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Frequently Asked Questions
What is distance learning?What are the advantages of distance learning?
Is the Taylor University TUFWO accredited?
What are the tuition and fees for online courses through the TUFWO?
If I am planning to attend Taylor University and enroll in a traditional, residential degree program, will the credit hours I earn through the TUFWO apply?
Are course credits transferable?
What are the TUFWO courses like?
How much time will be required?
Can I be a successful distance learner?
Do I need to apply for admission in order to take a course through the TUFWO?
How do I register for a class?
Is the cost of course materials included in course tuition?
How do I acquire my course materials?
Can I receive financial aid or veterans benefits for courses offered by the TUFWO?
Do you have a tuition payment plan?
How long do I have to complete my course, and when does my course start?
What if I run out of time to complete my course?
What do others say about their distance learning experience?
How are tests and exams administered with your online and distance learning classes?
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Answers
-
What is distance learning?
- What are the advantages of distance learning?
- Is the Taylor University TUFWO accredited?
- What are the tuition and fees for online courses through the TUFWO?
- If I am planning to attend Taylor University and enroll in a traditional, residential degree program, will the credit hours I earn through the TUFWO apply?
- Are course credits transferable?
- What are the TUFWO courses like?
- How much time will be required?
- Can I be a successful distance learner?
- Do I need to apply for admission in order to take a course through the TUFWO?
- How do I register for a class?
- Is the cost of course materials included in course tuition?
- How do I acquire my course materials?
- Can I receive financial aid or veterans benefits for courses offered by the TUFWO?
- Do you have a tuition payment plan?
- How long do I have to complete my course, and when does my course start?
- What if I run out of time to complete my course?
- What do others say about their distance learning experience?
- How are tests and exams administered with your online and distance learning classes?
Distance learning describes learning activities that take place when a physical distance separates teacher and student(s). back to faq index
While the requirements for degrees earned by distance are the same as the requirements for degrees earned on-campus, there are many advantages to learning by distance, including:
Anytime, Anywhere Learning . . .
The distance learning student has the flexibility of determining when and where course work is completed. This flexibility requires a measure of discipline to ensure that all work is submitted by the deadline, but offers the opportunity to adjust academic effort to meet the challenges of work and family. This results in a learning process that is personalized and not tied to a group schedule.
Contextualized Learning . . .
Because the distance learner is able to remain within the context of their work environment, they have the opportunity to both apply professional experiences directly to their studies AND apply new knowledge gained directly to their work situations.
Depth of Discussion . . .
Distance learning dialogue is characterized by reflective thought rather than extemporaneous thought. And, the individual who is not the class extrovert in a physical classroom setting has equal opportunity to share their insight with the more verbose learner.
Reduced Cost . . .
Because the distance learner does not incur room and board, travel costs and on-campus fees, the cost of education can be significantly reduced.
Utilization of Technology . . .
Online learning takes advantage of the vast information resource known as the World Wide Web. Online course materials make links, RealAudio, RealVideo and other tools available directly at your fingertips.
back to faq indexTaylor University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. This esteemed level of accreditation means that TUFWO courses offer the highest educational quality and are well-respected throughout the collegiate world.
back to faq indexClick here to see all tuition and fees.
back to faq indexTaylor University’s traditional, residential degree programs have specific curriculum requirements for which credit hours earned through the TUFWO may or may not apply. If you are planning to attend Taylor University and enroll in a traditional, residential degree program, please contact the residential campus registrar (Upland or Fort Wayne) for further guidance.
back to faq indexTaylor has achieved the highest possible accreditation, which means that credits are easily transferable to most other colleges and universities. The acceptance of transfer credits and their specific application to degree requirements is always left in the hands of the receiving institution.
back to faq indexAll courses through the TUFWO are college-level and meet the high academic standards for which Taylor is known. Distance learning provides course information in a format that is geared specifically for distance learners. Same content, different methodology, but all at college-level and with high academic standards.
By the nature of learning by distance, the student must do his/her own research and course work. Not only is it a good learning process, but the student must also put into writing all of the information that he/she has found for the professor to evaluate. Both activities are excellent methods of study and growth.
