Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of taking an online course?
You can work at home anytime and anywhere, unless you have a scheduled chat session with your instructor. If this is the case, your instructor should offer a variety of times and dates for you to choose from. Our instructors try to work with our students to accommodate busy schedules. The majority of our courses have scheduled assignments/assessments with due dates. They are NOT self-paced courses.
What computer skills do I need?
Basic computer skills that include using e-mail and the Internet.
Do I need to have an e-mail address in order to take an online course?
All Moraine Park Technical College students are issued a MPTC student e-mail address at the time of registration. This Moraine Park issued e-mail account is your official means of communication with the College. This includes eCollege communications, notifications for availability of grades, registration information, faculty communications, etc. For more information, visit student.morainepark.edu.
What software do I need for my online course?
Students taking online courses with Moraine Park are required to submit their work using the Microsoft Office software. For the majority of courses, this means you need to use Microsoft Word. However, you may also be required to use any of the following software that is included in the Microsoft Office 2007 package:
- Word 2007
- Excel 2007
- Access 2007
- PowerPoint 2007
- Publisher 2007
- Outlook 2007 with Business Contact Manager
- Accounting Express 2007
Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack
If you have Microsoft Office 2000, XP, or 2003 and are experiencing difficulties opening Office 2007 documents on your PC, you may download the free Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack from Microsoft's website. Please follow these steps:
(NOTE: Please put these items in a numbered list.)
- Go to Google.com.
- Search for Office Compatibility Pack.
- The first search result should be a link to Microsoft's website.
- Microsoft's website gives detailed instructions on how to download and install the Office Compatibilty Pack to your PC.
In addition, you are eligible to purchase various computer software packages through the Moraine Park campus bookstore at a reduced rate. These packages include software from Microsoft, Adobe, Autodesk, and other products.
How do I know if my computer meets the minimum system requirements to take an online course using the eCollege platform?
eCollege provides a Web-based system check to make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements to take an online course. To see if your computer meets these requirements, go to http://online.morainepark.edu. Next, click on “Technical Requirements” in the blue navigation bar. Finally, click on the “Browser Test” button to perform the test. The test will run automatically.
How do I communicate with my instructor and vice versa?
You can communicate with your instructor via e-mail, telephone or chats if you have questions or encounter problems.
How do I get started?
You will receive your User ID and Password via your MPTC student e-mail address within 2 to 3 hours of registering. This e-mail includes:
- User ID
- Password
- eCollege Web site address (URL)
- Student Orientation/Tutorial information
- Technical support information, and more (Moraine Park highly recommends that if you are a first-time online student, to go through the Student Orientation so you become familiar with the platform before your online course begins.)
I didn’t get an e-mail with my login information. What should I do?
How do I know if online is right for me?
Never fear! Moraine Park provides a checklist for you to use to find out if online is for you. Go to: http://www.morainepark.edu/isonline4me
Alternatively, go to http://online.morainepark.edu, and then click on “Is Online Learning For Me?”
The Demo Course is temporarily unavailable.
I've never taken an online course before. How will I know what to do?
Moraine Park highly recommends that first-time online students go through the Student Orientation/Tutorial to learn how to use the online platform. This information is also included in the enrollment login information e-mail and is available for students to go through once they receive the e-mail.
How long is an online course?
Courses range in length from 4, 6, 8 or 16 weeks. The start and end dates are published in Moraine Park’s printed course schedule or may be found on the Web at http://www.morainepark.edu/pages/128.asp.
Do you have a course I can see before I enroll in one?
The Demo Course is temporarily unavailable.
Can I work on my course from another computer?
Yes. You can work on your course from any PC that has Internet access.
Can I register for courses online at any time?
If you are taking a course at Moraine Park for the very first time, you CANNOT register online. You will be able to register online once your information is in our system. To register by mail or telephone, click on the Registration link in the lower right side of Moraine Park’s Home Page (http://www.morainepark.edu/) or contact Registration at:
920-924-3207 (Student Services Call Center) or 800-472-4554 if local number is not available. Alternatively, call your local campus at:
- Beaver Dam Campus 920-887-1101
- Fond du Lac Campus 920-922-8611
- West Bend Campus 262-334-3413
Can I register for one or two courses without applying to Moraine Park?
Yes. See how to register by going to http://www.morainepark.edu and clicking on the Registration link in the lower right side of Moraine Park's Home Page. If this is your first time enrolling with us, you will not be able to register online.
Do I need books/materials?
Almost all online courses do require books. To find out what books you’ll need, click on the Bookstore link on Moraine Park’s Home Page (http://www.morainepark.edu/) or call/e-mail the bookstore. Required books/supplies for online courses are also listed in the “Course Schedule” section of Moraine Park’s Web site.
What online programs do you offer? How long will it take me to complete an online program? What courses do I need to take?
Go to Moraine Park’s Home Page (http://www.morainepark.edu/) and then click on “Online Learning" at the top right corner of the screen. Here, you will find a listing of the Certificates and Associate and Technical Degrees that are offered. Full program descriptions, curriculum, career opportunities, and credit transfer information are also listed.
I'm interested in a degree. How do I apply to Moraine Park Technical College?
Go to Moraine Park ’s Home Page (http://www.morainepark.edu/) and then click on “Admissions." If you have questions, call 920-924-3408.
Now that I’m registered for an online course, when will I receive my computer?
Moraine Park does not issue computers to its students. It is your responsibility to find a computer with an Internet connection whether that is at your home, your place of work or at an educational institution such as Moraine Park Technical College.
Can I receive e-mail through my online course?
Unfortunately, eCollege only allows you to send e-mail, not receive e-mail. You will receive any e-mail messages from within your course in your MPTC Student e-mail account.
What should I do if I forget my login information or if I’m having trouble logging into my course?
You can contact:
I’m receiving a strange error message when I try logging into eCollege. What should I do?
Contact eCollege Technical Support at helpdesk@online.morainepark.edu or 303-873-0005.
I don’t understand something within my online course (i.e., how to do an assignment). Who should I contact?
All course related questions should be directed to your instructor for the course.
My instructor hasn’t responded to me within 48 hours and I need a response. Who should I contact?
Contact the dean of your program. If you do not know who the dean of your program is, then contact Online Learning.
