Frequently Asked Questions
We know that for many of you this is your first experience with an online course or with the edX platform. While this may seem to be an intimidating experience at first, we believe that you will find the course easy to access. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions below to help guide you through the edX platform, as well as the additional pages in Week 0 on "How Do I Use edX?" and "How Do I Use the Discussion Forum?"
Additionally, there is the edX "Help" button to the left of this text that will give you a general overview of the platform.
Due to the high volume of questions we receive, we are unable to answer all questions individually. We encourage you to turn first to the Help discussion thread. The course staff checks this forum for frequently asked questions, and we also encourage you to use it to help each other. You may also contact edX for general help using the platform or for questions not specifically related to this course.
This frequently-updated document should serve as a guide to answer many questions that may arise. You can also find it posted in the courseware. If your question is not answered here, we will respond individually when we can, and otherwise via course announcements and emails.
Enrollment and Certification
How do I earn a certificate in this class?
You may earn a certificate if you have registered for either the “Honor Code Certificate” option or the “Verified Certificate of Achievement” option AND get at least 75% of the multiple choice questions correct. You also are required to participate in at least one of the required reading discussion forum posts each week in order to get a certificate. You may also register to take this course as an Auditor.
What is the difference between an Honor Code Certificate and a Verified Certificate?
A Verified Certificate requires confirmation of your identity, providing employers and schools with proof of what you have achieved in an edx course. An Honor Code Certificate, while you may post it to your LinkedIn profile, does not require identity confirmation.
If I am not currently enrolled for a Verified Certificate, can I still switch into one?
Yes, you may switch to a Verified Certificate any time before the course ends on October 20th. You can switch to a Verified Certificate in your dashboard.
However, please note that you must still complete all homework assignemtns before October 20th, even if you switch into a Verified Certificate later on in the course.
If I register as an auditor but complete the course requirements, will I still earn a certificate?
Yes.
Participation
When is new content released each week?
Monday at 15:00 GMT, which is 10:00 a.m. in New York City, 9:00 a.m. in Chicago, 7:00 a.m. in Los Angeles, 10:00 p.m. in Beijing, and 4:00 p.m. in Paris. (Click here for a GMT converter.)
How long is this mini-course?
This mini-course starts on February 9th, 2015 and the last week of new content will be posted on Monday, March 2nd, 2015, and the course will conclude on Monday, March 9th at 15:00 GMT
How many times may I submit an answer for multiple choice questions?
You have two opportunities to submit an answer for each multiple choice question.
When do I need to answer the multiple choice questions by?
All multiple choice questions for Mini-Course 4 must be submitted by Monday, March 9th at 15:00 GMT (click here for a GMT time converter).
Where are the discussion forums?
The discussion forums can be found by clicking on the “Discussion” tab at the top banner on the course site. Additionally, there are links to specific discussion threads within course pages that require discussion participation.
How do I use the discussion forum?
Please see our "Week 0: How Do I Use the Discussion Forum?" page for a more detailed description of how to use the discussion forum.
How do I see new posts in the discussion forum?
You must refresh your browser in order to see new posts in the discussion forum. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Am I required to buy and read the Saving Schools book for this mini-course?
No, you are not required to buy Saving Schools: From Horace Mann to Virtual Learning. While it is strongly recommended, any reading that is necessary for completing the course will be provided as free PDFs in the platform.
You can find Saving Schools for sale in physical copy and electronic copy from Harvard University Press, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.
How long will the course content remain available on edX after the course finishes?
There is no set date which the videos and other course content will go offline; they will remain available on edX indefinitely. The forums will be set to archive (meaning no new posting will be allowed, but old posts can still be viewed) on March 9th, 2015 at 15:00 GMT (click here for a GMT time converter).
Subsequent Mini-Courses
When do the other mini-courses launch?
The first mini-course -- "Saving Schools: History and Politics of U.S. Education" -- completed in Fall, 2014.
The second mini-course -- “Saving Schools: Teacher Policies” -- completed in Winter, 2014.
The third mini-course -- “Saving Schools: Accountability and National Standards” -- completed in January, 2015.