Once you have registered for your course(s) and obtained your course materials, you may begin your course work. The student simply begins pursuing course activities as specified by the instructor within the online course itself. A final grade is issued when the student has completed those learning activities and demonstrates competency for the course subject matter. Once all lessons and exams have been completed, a final grade report will be issued for the course. No final grade can be issued if there are any outstanding fees due the University.
back to faq indexAll of our courses are college-level studies and will require as much time and effort to complete as the same course taken on campus. Since each lesson is roughly equivalent to one week of classes, you should spend an average of seven to ten hours on each lesson.
back to faq indexYes, you can. Distance learning requires self-motivation and self-discipline, so set a time and place to study. Keeping to a strict study schedule will keep you on track and help you get to work quickly. Your schedule will work best if you have a regular place to study. Some people choose to study in the local library where they can count on a quiet atmosphere with plenty of educational resources at hand, but you can study successfully in your own home. Devote a specific area to study. Try to pick a spot where you can keep all your books, paper and supplies in one place. This will allow you to sit down and work without having to get up and down. You may want to invest in an answering machine or unplug the telephone to keep distractions to a minimum. Your success depends upon your ability to motivate yourself.
Distance learning is not for everyone. However, for many, it is an effective method of learning. Individuals with the following characteristics/abilities will likely find themselves to be successful distance learners:
Self-Discipline
Independent learners can't rely on regular class times to provide structure for their studies. They must be able to establish a learning schedule on their own and then stick with it through the numerous distractions of life's other responsibilities.
Personal Motivation
Well-defined goals are very important to achieving your desired outcomes for distance learning. When the going gets tough (and it always does), knowing what it is that you desire to achieve by completing you program of study will help you continue your studies. Knowing the reasons why you chose distance learning as your method of study (the sleeping child in the next room, your spouse's promotion, etc.) also helps at those critical moments of discouragement. If you can remain motivated, you can stay on task.
Effective Time Management
All forms of learning require that students be effective time managers. Although the commute to class may be much shorter (like across the hall!), independent learners must meet deadlines on their own without the benefit of the built-in accountability created by a semestor or class schedule.
A Good Learning Environment
The distance learner needs a place to read, think and write that is free from distractions and interruptions. That environment does not need to be available to you 24 hours-a-day, just when you need it. Easy access to local libraries and other information sources is also crucial.
Good Writing Ability
In the physical classroom, good verbal skills can sometimes offset weaker writing abilities. That is not the case in the distance learning environment where all communication is done in writing and your learning is assessed by what you communicate in written form. Many of us are better writers than we are speakers, so distance learning will give us an opportunity to demonstrate one of our strengths.
Computer Literacy
Keyboarding and word-processing abilities are only part of what is required for distance learning. Students need an understanding of operating system software and computer hardware and peripherals in order to successfully utilize available resources for research and study. In addition to computer literacy, certain equipment is required for online learning.
back to faq indexAll that is required to take a course with the TUFWO is completed registration and payment of tuition and fees. All courses are open to any college-age, adult or qualifying high school learner. This includes students enrolled in other colleges and universities, individuals taking courses for professional development or personal enrichment, and high school juniors and seniors who qualify for escrow online. (For more information on our Credits in Escrow (CIE) program, contact the Director at 1.800.845.3149.)
back to faq indexRegistration for CLL courses is easy! You can register online, call our office (800-845-3149) during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard time). If you know what courses you want to take, you can go directly to the online enrollment form to register.
back to faq indexMany students may already have the books and materials for some courses. We want learners to have the option of purchasing only the books they need or the materials they do not have access to. Thus, course materials are not included in the cost of tuition and students buy only what they need. Visit our online course catalog to see a complete list of books and materials required for your course(s) and their prices.
back to faq indexYou can purchase them online or call the TUFWO office at 1.800.845.3149 to order or receive additional information regarding course materials. It is best to order materials at the time of registration.
back to faq indexIf you are enrolled in a degree or certificate program, it is possible to receive financial aid for online courses. For details, contact the financial aid office of the institution from which you are seeking a degree. Offline courses or courses that are not taken as part of a degree or certificate program do not meet the criteria established by the federal government for financial aid. TUFWO courses have been approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Students entitled to receive veterans educational benefits should contact their Veterans Affairs administrator for details.
back to faq indexTuition is paid in full at the time of registration. We have open enrollment so that you can register for as many courses as your time and finances allow.
back to faq indexAll TUFWO courses are self-paced. This means you may work on the course when and where you desire — late at night, early in the morning, weekdays or weekends. For students taking courses as a guest student or degree students not in cohort courses and not receiving federal financial aid, you have six months to complete this course. This is ample time to complete the course work. You are free to finish you course earlier than 6 months, but need to work with your professor in submitting assignments at an accelerated pace. Your date began when your enrollment was processed at the TUFWO office.
