Welcome to Eclectic Academy. Your Student Handbook contains answers the most frequently asked questions about the classes and also lists some helpful tips.

As the School grows new services and/or features may be added. It is suggested that you review the handbook at the beginning of each term for updates.

Eclectic Academy is an on-line learning facility founded on the belief that life long learning is the cornerstone of a healthy and productive life.

The faculty consists of a group of instructors with strong teaching skills. The ability to present their subject matter in a clear and concise way is balanced with the belief that learning should be enjoyable for the students.

A friendly, interactive class atmosphere is established by means of class message boards. Communication between your classmates and instructors is strongly encouraged to enhance your learning experience. Each instructor is also available via direct email for one on one contact.

What does it cost?

The fee structure at Eclectic Academy is simple. Courses are $30.00 each. You may take as many courses per term as you wish, but do keep in mind your work and family commitments. We want your academy experience to be enjoyable :0)

What do I have to buy?

Courses at EA do not require the purchase of additional text books. Most software companies offer  *demo* downloads on their websites. These are usually good for 30 days. If you do not already own the software, please download the demo but DO NOT install it until after the first lesson is posted. This will maximize your class experience. Download links, if available, are listed in the class description section.

Many software manufacturers are working with us to provide you with discounts on their products. The eligibility requirements are posted in the Campus Store.

It is presumed, on the eclectic courses, that you have or can purchase the necessary equipment or items to complete the course. This information will be listed in the curriculum section.

How do I enroll?

To enroll in the classes you have selected, please go to the enroll section of the Website.

Enrollment fees can be billed to your Visa or MasterCard. You can also pay by e-check, check or money order (please be sure to remit in US Funds). Instructions are on the enrollment page.

Your enrollment fees are non-refundable and apply only to the current term. This means if you change your mind, forget to attend classes or for any reason are unable to complete a class you may take the course again at a later date but, you will have to re-enroll and pay the applicable fees.

Prerequisites

Many of the courses at EA are open and anyone can take the class. If there are prerequisites that need to be met, they will be listed in the curriculum section of the site. Prerequisites are defined to help you get the most out of the courses.

Participation in class

Classes at EA have been designed in a modular format. Each module will consist of a tutorial and possibly a homework assignment. Discussion topics, suggested reading or links and independent projects may or may not be part of each module.

You are not required to be on-line at any particular time. You will need your user name and password to access your classroom.

Classes will be posted once a week, on Sunday morning and may be accessed using your user name and password. Most will be available in PDF format as well as on-line to allow you to choose the format that works the best for you.

The flexibility of having courses on-line allows you to incorporate your learning goals with your personal lifestyle and family commitments. It is still important however to set up a schedule and allow yourself time for study, homework and classroom discussion. The more you are able to participate the more enjoyable and fulfilling the courses will be. Plan on 3 - 4 hours per class per week.

Once a class is posted, it will remain on line until the end of the semester and for 10 days afterwards. After that date, it will be deleted.

Class message boards

Each classroom will have its own private message board. We encourage you to use it as often as you can to ask questions, post the URL to your homework, and share ideas with fellow students. Your instructor will also be monitoring the board to offer help and answer questions. The more you are able to utilize the message board for communicating with others in the class the more enriching your online experience will be. When you do post messages, keep in mind that the board is an extension of your *classrooms* and as such certain rules apply.  There will be no advertising, political or moral rants, profanity, insults or complaints allowed. These messages will be deleted. A second offense will result in termination of your use of the board.

Please remember to NOT post copyrighted material to the board. If you have such information to share, please post the URL where the information is located so the others can click through for themselves.

Homework

If an instructor posts a homework assignment, it will be considered optional. However, homework does give you a better understanding of the subject matter and you are encouraged to do the exercises as time permits. When you have uploaded your assignment to your website please post the URL on the message board. If you do not have webspace, please contact us and we will help.

Tips

Navigation around the campus is pretty straight forward. The main areas of the school can be accessed from the tabs at the top or the text links at the bottom. Sections relevant to a main area will be in the gray box on the left.

Occasionally, clicking a link will cause a new window or pop-up box to open. After you are done reading, closing that browser window or box will bring you back to your starting page.

NEVER post personal information such as your address on these or any message boards. We will do all we can to insure your privacy and suggest you exercise caution as well.

Remember, on line courses are convenient but you should make every effort to maintain a schedule of reading and study or you will find yourself playing *catch up*. It rarely works.

Agreement

You agree that all content on this site, including but not limited to text, graphics, courses and viewlets ("Content") is protected by copyright, trademark or other proprietary rights and laws.

You may make a single copy of your class content on magnetic medium and a single *hard* copy printout for your personal use only, provided you keep all copyright notices intact and do not alter the copies in any way. Otherwise, you may not transmit, copy, upload, reproduce republish or distribute the Content in any manner without the written consent of the Eclectic Academy.