Frequently Asked Questions | Engineering Institute of Technology

What happens if I need to postpone or withdraw from an advanced diploma course?

1. Withdraw prior to course start:

On the enrolment forms we state: a “fee equivalent to 1 monthly instalment (approximately 6% of the total course fee) will apply for written cancellations received less than 14 days prior to the commencement date of the course. However substitutes are welcome.” This applies to all payment options.

Are you getting value for your money?

A natural concern in your due diligence whether this diploma is worth it, is to ask the question about value for money. We emphatically believe it is and in fact are confident you will get a return for your money in short order for the following reasons;

1. You should get a tax deduction for this education - thus saving you 30% to 50% on your investment. However, naturally check with your accountant to ensure this is the case.

What level of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry do I need?

There are no official prerequisites for this course. However, this is an accelerated, practical, work-oriented course designed for those who have some background in the subject area(s). While all our courses focus strongly on applied theory and engineering practice, you do need a good understanding of the fundamentals of science and mathematics to derive the maximum benefit from your study. If you have successfully completed a final year high school mathematics course, you would probably have minimal difficulty with our courses. If you are unsure, read on.....

What is the difference between a Vocational Graduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma?

If you are like most people, the subtle differences between these two diplomas may elude you. And naturally so, as these are defined and audited by vocational and higher education committees who have an in-depth knowledge of educational qualification frameworks. Essentially, it comes down to depth of coverage, your investment in time, degree of understanding and background qualifications and experience.

Are IDC Technologies and the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) connected?

Three years ago IDC Technologies started to offer selected courses via distance education using the latest e-Learning techniques. Demand for these courses has grown so much that we’ve decided to launch a unique new entity to focus on advanced distance learning in engineering and technology.

What is e-Learning?

Our e-Learning programs are designed for engineers, technicians and electricians who prefer not to be limited by time or distance and need to develop skills and knowledge in a particular subject.

How does it work?

The course consists of a number of modules (this varies from course to course) over a given time period involving live, interactive webinars. Some modules may involve a practical component or group activity. For each module there is an initial reading assignment along with coursework or problems to be handed in and practical exercises in some cases. You will have access to ongoing support from instructors via e-mail, Moodle or Skype.

Is it a 'book on a website'?

No, our e-Learning courses are designed to be as interactive as possible. You will receive materials electronically and participate in live webinars with instructors and students from around the world.

Doesn’t it get boring? How can an e-learning course be interactive?

Boredom can be a real danger, however, we use an interactive approach to our e-Learning – with live sessions instead of recordings. The webinar software allows everyone to interact and involves participants in group work; including hands-on exercises with simulation software and remote laboratories where possible. You can communicate with text messages, or live VoIP speech, or can even draw on the whiteboard during the sessions.

How long is the course?

The duration of the courses vary. For specific information please contact us.

Can I pause my progress and come back to complete the course later?

The webinars cannot be postponed and are set within a given time frame however, it is possible to discontinue a current course and join the next, at the same point for an additional fee.

Can I complete the course in less time?

Our courses actually require ‘attendance’ and participation at the live webinars. The interaction which takes place is an important part of the learning process. See also ‘What if I cannot join or I miss a live webinar’ in the next section.

When will I receive my materials?

All materials required for our e-Learning courses are available in electronic format. We use a Learning Management System called Moodle, which acts like a student portal. You will be provided with a unique username and password, which you use to log into your particular course site. Here, you will be able to access all your course materials, receive and submit assignments and grades, use forums, live chat facilities and much more.

Will I receive notification that I am enrolled on this course

You should enrol using the appropriate form for each course. Once this is received confirmation is sent within 7 to 10 days.

What do live webinars involve?

These are live, interactive sessions over the Internet. You will join the instructor and other participants from around the world in an online ‘virtual classroom’ where you are able to watch a presentation, and communicate with the instructor and other students via audio, text messaging or drawing on the whiteboard. Each webinar is between 60 and 90 minutes in duration and will be scheduled at 2 or 3 varying times, so you can select the session which is most convenient.

Will it be a live session?

Yes the webinars are live (in real time). All students and the instructor log in to the webinar ‘room’ simultaneously.

How long will the sessions be?

The sessions are usually between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on how many questions the participants have.

What if I cannot join or I miss a live webcast?

Webinars are recorded and available to students upon request, however to receive the certificate of completion a minimum of 70% of live webinars must be attended. The live webinars offer the opportunity to interact with the instructor and other participants from around the globe, which is an essential part of the learning process.

Where do I download the webinar software?

All the necessary instructions to download and install the webinar software are sent to you with the course information pack, on the commencement date.

When will the sessions take place? When will I receive a webinar schedule?

The webinar schedule is not put together until after registrations close. The reason for this is that the course is promoted globally and we often have participants from several time zones. Once registrations close you will receive a questionnaire which will help us determine your availability. When all questionnaires are returned we create a schedule which will meet everyone’s requirements. Each webinar will run at 2 or 3 varying times and at least one session will fall into the requested time frames.

