When do the courses start and end?
    • Programs such as Business Administration, Child, Youth and Family Studies (CYFS), Kinesiology, Tourism, Recreation Management, University Studies, and some adult upgrading courses are semesterized, with specified start and finish dates.
    • Office Administration (OFAD) courses have monthly start dates, space permitting. OFAD courses are self paced, but courses must be completed within the specific number of course hours.
    • Nursing, Dental, and Trades have program specific start dates. To find out what these are, please email Student Services: studentservices@cotr.bc.ca.
    • Many adult upgrading courses are self-paced with continuous intake between September and June. For details about specific adult upgrading courses, please email Student Services: studentservices@cotr.bc.ca.
How much time does an online course take?

The average three-credit course will take 10 - 12 hours per week depending on how quickly you read and absorb the information provided.
 
What are the evaluation and participation requirements for online courses?

Participation and evaluation requirements for online courses are structured and set out in writing at the beginning of each course.
 
Where do I find out about my course workload, readings, and postings?

Most online courses have a required weekly workload, including weekly readings and postings to their respective forums. Please check your individual online course materials for more information or speak with the course instructor.
 
How do I communicate with my instructor?

Communications between students and instructors are generally online via COTROnline messages or course Discussion Forums. Regular communication is critical to your success!

I live outside the East Kootenay region. What arrangements do I have to make to write tests?

Testing for your course may be completed online, submitted by e-mail, or supervised at a predetermined time and location. If invigilated tests are required, extra costs may be added for this service. Please visit Exam Services & Schedules for more information.
 
Where and how do I purchase my course textbooks?

Most courses have an assigned, required textbook. The cost of textbooks is extra and not included in tuition fees. Textbooks may be purchased in person or online from the college bookstore. Please visit the PeAks Campus Store for information on your course textbook(s).
 
Do online courses and face-to-face courses receive the same transfer credits?

Credits acquired by passing a particular online course are equivalent to credits received for face-to-face courses and are equally transferable. Please refer to the British Columbia Council on Admission & Transfer for specifics on transfer credit for individual courses.
 
Do online courses require the same student skill sets as face-to-face classes?

Online study is not well-suited to everyone. Online study requires a great deal of self-determination, self-discipline, delayed gratification, and independence. You also need basic computer skills (eg. how to use a word processing program and how to access websites on the Internet), plus a personal computer and internet connection.
 
Will my current computer and internet connection be suitable for online study?

Your computer and your internet connection are the two most important components of a rewarding online experience.

Computer models and capabilities change quickly and the more current your equipment, the more you will enjoy participating in your online course. We recommend you use a Windows computer that is no more than two years old.

While older computers, tablets, smartphones, and slower internet connections can work for most components of your courses, there will be components of some courses that you won't be able to access. You will also need to prepare to allow extra time to make connections and access/download information if you are on a slow internet connection, or have a dial-up or satellite connection.

Visit this page for Student Computer Recommendations and Requirements.

Note: you should check your course outline(s) for course specific computer requirements

Will I need any other equipment?

You may need a headset with a microphone and a webcam. Check the course outline to determine what textbooks and other resources are required or contact the course instructor.


Last modified: Tuesday, 16 August 2022, 4:53 PM