Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What time is it?

In order to coordinate with peers from around the world, this course uses Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The current time is shown here, and you can use this site to convert to your own time zone.

How do I pass this class? How do grades work?

In this course, we have shifted the emphasis away from grades. What’s important is the effort you put in and the experiences you have. This especially means engaging with the community of your peers and making assignment work personally meaningful. These goals don’t lend themselves to automated evaluation, but benefit greatly from discussion and reflection. For this reason, the course has you focus on peer evaluation and the honor system to earn your certificate.

At the end of each part's content, there will be a Completion Checklist for you to keep track of activities and assignments completed. The more you do, the more you will get out of the course, but you should also feel free to tailor your experience in the course to your own interests and goals. 

You can view your progress on the Progress page (located on the top navigation bar). You must complete 60% or more of the assigned work to complete this class and indicate that by filling out the appropriate checklists by the course end date April 5, 2018. However, you will not receive a certificate unless you go through the verification process. 

How do I get a certificate? Do I have to pay?

EdX offers verified certificates, which are available for a fee that varies by course. For Envisioning the Graduate of the Future, there is a coupon code from XQ to cover the full $49 cost, meaning the certificate is free as long as you meet the requirements. You must complete the ID verification process by April 4, 2018 and complete 60% or more of the assigned work and indicate that by filling out the appropriate checklists by the course end date April 5, 2018 to pass the course and earn a Verified Certificate. To use the coupon code:

1. Select "Upgrade to a Verified Certificate." You can do this on the "Course" page or in your dashboard.
2. On the next page, add the coupon code: 4HLWWL2ZQBPUN2U4 and click “Apply.”
3. You will see "Discounts applied" and the full value of the certificate ($49) will be reflected. The total for the order will be $0.00. Click “Place Order.”
4. EdX will thank you for your order and you will notice on your dashboard that your status for this course is now verified; you may still need to complete ID verification.

Please remember that you must verify your identity by April 4, 2018 and meet the requirements for earning a certificate (reporting completion of 60% or more of the work) in order to actually receive one.

You may audit any edX course, including Envisioning the Graduate of the Future. You do not receive a certificate if you audit a course, but you can print your progress page for the course if you want evidence of your achievement. Please note that the edX honor code applies to all courses. 

I paid for a certificate before the coupon code was available. What should I do?

1. Un-enroll in Envisioning the Graduate of the Future by March 22. If you un-enroll by March 22, edX will automatically issue you a refund for the $49 you paid. It is very important that you complete this process by March 22. Per edX’s 14 day refund policy, after that date, it will not be possible for edX to issue a refund, regardless of your payment method.
2. After you have un-enrolled, immediately re-enroll in the course. Make sure you are still interested in pursuing a verified certificate. (We hope you are!)
3. Select “Pursue a Verified Certificate” or “Upgrade to a Verified Certificate.” On the next page, add the coupon code: 4HLWWL2ZQBPUN2U4 and click “Apply.”
4. You will see "Discounts applied" and the full value of the certificate ($49) will be reflected. The total for the order will be $0.00. Click “Place Order.”
5. EdX will thank you for your order and you will notice on your dashboard that your status for this course is now verified; you may still need to complete ID verification. 

Please remember that you must verify your identity by April 4, 2018 and meet the requirements for earning a certificate (reporting completion of 60% or more of the work) in order to actually receive one.

When are assignments due?

Each assignment in this course builds off the last. To help you manage your time, we have provided a range of dates during which we suggest you complete the assignment and post it to the forums for feedback. However, you can turn in your assignments and review your peers' assignments up until the last day of the course.

We strongly encourage students to turn in their work before the start of the next assignment's work period, and ask that peer reviews be completed within about three days of the next work period.

When does the course end?

Envisioning the Graduate of the Future officially ends on April 5, 2018 and certificates will be generated within a week from the end of the course. Course materials will still be available after that date in archive form.

Where should I go if I have questions?

• If you need technical help using the edX platform, click Help, located on the top right corner of the browser screen.
• If you don't find your answer there, or if you find bugs or issues with the forums site, please post your question in the Technical Help category in the Course Logistics & Help category in the forums.
• If you have non-technical questions, we encourage you to post them in the appropriate discussion on the forums.
• Or, if all else fails, you can email the Envisioning the Graduate of the Future staff at egfmooc@gmail.com. We'll do our best to help you out, though we can't guarantee a timely reply given the massive nature of this course.

How can I find out more about XQ? 

Find out more about XQ, an organization devoted to creating a movement to re-imagine American public high schools, by visiting their website xqsuperschool.org.