Frequently Asked Questions

Is an eLearning course right for me?

Please review the FIDM's expectations of an eLearning student to see if an eLearning course is right for you.

You must be self-motivated and independent.
Need excellent time management skills. Students are required to log on at a minimum of every other day for EACH course.
Assignments are due EVERY week. Quizzes, tests, and projects must be completed by posted times.
Students are expected to contribute to the class Discussion Board as an integral part of the class participation grade.
You are expected to exhibit a professional attitude in the eLearning environment.
Email correspondence must be timely and appropriate.
You are expected to pick-up your books and supplies on campus during the 1st week of class.
We call for you to update your contact information.

Am I eligible to take an eLearning course?

Students who meet the following requirements are eligible to take an eLearning class:

Students may register for a limit of two online courses in addition to two or three courses in residence on campus. Students CANNOT register for only online classes.
First time eLearning students may only register in ONE online class.
F-1 status students must have 12 units in residence on campus.
A 2.8 or above cumulative GPA is required.
Students must own a home computer and be proficient using the internet, email, and Microsoft Office.
Students must have an established, active e-mail account that is checked daily.
Students must meet pre-requisites for the course.
Students may register for online classes only on published registration dates (no late registration allowed).

What computer hardware and software do I need to take an eLearning class?

Specific course requirements may differ and you should discuss with your instructor prior to your class.

A Windows PC or Mac with at least 512 RAM
High speed internet connection preferred
Valid and current email address

For Windows computers

Windows 2000 and up
Either IE 6.x or Firefox 2.x Browsers
Microsoft Office or equivalent
Windows Media Player

For Apple computers

OS X 10.1 and up
Firefox 2.x (NOT Safari)
Microsoft Office or equivalent
Quicktime Player plus free Flip4Mac WMV plug-in: (http://www.flip4mac.com/wmv)

Additional Plug-ins (for both OSs)

What browser does the eLearning program support?

eLearning students should use Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x, or Mozilla Firefox 2.x. as their browser. AOL's internal web browser, Safari, and Netscape are NOT supported.

Can I use American Online with eLearning?

You can use AOL to connect to the internet, but you must use a supported web browser to effectively navigate the eLearning course. If you are using AOL, please launch Internet Explorer or Firefox to access the course, DO NOT use AOL's internal web browser.

Can I take an eLearning course using an Apple Macintosh computer?

Yes, however confirm with your eLearning instructor if any special software is required for the course.

What do I need to do before I register for an eLearning class?

Pick up a copy of the eLearning brochure which covers all the pre-requisites and requirements of an eLearning class. Also, verify that we have the correct email. ALL COMMUNICATION FOR ELEARNING IS DONE BY EMAIL.

What do I need to do to register for an eLearning course?

To register for an online class you must meet the eligibility and technology requirements and course pre-requisites. There is also no late registration for eLearning courses.

To learn more about these requirements contact your eLearning Education Advisor: Elena Rodriguez (Los Angeles), David Orris (San Francisco), Katharine Slauta (San Diego), and Cheryl Ianello (Orange County).

Who do I talk to if I have questions about taking an eLearning course?

Each campus has an eLearning Education Advisor who can chat with you about the eLearning program. They are: Elena Rodriguez (Los Angeles), David Orris (San Francisco), Katharine Slauta (San Diego), and Cheryl Ianello (Orange County).

What do I do if my email or phone number changes?

eLearning requires students to have a valid working email. If your email or phone number changes, you must update it immediately with one of the following eLearning Education staff: Elena Rodriguez (Los Angeles), Cheryl Ianello (Orange County), Katharine Slauta (San Diego), or David Orris (San Francisco).

How will I be notified of my login password?

Look for an email from FIDM with your password, logon name and instructions one week before the first day of class. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE AN EMAIL BY THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS CONTACT elearning.admin@fidm.edu.

Where do I get a copy of the eLearning Survival Guide?

An electronic copy of the eLearning Survival Guide can be found online when you log into your course.

What should I do to prepare for my online class?

Once you have registered.

Look for a welcome email from FIDM with your login information and instructions for accessing the eLearning system. You should receive this about a week before class starts.

If you are using a PC, before logging in, go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com to update your computer with the latest Windows updates.

Complete the following steps BEFORE class starts:

READ the eLearning Survival Guide and complete the eLearning Setup Tutorial.
Log on to your online class.
Review the Student Rights and Responsibilities agreement.
Introduce yourself to your instructors and classmates on the course Discussion Board.
Pick up your books and supplies on campus during the 1st week of class.

If you do not receive an email by the Friday before class starts, please contact the eLearning team at elearning@fidm.edu immediately.

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