Here are many frequently asked questions that we receive about the MCoOL program. If you don't find the answer to a question here, please contact us with your specific inquiry at 877-984-7587 or .
General Questions
Home Schooling
The Online Learning Environment
Enrollment
Curriculum
General Questions
What is the Minnesota Center of Online Learning?
The Minnesota Center of Online Learning (MCoOL) is a web-based learning resource designed to meet the educational needs of Minnesota public school students and educators. All courses provided by MCoOL are taught by Minnesota-licensed teachers to provide the best educational experience possible. Private and parochial schools are also welcome to take advantage of MCoOL courses under a tuition-based arrangement.
Why take a MCoOL course?
There are two major reasons why schools/students take advantage of the programs offered by the Minnesota Center of Online Learning. First, students can take a variety of courses and participate anywhere there is a computer and an Internet connection. Second, students have flexibility in attending and completing web-based programs as their schedule permits.
Who can benefit from a Minnesota Center of Online Learning course?
Students who:
- are gifted and talented
- have special needs
- need "make up" credits
- require alternative school options
- want a challenging academic curriculum
- are interested in summer school
- require flexibility in their learning day
- may need a different learning environment
- have physical or health demands
- desire a course not offered by their local school
- are working toward a high school diploma
Additional benefits of MCoOL?
- Courses are aligned with the new Minnesota and national standards
- Provides high quality interactive learning activities
- Offers specialty coursework to challenge students
- Addresses advanced course work
- Overcomes local scheduling challenges
- Courses are taught by Minnesota-certified teachers
- Enables us to assist other schools by providing courses they cant offer due to tight budgets or small class sizes
Who will teach the online courses?
Only Minnesota certified teachers employed through Independent School District #294.
How do I get help from my teachers if I am having difficulty with my course(s)?
Your teachers will provide feedback on any assignments or projects you complete. You can also contact your teacher via email or telephone. In addition, each teacher has regularly scheduled online office hours. During scheduled time, students interact with the teacher and other students in a virtual classroom.
Is MCoOL a private school?
No. MCoOL is a public high school. It is a program of the Houston Public School District #294.
What is the policy regarding plagiarism and cheating?
If a student is found plagiarizing or cheating, disciplinary action will be taken. The student's parents will be notified, and MCoOL reserves the right to remove the student from the course.
How do I get help if I have a question?
If the question is related to course content, contact your online instructor. If the question seems to be technical, contact MCoOL technical support and they will gladly assist you. A technical support contact number will be provided with course materials after you have submitted all enrollment documentation.
Is there any cost to enroll in an online course?
If you are a Minnesota public school student working within the state funding guidelines, there should be no tuition required. For students wishing to work beyond the funding guidelines, a tuition-based arrangement can be made to meet your educational needs.
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Home Schooling
Is MCoOL the same as home schooling?
Students enrolled in MCoOL do their learning at home, but they are participating in a high school program of the Houston Public School District #294. The curriculum is approved by the school district for earning middle and high school credits.
What kind of diploma will my child receive after completing MCoOL?
Students who complete all the Houston Public School District #294 requirements for graduation will receive a high school diploma from the Minnesota Center of Online Learning.
My child has been doing regular home school up until now. He/she will be in 11th grade next year and we want him to graduate on time. How will MCoOL count his/her work done while in home school?
Because every home school curriculum can be different, we will need to review any documentation you have of your child's high school work so we can compare it against the requirements for the State of Minnesota. Contact us by phone or email for more information.
My child has an IEP and has been enrolled in Special Education in our home school district. Does MCoOL enroll students with special needs?
This is determined on a case-by-case basis. The main issue to be considered is whether or not the independent nature of online instruction will be the best fit for a student with special needs. Staff from MCoOL will discuss your child's situation with you. Contact us by phone or email for more info.
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The Online Learning Environment
We don't have a very good computer at home. Can my child participate in MCoOL?
Yes! Every full-time MCoOL student has the option to receive the loan of a computer for the duration they are actively enrolled in the program.
What type of computer do I need to take an online course?
Refer to the following specifications. If you have any questions please call us for assistance.
- Pentium-class PC with Windows 95 or higher, Macintosh with OS 8.5 or higher.
- 64 MB RAM
- Color monitor with 16 bit, 800x600 resolution
- 8x or faster CD-ROM drive
- Keyboard and mouse
- Direct network connection or 56K bps modem with Internet access
- Sound card and speakers
- Hard disk with at least 40 MB available
- Netscape communicator 4.61 or higher, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher (available on your provided course CD)
- QuickTime 4.0, Flash 5.0 and Authorware plugins (available on your provided course CD)
Do we have to have high-speed Internet access to participate in MCoOL?
No. However, families are required to provide Internet access in their homes. And while high-speed Internet access definitely makes the experience of learning online much more satisfying, it is not absolutely necessary. High-speed connections are preferred, but courses will run on dial-up connection.
What kind of safeguards are in place to keep my child safe while working on the Internet?
