Online Learning

Yes. Kish's offers an entirely online Associate in Arts degree program for both full-time and part-time students. 

Yes. Kishwaukee College is authorized via the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) to offer distance education coursework to students residing outside of Illinois. The cost of attendance is the same tuition cost for in-district students. 

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• Your education, your way — Midnight, noon or anywhere in between, learn on your time.
• Go at your pace — Part-time or full-time, you’re in control of your course load.
• Build essential skills — Online classes help you build your collaboration, critical thinking, time management, communication and research skills (plus more) in a virtual, professional environment.
• Learn from the experts — Kish’s expert faculty have industry experience and are available to help you succeed.

Our online courses fall into two categories: synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous courses are online with regularly scheduled class meetings using tools like Zoom or other virtual classrooms. Asynchronous courses do not have a scheduled class meeting time. The type of online course can be found in the individual class description in Search for Courses and Course Sections.

Types of Courses

Whether you are a first-time online learner or a returning online learner, we have an important checklist for getting started with online courses at Kishwaukee College.

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1. Review each course syllabus to know your instructor’s expectations — You will need a computer/tablet, internet and the ability to participate in a virtual classroom. Some classes may require specific software for testing. Every instructor is different. Review each syllabus closely to know your instructor’s requirements. Understand the specific technology requirements, how to submit assignments and how you will be graded.

2. Plan your semester — Mapping out your entire course, including major due dates and tests, can help you visualize what needs to be completed.

3. Create a daily schedule — Know what needs to be completed each day and include it in your daily schedule. Keeping a routine such as studying at the same time each day can help.

4. Allow for computer and internet challenges — Give yourself plenty of time to complete coursework. You never know what technology challenges may arise.

5. Set up your best place to study — Your environment can have a big impact on your success. Find a quiet place to focus on school and keep distractions to a minimum.

6. Ask questions — If you are uncertain about an assignment or topic, ask your instructor for clarity.

7. Study with your classmates — Think about hosting virtual study or review sessions with some classmates. It can be a great opportunity to connect, make friends and learn from one another.

8. Take care of yourself — Taking breaks and rewarding yourself can go far to avoid burnout. Schedule time each day to do what energizes you and helps you perform at your best.

9. Reach out for help — Kish provides several services online to help you achieve your academic goal.

• Tutoring is available 24/7 and is accessible through Brightspace or tutor.com. 

• Students can access the library database for research if they are logged into myKish. 

• Faculty hold regular online office hours to chat and help students with course material.

• Help Desk can assist with technology questions.

• Talk with your advisor to ensure you take the right classes.

• Disability Services helps students get the right accommodations to support their academic success.

Need any other materials to be successful online? The College has Chromebooks and laptops available for student use. Please contact your advisor at advising@kish.edu if you need assistance with a device, internet or anything else for class.

Technology Requirements
Basic minimum requirements to being a college student include:

• Access to a desktop, laptop or tablet computer
• High-speed internet access
• Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Available free to Kish students)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Ability to download documents
• Web Browser to access student email and Brightspace by D2L (Chrome, Firefox, Safari preferred)
• Ability to participate in virtual classrooms via computer or cell phone (i.e. Zoom or Google Hangouts)

Don’t forget to check your syllabus for technology requirements as each class may have different requirements. 

Do you need a Chromebook or Laptop? Contact the Kishwaukee College Help Desk at helpdesk@kish.edu for more information regarding our loan program or assistance with technology questions. 

If your online course includes quizzes or exams, your instructor may use several proctoring methods to ensure academic honesty. Some instructors develop their own proctoring methods, but other online instructors use Honorlock, an online proctoring service. Honorlock is built into the D2L course site and requires the use of the Google Chrome web browser. Students must have a working webcam and microphone and will need a quiet, private space for testing. Before each exam, students will show a photo ID and conduct a room scan with the webcam. Honorlock blocks the use of external monitors, web extensions, non-test software, and other devices during the exam. Honorlock uses pop-in, live proctors when it detects potential issues. Be sure to review the Honorlock information in the course syllabus.

Testing Requirements for Honorlock
Note: Not all tests will require the use of proctoring software. It is important to review your course syllabi to determine specific testing requirements.
Testing requirements may include:

• Access to a laptop or desktop computer (Chromebooks or other tablets will not work)
• High-speed internet access. Speed should be between 0.092 - 0.244 Mbps. You can test your internet speed using www.speedtest.net (hotspots not recommended)
• Webcam (internal or external)
• Microphone (internal or external)
• Google Chrome web browser

Don't forget to check your syllabus for testing requirements. Each class may have different requirements, such as whether you are allowed to use calculators, have headphones, use scratch paper, or other restrictions. For more information, visit the Honorlock Knowledge Base web page. 

There are many options to pay for college, including financial aid and payment plans.

1. First-time students and students returning after a two-year break must apply. New students may be required to take placement tests for math and English. Students requiring accommodations should contact our disability services to get the process started. 
2. See what’s being offered this semester.
3. Schedule an appointment online with your advisor to build the best schedule for you. 
4. Monitor progress towards your degree through myKish Self-Service.  
5. Register for your classes as early as possible. 
6. Log in to myKish. You will be able to access your student email and receive important college communications through it. 
7. Pay for your classes. Our financial aid professionals are a phone call away if you need help. In-district tuition is charged for Illinois residents enrolled in an online class. 
8. Order and ship your course materials to your front door from the Kish Store.
9. Get familiar with our online learning platform Brightspace. 
10. Make sure your tech is compatible with our platform. 

More information can be found on our Get Started page.