Master of Special Education Frequently Asked Questions

How is online learning different from traditional classroom learning?: Instead of the traditional lecture/discussion format used in face-to-face courses, online courses are presented electronically. Students typically participate in discussions, real time chats, multi-media presentations, groups’ assignments and Web searches. Most of the work in online courses is done asynchronously, allowing students to complete the assignments independently.
Is the Extended Certification and/or Master of Arts in Special Education online program accredited?: Cardinal Stritch University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Wisconsin DPI has granted approval of the online Extended Certification program.
What if I have questions or problems during the program?: If you have a question about the academic program, contact the Extended Certification and/or Master of Arts in Special Education Online Coordinator Adrienne Nerad at anerad@stritch.edu or (414) 410-4334. Questions about technology, University procedures, billing, financial aid, and other matters throughout the program will be assigned to a technical contact staff member.
Is the online program appropriate for me?: The Extended Certification and/or Master of Arts in Special Education program at Cardinal Stritch University is directed toward the extended certification needs in the area of Special Education. Candidates in this program must have a high comfort level with technology and be able to work independently.

Try one of these online self-assessments to determine if online learning is right for you.: Richland College Multimedia Online Course Self-Assessment; Are you ready to learn online?; Is online learning for me?; Are distance learning courses for me?

How much time do I have to complete a course?: Each course has a start and end date. Three credit courses are scheduled over an eight-week period.
Do I get grades?: Yes, grades are given for each course based on rubrics.
Are there quizzes and final exams that I need to take?: The philosophy of the program requires that each course have at least one “key assessment,” typically a classroom-oriented project, unit or lesson plan. There are no final exams.
Are there times when I am required to be online?: Depending on the course, synchronous (i.e. live) chat rooms may be suggested or required. If that is the case, a mutually agreed upon time will be set by the cohort. You may also have times when you are completing a project with a group and may need to be online at a mutually agreed upon time.
How many students will be in my cohort?: Cardinal Stritch University is committed to the individual learner. For that reason, many cohorts are in the range of 12-15 students, with a maximum of 20.
Am I able to transfer credits into the program from a different university?: No.
Do I ever have an opportunity to meet face-to-face with my professors and fellow students?: Yes, two face-to-face weekends are scheduled during the program, one at the beginning and one in the middle of the program.
How are classes taught?: Do I watch the lecture via video online? I am forwarded information? For someone who has never taken an online course, how do they receive the instruction via online? Is there group work even though it is online?
How long are courses within the program?: Each course will have 2 to 8 sessions (weeks), based on the number of credits for the course. For a 3-credit course, work to be completed is posted on the Learning Management System (LMS).
What is the software platform used within the program and how do I use it?: Cardinal Stritch University uses Educator. Educator is Web-based. It is located here. Students log onto the site with a password. Students will then see a list of activities they will complete for the week or during the course. They might be linked to a site to do reading or see a video. They might be lead to a chapter or chapters in a book to read. All this will be listed on the page they see in Educator. Prior to the first course, students will have an orientation on how to use Educator. They will also have practice using the LMS during the first course, which is a face-to-face weekend. Yes, some of the courses will have group work, which will be completed online.
What are the specific requirements of chat groups? Do I have to be online at certain times?: If a course has a group chat (synchronous), students will have the dates listed at the beginning of the course. Yes they may have to be on online at a specific time. They may also have to be online at specific times to complete group assessments, if they are required.
What kind of assignments will I have to do?: Each class will have key assessments that will be listed in the syllabus. Like traditional on campus classes, these will include individual and group work. Students will use the discussion and reply ability of the LMS to increase their understanding of key concepts. The big difference is that the online program will have final projects with each class rather than final exams.

How do I complete Student Teaching?

How much is required?: Student teaching is an eight-week experience.
What do I need to do?: You will be completing the requirements listed in the course syllabus for the experience.
How are we observed?: You will have a University supervisor and either a cooperating teacher, if you are in a traditional placement or a school-based supervisor if you are doing student teaching on-the-job. The University supervisor will observe you four times during the eight weeks. Your on-site cooperating teacher or supervisor will do one formal observation and provide ongoing support during the student teaching.
How do we get feedback?: After each observation by your University supervisor, you will discuss the observation. Any assessments that are in the course syllable will have a related rubric that you will see before assessments are completed. Your instructor will get your copies of the rubrics when assessments are graded.