relating to online
learning. Therefore, we've assembled the following list of common
answers to 'Frequently Asked Questions'.
- What is online learning?
- Who is eligible to enroll in a Northern Star Online learning course?
- I'm a student from another state...can I register for courses through Northern Star Online?
- Does my Minnesota public school and district need to know that I am taking a Northern Star Online course?
- I am a public school student, do I need to contact my public school counselor to take a Northern Star Online course?
- If I attend a private school, do I need to contact a school counselor about my course selection?
- I'm an adult learner...can I still register for courses through Northern Star Online?
- Who pays for online learning?
- How do I register and enroll in a Northern Star Online course?
- How do I drop or withdraw from a Northern Star Online course?
- Why do students take online learning courses?
- What are the Northern Star Online requirements for taking an online course?
- What student characteristics make for a successful online learning experience?
- Can a student with a disability enroll in an online learning course?
- Is the parental role important to student success?
- Do Northern Star Courses meet the new State Academic Standards?
- How do I know if my daughter or son is ready to take an online class?
- Can my son or daughter take as many courses as he or she would like?
- Can I enroll in additional courses if I pay separately for more than 12 semester-long course credits?
- Q: What is online learning?
- A:
Northern Star Online offers the same rigorous, student centered
experience as our on-campus courses--only the environment is different.
In NSO courses, you'll find student-focused faculty, innovative
instruction, and online learning that is flexible and allows students
to work at their own pace, place and time. Although it's not for
everyone, some students like online course work that offers a unique
opportunity to build community, to learn in a new setting, and to learn
in a new way. The availability of online learning to students anywhere
creates the sense of a "school without borders."
- Q: Who is eligible to enroll in a Northern Star Online learning course?
- A: Northern Star Online enrollment is open to Minnesota secondary public, private, and home-schooled students.
- Q: I'm a student from another state...can I register for courses through Northern Star Online?
- A:
Yes. Students from out of state are welcome to register for Northern
Star Online courses, but will need to pay tuition and any course fees.
- Q: Does my Minnesota public school and district need to know that I am taking a Northern Star Online course?
- A:
Yes. If you wish to have your credits paid for by the State of
Minnesota, you are required to notify your school and have your
enrollment form signed by a school representative. We recommend that
you begin the conversation with your counselor as soon as possible to
discuss how online courses will fit into your schedule and graduation
requirements.
- Q: I am a public school student, do I need to contact my public school counselor to take a Northern Star Online course?
- A:
Yes. It is required in the enrollment process for public school
students to make sure that the course(s) will count toward the
student's graduation plan, and to also identify a contact person in
case the Northern Star Online course instructor needs to contact
someone from your school.
- Q: If I attend a private school, do I need to contact a school counselor
about my course selection?
- A:
No for private and home-school students. While it is not required for
private school students, it still is suggested that students contact
their school to make sure the courses will be accepted and count
towards graduation.
- Q: I'm an adult learner...can I still register for courses through Northern Star Online?
- A:
Yes. Adult learners are welcome to register for NSO courses provided
tuition and any course fees are sent with the returned enrollment
application. This includes courses that are taken for enrichment
purposes.
- Q: Who pays for online learning?
- A:
Public school students generate state revenue that can fund either
online or traditional classroom courses. The state, therefore, pays for
online course work that is not considered beyond a full load. Students
who currently are taking more than a full load at their school will not
qualify for online state funding, and will need to pay tuition for
these extra courses.
For non public school
students (private or home schooled), 2005 Minnesota law no longer
provides funding to take NSO courses.
- Q: How do I register and enroll in a Northern Star Online course?
- A: Follow the instructions on the 'Registration Overview' page of our website for a description of the enrollment process.
- Q: How do I drop or withdraw from a Northern Star Online course?
- A: Download and fill-out one of the following NSO Course Withdrawal Form(s):
- Withdrawal form for Public School students enrolled in NSO courses
- Withdrawal form for Private School students enrolled in NSO courses
[ Note: Signatures are required on all withdrawal forms ]
Mail
or FAX the form as per the address or phone information on the form.
Withdrawal Forms received during the first 10 working days (M-F) of the
start date of the class will receive pro rated tuition. Withdrawals
received after 10 working days (M-F) from the course start date will
not get any tuition reimbursed.
- Q: Why do students take online learning courses?
- A:
Students take online courses for a variety of reasons. Courses have
been designed to meet a number of student learning needs, including
enrichment, remediation, and credit recovery. In addition, the
web-based learning will provide an alternative for home bound and
home-schooled students and offer choice to solving scheduling conflicts
and address learning style preferences.
- Q: What are the Northern Star Online requirements for taking an online course?
- A: Requirements include:
- Public
school students must notify the local enrolling district and consult with their counselor.
- Students
must complete enrollment registration using the official MDE enrollment
form. This is initiated by submitting the online form on the
web site or downloading the official MDE form.
- Students
will need regular access to a PC or Mac (as listed under the technical
requirements section of this web site) and access to the Internet.
- Q: What student characteristics make for a successful online learning experience?
- A:
Although it is difficult to delineate characteristics that reliably
identify a good candidate for online learning, the literature suggests
that successful students have proven to be self-motivated and
self-directed. Some students may start the course with these traits
while others will learn the skills through experiences in the course.
In an online class, you will probably need to read and write more than
you do in a traditional class.
- Q: Can a student with a disability enroll in an online learning course?
- A:
Yes. A student with a disability is allowed to enroll in an online
course. The student's individualized education (IEP) team helps determine
any accommodations necessary for the online learning course.
- Q: Is the parental role important to student success?
- A:
Parent involvement can play a big part in helping a student achieve
success. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in learning
about the activities and requirements for successful course completion.
NSO instructors welcome contact with you and will be happy to discuss
your student's progress in their courses.
- Q: Do Northern Star Courses meet the State Academic Standards?
- A:
Yes. Applicable State Academic Standards are embedded in the courses
where required, and all NSO instructors are both Minnesota licensed
teachers and faculty of NSO districts.
- Q: How do I know if my daughter or son is ready to take an online class?
- A: Complete the Student Readiness Survey
which is used to raise awareness of what might be expected in an online
learning course. This survey will assist both students and parents in further
delineating motivational, technical, academic preparedness, and
learning styles issues while also highlighting characteristics that
foster strong candidate success.
- Q: Can my son or daughter take as many courses as he or she would like?
- A:
No. The State of Minnesota will reimburse for eligible students to
enroll in a maximum of 12 semester-long course credits during a single
school year. In addition, students must receive permission from their
local enrolling district to take more than half of a full course load
online.
- Q: Can I enroll in additional courses if I pay separately for more than 12 semester-long course credits?
- A:
Yes, additional courses can be taken if the student agrees to pay for the tuition and any course fees. This includes courses
that are taken for enrichment purposes.
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