Each course has a summary that can be viewed by clicking on the button to the left of the course title. Within that summary is the “Contact Hours” which lists the approximate time a course will take to complete. With online learning, some participants may move faster or slower than others. The Contact Hours are based on an average completion time rather than an absolute completion time. 

The i-learning courses have no required order of completion. In some cases, there are recommended ways of completing the courses.

For example: There are 8 Early Math Matters courses available in the i-learning system. These courses were designed to be taken in order (1-8) for the most effective learning experience, but it is not required they be taken in order. There are 16 ECE Credential Level 1 courses on the i-learning system. Again, these courses were designed to be taken in order, but it is not required. 

Participants’ progress in a course is tracked based on the completion of individual course components. Each component that is completed is identified with a checkmark on the main course page. A participant can return to a course and continue with the next component in the training until it is completed. 

Assessments such as quizzes, homework, and reflections are located within the lessons. Most of the assessments in a course are intended as additional learning experiences. If the participant does not achieve a passing score (thresholds vary depending on the course) they usually have unlimited opportunities to check their knowledge, learn the material, and complete the course. 

Almost all of the courses have no limit on the number of attempts a user can make. Once completed, however, the course cannot be completed again for credit until the next enrollment period.  

Yes and yes. In fact, viewing the certificate is required in order to complete the course and receive credit in the Professional Development Record (PDR). When the certificate is viewed, participants have the options of saving the certificate to their computer and/or printing their certificate immediately. 

Certificates are only available during the enrollment period. After an enrollment period is ended, the participant can view and print their Professional Development Record (PDR) and use it as a proof of completion. 

Yes. Usually, course completion information is populated to the Professional Development Record within 24 hours of completion (often within 15 minutes). If for some reason the completion data does not appear in the PDR, participants can contact INCCRRA for assistance. The most common cause of the discrepancy is that the participant did not view their certificate at the end of the course. 

Convenience is not the same as simplicity! Many people think that online learning will be easier than classroom based learning. This is untrue. It is often more difficult. In the classroom, you have the help of instructors and fellow students to keep you engaged and to walk you through struggles with the learning process. In online learning – you are involved in a self-study situation. 

It is up to you to conquer the barriers and obstacles to your learning process. This does not even account for the variety of technical issues that could interfere with your training plans. You need to go into online learning with your eyes wide open. It may be more convenient and less-expensive, but you should know that it can be more difficult!