Are the sessions held at the same time of day/day of the week every time?

We do try to keep the schedule as consistent as possible, however this depends on the instructor’s availability.

If I experience technical difficulties and am unable to sit in the session, will I be able to arrange for another?

The webinar sessions are recorded for this reason, but depending on the situation it may be possible to reschedule a session for a later date.

Can I talk to my instructor throughout the session or is all the communication one-sided?

Communication with the instructor is encouraged via microphone, drawing on the whiteboard or by typing in the chat box.

Can I discuss problems with the other people in the session or am I restricted to talking to the instructor?

Interaction with everyone in the room involved in the session is not only possible but encouraged.

What language are the webinars presented in?

All webinars are presented in English.

What do I need?

An adequate Internet connection, speakers and a microphone. A headset is recommended. The necessary software and course materials are provided by us.

What hardware and software do I require?

A participant’s computer is referred to as the ‘client’ machine. The following are recommended configurations. Slightly less powerful machines may still work reasonably well, but faster is better.

Windows Client

• Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/7

• Pentium III 500 MHz processor

• 128 MB RAM

• 20 MB free disk space

• Soundcard with headset

Do I really need a headset?

Headsets are recommended for sound quality and to avoid feedback through the microphone. Built-in loudspeakers and microphones will work, but are not ideal. Even when microphone problems occur, the presentation can be followed with audio alone. Feedback or questions can be typed using the direct messaging tool. We do strongly recommend a microphone for optimum interactivity.

Do I need any special software?

Yes. The necessary software and set-up instructions are sent to participants prior to the course.

Can I use a dial-up connection?

A broadband connection such as ADSL is ideal. However, a reliable dial-up connection as slow as 28.8 kbps can work as the system will compensate for it. A slight delay with the sound might be experienced as a result.

Who can assist me if I have technical difficulties with the software?

We ask that you install and test the software well before any webinars. Due to company firewalls, you may experience initial problems which we will work through to correct well beforehand. It is recommended that you approach your company’s IT departments to assist with a test connection prior to the course start date.

What level of computer skills do I need to have?

We recommend that you have basic computer skills. The webinar software is very user friendly and easy to use. Most problems are experienced during initial setup of the software (usually due to firewalls) so if you have limited computer knowledge we recommend you have some technical support nearby.

Why is there a difference in costs between your Adv Dip and a similar course offered at my nearby government technical college?

The reason why our Advanced Diplomas are so successful and highly regarded by industry are for some of the following reasons:

For the Advanced Diploma courses, is recognition of prior learning available?

Yes. Please see the detailed course prospectus for more information on this subject, or contact us for details.

How are we assessed?

A series of assignments are completed during the course. These demonstrate understanding of the materials. Each course also has a minimum attendance requirement for live webinars in order to successfully pass the course. Students on any of the Advanced Diploma courses will also be assessed on the level of interactivity in class.

What do the assignments involve?

The assignments are usually a set of questions, problems or calculations which are based on the material provided. They are not designed to trick, merely to determine if the materials have been understood. These vary in length and level of difficulty and are supplied after the live sessions on that topic have finished. Usually around 2 weeks is allowed for completion. The assignments are graded by the instructor and returned by email.

Are there exams?

There are no exams as such since exams are generally not effective with distance learning. However, the coursework and grading system are at least equally ‘testing’ and rigorous.

My employer is helping to pay the course costs. How can they monitor my performance?

For most courses, including the Advanced Diploma courses, progress can be monitored via the grading system. Some employers have asked to be ‘cc'd’ when marked assignments are returned by email so that they can monitor the student’s progress.

How much time do I need to spend on the course every week?

This depends on your existing knowledge and varies from course to course, but we estimate between 5 and 10 hours per week. This includes the live 1-hour webinars, set reading materials and assignment work.

If I am struggling to keep up with the workload can I get any extra help or tuition?

Certainly. We understand that furthering your education is a huge commitment, and most of our students have full time work as well as family commitments. We will do whatever we can to assist you in the course. The instructor is available to help via email, Moodle or Skype, and depending on the situation extensions are available for assignments if need be. An additional one-on-one webinar with the instructor is possible, although an additional cost may be incurred.

Do I need to have any qualifications to understand it?

This varies from course to course and is usually essential for the Advanced Diploma courses. Please contact the EIT for the requirements for specific courses.

Are there a maximum number of participants allowed per course?

Yes. In order to maximise the benefit you receive from the course, and to provide you with as much interaction as possible with the instructor and other participants we do limit the number of students per course. The maximum number varies from course to course. We also do keep webinar numbers at a set level in order to encourage interaction. If we do receive a high number of registrations for a course we ensure that we have enough webinar sessions to cater for everyone.

Do I have to start on the designated commencement date?

The commencement date is merely the date that registrations close. On this day the information packs and first set of course materials are sent. The first webinar usually occurs about 10 days after this, once all participants have returned their pre-course questionnaires.