The main content of all MCoOL courses is available directly through our secure, online student classroom area. In some cases, links provided by teachers direct students to other websites so students can take advantage of the wealth of educational information available online. In addition to limiting the sites to which students must visit to do their coursework, we have added a piece of software on all student computers that filters out sites that are not appropriate for high school-aged children to view. Beyond that, good parental supervision and setting some guidelines for Internet use that match with your family values will go a long way in protecting your children from unwanted information on the Internet.
Do I have to be at home all the time my child is doing schoolwork?
This is not required; however it is important for your child to know that you are interested in how he/she is doing in school. It is unrealistic for most high school-aged students to handle the total responsibility of an online learning environment, without any parental intervention. The MCoOL program does not require students to do all of their coursework during the traditional school hours, so it may be beneficial for some families to schedule at least some of their "school time" during hours that parents are home to provide support.
How do I know whether or not my child would be successful doing online learning?
Some of the qualities that we have seen in our most successful students are:
- The ability to work independently.
- The willingness to ask for help when needed. There are many opportunities to get help from teachers, from other students, or from technical support. Students have to be willing to make use of those resources and let someone know if they don't understand something.
- Internal motivation to succeed in the program. Students who are forced into an online learning environment will be less likely to be successful.
Our family travels quite a bit. Would that be a problem in the MCoOL program?
As long as Internet access is available, students can log into MCoOL and get to their courses. For trips during which Internet access may not be available, students can print off their assignments ahead of time and work from those in order to keep up with their work. Students should notify their teachers by email if they will be unable to access the Internet for a period of time.
What tools are available for students to communicate with each other?
We have a feature on our secure, online student classroom area called Blackboard, which enables students to participate in discussion boards with other MCoOL students. Topics of discussion may include music, books, movies, politics, sports, etc. These discussion boards are monitored by MCoOL staff and provide a great way for students to talk about their talents and interests.
What role do the teachers play in MCoOL?
The teachers play an important role in the MCoOL program. It is the role of the teachers to meet individual learning needs of the students enrolled in their courses. Teachers have "office hours" and hold weekly sessions during which students can ask questions and have discussions with their teacher and classmates. Teachers are also available by phone and email, and students are encouraged to contact their teachers with questions.
As a parent, how can I check on my son/daughter's progress in MCoOL?
Parents are assigned an Observer login and password to enter the MCoOL site. By using this login, parents can go directly to their child's classes and see what assignments have been completed and what their child's grades are at any time.
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Enrollment
Once we start the school year, can we still change our minds and go back to our home district?
Although we work very hard to make MCoOL a positive experience for all of our students, if you feel that MCoOL is not the best choice for your child you always have the ability to return to your local school or to regular home schooling.
What student ages qualify for the MCoOL high school program?
The MCoOL program accepts students of middle and high school age, up to the maximum age of 21. If a student is 19 years old and entering their junior year of high school, we recommend that student works closely with their counselor to determine the best academic curriculum.
As a student, can I enroll myself in an online course?
You will need to work with the appropriate person from your school (your guidance counselor, principal or school's registrar) to register for enrollment in our online courses if you are enrolling as a part-time (supplementary) student.
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Curriculum
How many online courses can I take at one time?
There is a limit determined by the State of Minnesota regarding the amount of funding available for courses (traditional or online), that a student can take each year. If you are a part-time student enrolled in your local school who would like to take classes online, you should consult with your school counselor to design a plan that best fits your schedule. If you want to enroll as a full-time (comprehensive) MCoOL student, you will work with our guidance counselor for scheduling. If you have any questions, please feel free to call MCoOL.
How difficult are the MCoOL courses?
Our courses are challenging and are designed to be very similar in difficulty to a traditional classroom course. Students should plan on spending a minimum of 10 hours per week on each course.
How long does it take to complete a course?
Our courses are based on a semester length of curriculum. Students are expected to complete their course within that time period. Students who spend extra time in their studies may complete the course in less time.
Do students receive high school credit for online courses?
Yes, the Minnesota Department of Education has determined that all approved students, taking certified courses from a licensed online program must receive credit.
Can I earn my high school diploma online?
Yes, if you fulfill the graduation requirements set by Houston Public Schools/Minnesota Center of Online Learning.
How does a student know his/her grade during the course?
There is an online grade book to inform the individual student regarding his/her grade at any time during the class. This information is confidential and is only accessible to designated personnel.
How are my grades determined?
In the beginning, your online instructor will clearly explain their course expectations and grading policies. We will provide grades/credit every quarter of course completion to you and your local school district.
What grading scale will be used?
The MCoOL grading scale is as follows:
- A - 100%-90%
- B - 89%-80%
- C - 79%-70%
- D - 69%-60%
- F - 59% and below
How can I learn a world language online?
World language courses require your computer to be equipped with a sound card, microphone and speakers or headphones. In addition to text and visual instruction, you will hear the language spoken through your speakers and will turn in spoken work assignments to your instructor.
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