Structure and Cost

FASTNET Structure & Cost

How do the FASTNET Online Classes work?

FASTNET Online Courses are asynchronous* online classes delivered in efficient 8-week sessions using the Blackboard learning platform.

*Asynchronous means that students can participate at any time--24 hours a day, 7 days a week--from any Internet connection in the world.

Although there are no required on-campus class meetings, students are expected to visit the online courseroom several times a week, and to submit weekly assignments on time every week. In some classes, students may be asked to take proctored exams, which might require out-of-state students to find approved proctoring sites.

How much time will a FASTNET Online Class take?

FASTNET courses are designed for intense, accelerated study for students who are

self-motivated;
capable of completing assignments on time;
somewhat computer "savvy" when it comes to accessing the Internet and sending emails;
and able to learn by reading, discussing, and applying course content.

Because of the intense nature of 8-week online courses, students should register for a maximum of two FASTNET Online Courses during each 8-week session.

The course content in each FASTNET online course is designed to meet the same course objectives that are presented in its counterpart traditional 16-week course.

Students could easily spend twice the amount of study time on each 8-week class since the content has not been reduced.

The eight-week sessions are intense, but down time has been designed into the schedule so that students have a chance to recharge over Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer breaks.

What does a student need to know to get started?

Students registered for FASTNET Online Courses are required to access the course on eLearning (Blackboard) during the week prior to the beginning of the 8-week session to pick up the syllabus, secure the textbook, complete the orientation, and begin the first week's assignment. We call this "Week #0".

Any student who has not participated in the courseroom by the end of Week #1 of the 8-week session may be dropped from the course as a "no-show". In addition, any student who has not satisfied fees by the end of Week #1 of the 8-week session may have eLearning access terminated by the Bursar's Office.

Students receiving financial aid are required to register for both 8-week sessions at the beginning of the semester.

Recommended Computer Requirements

Successful participation in online learning requires that you have a computer with Internet access. The computer system should be up and running before you register for a FASTNET course. Please visit the Ivy Tech Orientation to Online Learning to be sure you have the recommended hardware and software for your course.

Most Ivy Tech campuses provide open computer labs for students who wish to work on campus, or for students who may have problems with their personal computer systems. Students should obtain a schedule for the lab at the nearest campus at the beginning of each 8-week session. It is highly recommended that each student have a back-up plan in place in case the computer system being used has a problem during the course.

Note: It is the student's responsibility to obtain any additional required software or supplies for specific courses before the course begins. Some courses may require Microsoft Office software. The current version is available to students for approximately $70 through the Ivy Tech Online Bookstore at the Terre Haute Campus.)

Cost

Tuition for a FASTNET online course is the same low fee that all Ivy Tech Community College students pay for their courses. That tuition is currently $87.75/credit hour* + books and a $40 per semester technology fee (effective Summer 2006 Semester). Financial Aid and scholarships are available for students who qualify. Financial aid students must register for both eight-week sessions at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters for the courses to be included in the award calculation.

*This tuition is for in-state students. The College reserves the right to revise fees at any time.

Anderson Campus
104 West 53rd Street
Anderson, IN 46013
(765) 643-7133
(800) 644-4882

Muncie Campus
4301 South Cowan Road
Muncie, IN 47302
(765) 289-2291
(800) 589-8324

Marion Campus
1015 East 3rd Street
Marion, IN 46952
(765) 662-9843
(800) 554-1159

Central Office
Indianapolis, IN
(800) 732-1470