FAQ - Partnering with Parents (PWP) Online

Q: When does PWP ONLINE start and end?
A: Time Period: The full series of Partnering with Parents ONLINE begins June and ends November each year.

Q: How long is each module?
A: Each module (11 modules total) is covered over a 2 week period. Thus, learners have 2 weeks to complete each module. It is estimated that learners will need 6-10 hours to complete each module depending on their familiarity with the module topic.

Q: Are there chat rooms?
A: Yes, once during the 2 week period we will have a chat room (1 hour). Some of the small group work requires learners to meet online with other learners via chat rooms, discussion board and email exchange. Learners set up their own times to meet with others who are in their small groups.

Q: What other methods are used?
A: There are readings, short surveys, short video streams, observation assignments which you write up short (1-2 page) reflection papers, discussion board posting and e-journal. Learners who are earning graduate credit will complete a paper/project focused on a parenting education topic of their choice and applying information they learned in Partnering with Parents to their paper. The paper/project is to be 15-20 pages (plus a title page, reference section), and is to be double spaced, 12pt font,and in APA version 5 format.

Q: Do I have to be online at a certain time?
A: Only once during the two week period of each module for a one hour large group chat are you expected to be online at the same time as others. Of course, there are some learners who need to miss a chat or two. That is ok, however, you would not earn the points for the chat. Each large group chat is worth 5 points. However, learners who miss the chat sessions can post their responses to the chat questions on the discussion board and still earn 1-2 points. There are many opportunities to earn points in the class, so don't worry about missing a couple of chats if you needed to. Additionally, some of the small group work requires learners to meet online with other learners via chat rooms, discussion board and email exchange. Small group members decide how and when they want to meet.

Q: How much time does it take?
A: The amount of time needed to complete each module will depend on the individual learner. Previous learners have indicated that it takes between 6-10 hours for each module depending on the learner's previous knowledge and experience with the module topics.

A key to participating in Partnering with Parents ONLINE is to make sure to set aside time each week to participate in the class. It doesn't matter if its 8am or 2am - whatever time works for you! However, remember there is a scheduled chat session for each module.

Q: What are the topics covered in each module?
A: You can find information about the topics covered at www.extension.iastate.edu/pwp/topics.html

Q: Who are the instructors?
A: Dr. Kimberly Greder, Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies and Family Life Extension State Specialist for Iowa State University is the overall instructor for the series. There are several guest co-facilitators during the series as well who serve as ISU Extension families state and field specialists, a marriage and family therapist, and faculty at other universities.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Registration fees and tuition costs can be found at www.extension.iastate.edu/pwp/ISUcoursecredits.html

Q: Can you earn continuing education units?
A: Yes. Iowa social worker hours, teacher renewal credits, and general CEUs are offered. Learners can individually keep records of their participation and submit information to NCFR and AAFCS to earn CFLE CEUs, and AAFCS PDUs. Learners can also earn a Parenting Education Certificate of Completion when they complete the series earning equivalent to the letter grade of a "B" or higher.

Q: When taking Partnering with Parents for course credit, do you earn a letter grade?
A: Yes, letter grades are assigned to individuals who take Partnering with Parents for course credit.

Q: Will Partnering with Parents ONLINE be offered again in the future?
A: Yes, at this point we plan to offer the full series each summer.

Q: What is the cancellation policy for Partnering with Parents?
A: For the full series (face to face or online), cancellations received on or before 5:00 pm 1 week prior to the start of the series or module will be fully refunded less a $50.00 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given after that time. For individual modules, or the 2 day summer workshop, cancellations received on or before 5:00 pm 1 week prior to the start of the series or module will be fully refunded less a $25.00 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given after that time.

Q: What computer connection speed and software do I need?
A: The faster your computer and Internet connection speed, the better. Learners should have DSL or faster Internet speed in order to participate in the online version of Partnering with Parents that uses WebCT Gold. Specific browser information is available at: http://www.webct.com/tuneup. Learners who are registered will receive information via email about accessing WebCT Gold.

Minimum Support Standards: To receive support through the Solution Center, computer systems must meet minimum university standards. Supported operating systems are Windows 2000 and XP, Macintosh OS X, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).

Software: Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, RealServer, Java Script. All these software programs are available as free downloads from the Partnering with Parents WebCT Gold Web site.

Q: What requirements are there to participate? Do I need to have a specific background?
A: Anyone who is interested in learning more about parenting education as a profession and in strengthening their knowledge and skills in parenting education are welcome to participate. However, individuals who have worked in, or studied the field of parenting education may find the information and activities covered more easy to understand and apply than those who are not familiar with the field of parenting education.

Q: Who do I contact if I need help accessing WebCT Gold?
A: Contact the ISU Solution Center by email at solution@iastate.edu, by phone: 515-294-4000, or by fax 515-294-9062. Normal business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday. (CST)

You can also submit a question or seek help with a computer-related problem by submitting a problem description using the online web form. In most cases, you will receive a response back within one business day. Requests submitted on weekends or holidays will be processed on the next business day.
The Solution Center offers multiple levels of support, including referrals to other support staff as needed. To the extent possible, questions are answered via the method they are received. In more complex situations, staff may follow up via another method, such as email, phone, or by having the customer drop off a system for diagnosis.

Q: How do I download files to my computer from WebCT using Internet Explorer?
A: By default, Internet Explorer 6 and 7 blocks downloads of files from Web sites—and uses a tool called the Information Bar to alert users when files are blocked. This feature may prevent you from being able to download files from WebCT.
To avoid this situation, you may configure IE to recognize WebCT GOLD as a “Trusted site”, OR you may change your IE Security Settings to enable Automatic prompting for file downloads.

Home | Overview | Topics | Brochures and Registration Forms | Online Registration |
ISU Course credits, CEUs, or Certification | Locations and contact information | Frequently asked questions | Program evaluation | For enrolled learners only | For facilitators only | Additional resources

Iowa State University Extension to Families | Iowa State University Extension |
Iowa State University Lifelong Learner | College of Human Sciences

Non-Discrimination Statement and Information Disclosures
Copyright © 2002, Iowa State University Extension. All rights reserved.
Last update: December 18, 2007