For students participating in degree programs offering cohort course delivery (2+2, BBA) your courses will start and end with semester dates. Most semesters will be approximately 14 weeks in length. Course assignments are submitted at regular intervals and on specific dates and the course must be completed by the end date of the semester.
For guest students and degree students not in cohort courses and not receiving federal financial aid, if you find that you will need additional time to complete your course, you may request either a three-month or six-month extension for a nominal fee. Extensions must be requested prior to the six-month expiration date of your course. A total of six months of extension time is the maximum permitted per course.
Students participating in degree programs offering cohort course delivery (2+2, BBA) are not eligible for extensions. If extenuating circumstances occur please contact the CLL Director for consideration. Failure to complete courses that are paid for using federal financial aid can seriously jeopardize future aid eligibility.
"I want you to know what a blessing you and Taylor have been to me. I am able to attend the chapels because you put them on the web. I am able to attend a Christian University and not leave my home. The closest Bible College is 2 1/2 hours away. I have not only taken 3 classes through the TUFWO but have attended the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy School held at the Fort Wayne Campus. It is because of Taylor I am able to work my full time job, handle my family and work school around rotating shifts. Thank you."
— Officer Mike Blevins
"When I discovered Taylor's TUFWO, I knew it was one more exciting step in God's unfolding plan for my life. Last fall, I felt a sure calling to pursue a graduate program in psychology, but my husband and I both knew this would only be possible if we could find a Christian program. I was accepted into the program, but was lacking the required abnormal psychology prerequisite to begin the MA program, and I only had six months to find and complete the course! I told my husband that if the Lord's hand truly was blessing this decision, the course would be made available. To my amazement, the TUFWO had just begun offering Abnormal Psychology. God perfectly planted the course there for me!"
— Cathy J. Lueers
"One reason I enrolled in the TUFWO was because of the Christian orientation of the courses. Even though I live in a town that has a university, I felt I would receive a better education through Taylor University. The fact that I could study at home was another reason I chose Taylor. I was attending a Christian college in Redding, California, which is 80 miles from my home. The commute was too long to say the least, so I had to find another way to continue my education. The registrar there mentioned Taylor's TUFWO, so I decided to write for information. You offered the courses I needed to take. The price was right, too. Compared to other correspondence studies, the cost of classes at Taylor was very reasonable."
— Paul Maestas Jr.
"I changed my major at the beginning of my sophomore year to elementary education. Taking a correspondence course has allowed me to graduate on time and fit in six hours of credit that did not fit in my schedule otherwise. I took U.S. History I and II over the course of a little less than a year. The questions integrated my faith, provoked reflection on our country's choices in history, and asked me to make comparisons between past and current situations. I received personal feedback from my professor grading my correspondence course. I felt comfortable calling the TUFWO with the various questions. The staff has always been very pleasant, patient and willing to help."
— Carissa Guinnee
"I took the course Cultural Anthropology because I needed it for my International Studies major. I believe that over all, this course was well laid out, and I enjoyed it tremendously. Two of the books required were very interesting and eye-catching with an easiness to relate with some incidents. Although it was lots of work, I did enjoy this class."
— Chi-Wen Chen
back to faq indexNot all CLL courses have tests or exams, but those that do usually require them to be proctored. What that means is that we send the test to a person who you choose to act as a proctor or test administrator. The test is mailed to your proctor or, in some cases when an online test is available, the login and password for an online test is emailed to your proctor. A proctor can be your pastor, the testing office at your school, an academic advisor, coworker, boss, librarian or other professional person. A proctor cannot be a relative! An exam request form is provided in all your classes so you can print out and mail, fax or even email your request. Once the test is taken, it is sealed and mailed by your proctor to your instructor for grading.
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