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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if online courses are right for me?
Ask yourself the following questions: 

• Do you have access to a computer, Internet and e-mail address?
• Do you feel able to learn without having face-to-face interaction with the instructor and fellow students? 
• Are you self-motivated, self-disciplined, and organized? Are you comfortable communicating and expressing your opinion in writing?
• Do you feel comfortable asking questions and asking for help when you need it?

If you answered yes to these questions, online learning might just be right for you. Contact our Admissions and Registration department to apply and register for courses.

Try a sample course for free! (Login as "Guest" when prompted)

2. When do the courses start and end?
Business Administration, University Studies, and Adult Basic Education online courses are semesterized, with specified start and finish dates. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 bulletin boards. Please check your individual online course materials for more information.

5. How do I communicate with my instructor?
Communications between students and instructors are generally online via e-mail or by postings to bulletin boards. Regular communication is critical to your success!

6. I live outside the East Kootenay region. What arrangements do I have to make to write some of my 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 About Exams for more information.

7. 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 www.cotr.bc.ca/bookstore for information on your course textbook(s).

8. 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 http://www.bccat.bc.ca/ for specifics on individual courses.

9. 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, delayed gratification, independent study, and the ability to work alone.

10. Will my current computer be suitable for online study?
Computer models and capabilities change quickly.  The better your equipment, the more you will enjoy participating in your online course.  Internet access is the key – the faster connections will work best when downloading information.  We would recommend a Pentium III PC with high speed internet access (either ADSL or Cable).

Some users only have access to 56K modems and dial-up connections, which still work -- but be prepared for extra time to make the connections and download information.  You may be able to get by with less capacity, but be prepared for delays.