As a learner at BeADisciple, there are some expectations that will set you up to have the best experience possible. We’ve collected that information here: I am enrolled in a course. Now what? We encourage you to read through this page so you understand your responsibilities.
Questions ???
How do I enroll into an online course?
To enroll:
To enroll in a course, visit its course page, and click the “Enroll Now” button at the bottom of the page. Our system accepts the following credit cards: Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express, and JCB (Japan Credit Bureau).
Any problems/questions with enrollment may be directed to our registrar at beadisciple.com@sckans.edu.
I am trying to enroll into a course but I keep seeing an error message. What should I do?
If your internet browser is auto-filling any of the spaces, then our form sometimes kicks an error message and the enrollment does not go through. Try again and type in all information rather than using the auto-fill feature. If you are concerned a duplicate payment might have occurred, email us through the inquiries form on the right. We refund or void all duplicate payments without reservation during normal business hours.
What if the course begins today? May I still enroll? How soon will I have access to the materials?
If the enrollment still shows as available (there is an enrollment button on the course page and the enrollment form it links to is still active) then there is still room and you may enroll! Enrollment does not grant immediate access to the materials; it takes a little time for us to receive your enrollment, create a user account in the software, and enroll you into the course site. However, it should never take longer than 24 hours to complete this process and give you access to the course. Rest assured that if we have left the enrollment open it is not too late for you to enroll and move forward with the other group members!
How does an online course work? How much time does it take?
Our online courses are mostly asynchronous, meaning you don’t have to be online at the same time as other students in order to participate. Participants have access to the course environment 24/7 and may choose when to log into Blackboard each day to read course materials, complete assignments, and participate in online discussions with their peers. Occasionally, instructors will call for a “Live Session” which is a time-sensitive event. You will need to make sure that you are available to be online at that exact time in order to participate. We try to note which courses use Live Sessions in the course description.
We recommend planning one hour in your daily schedule for completing assignments in the online course. Some days are lighter than other days, so this allows flexibility to catch up if you have to miss a day. You should write this time into your schedule rather than expecting to do it in your spare time because, let’s face it, who has spare time?! Planning your time will make the experience less stressful.
How long does an online course last?
This is decided by the instructor and based largely on the amount of content he/she wishes to convey. Many courses are two-weeks in duration, which is a nice amount of time for forming an online community and moving through material quickly. Course start and end dates are posted on each individual course description page.
Are CEUs available? How do I know how many CEUs are available for each course?
Continuing education units are available upon successful completion of most of our online courses based on the standard of 1 CEU for 10 contact hours. Available CEU amounts are listed on each course description.
If the number of CEUs is not posted, and you would like to check to see if there are any offered with the course, please email us through the form on this page to inquire. Don’t forget to include the title of the course!
What is Blackboard? Do I need any special software? Are there minimum system requirements?
You may have questions about the software we use to host our online courses called Blackboard. You can find the answers to all of your questions about the software here: Blackboard Information.
How do I reset my Blackboard password?
You may have questions about the software we use to host our online courses called Blackboard. You can find the answers to all of your questions about the software here: Blackboard Information.
My course has disappeared. Instead, I see I am not enrolled in any courses. What happened?
You are probably not logged in. Look in the upper right-hand corner. Do you see your name? Or a tiny “Login.” Click on that “Login” to go back to the login page so you can access the course again.
This document gives more details: Known Blackboard Issue
What if I have technical problems in the course?
We provide guidance through any technical difficulties you might encounter. Email us at beadisciple@sckans.edu and be as explicit as possible about what you are experiencing. Please include which internet browser you are using (find that information by clicking here), what operating system you are using (find that information by clicking here), and the error message you are receiving, if any. The more information we have, the more quickly we can help you!
Can I access my course from my tablet or smart phone?
A tablet or smart phone does work with almost all of our online courses, although using a regular computer is probably best. There is a free Blackboard app that you will need to access your course from your phone or tablet (there might be a small cost for in-app purchases once the app is downloaded). Visit Google Play for Android devices and iTunes for Apple devices on your mobile device to download the app. Once the Blackboard app has been downloaded to your device, open the app and search for Southwestern College in Kansas. You will then be right where you need to be.
If the course contains live meeting times, then you’ll be sent a link to participate. You won’t need any app or special software or equipment to participate. Not all courses contain live meetings so be sure to read the course description or email to inquire. Some copyrighted video content may not be available on your tablet or smart phone; we apologize for this technological issue!
Do you store my credit card information?
The Institute for Discipleship and BeADisciple do not retain or store payment card information in any form. Payments are processed through Authorize.net’s secure server. We do not take card information in writing, through email, over the phone, or through any method. Card information must be entered by the cardholder. For extenuating circumstances, a participant may make arrangements to mail a check to the Institute for Discipleship to cover his or her enrollment fees.
Can I ask for a refund?
This is our refund policy:
- Full refunds are given upon request until 5 days prior to the beginning of the course.
- After 5 days prior to the beginning of the online course; refunds are not typically granted.
- If an online course starting date is postponed to another date, enrolled learners will be invited to either hold a spot for the next session or receive a refund.
- If an online course is cancelled, all enrollment fees are refunded automatically.
- No refunds are made to learners after an online course has been completed.
If you feel a refund is warranted and fair to both you and to the ministry of BeADisciple.com then you may ask for one. Refunds are not issued after a course has begun.
I'd like to teach a course on BeADisciple.
Great! Our new instructor page will give you the information you need.
I have a question that isn't answered here!
If you’ve looked through all of our FAQ questions above and still haven’t found an answer to your question, we’re happy to help you! Submit your question by email to beadisciple.com@sckans.edu.
Please make sure you typed in your email address correctly, and please include the name of the course you’re referencing!