Continuing Teacher Education
Queen's University- FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions 1:
1: How do online AQ/ABQ courses work?
Once you are admitted to your course, we will contact you by email approximately one week before the course start date with instructions on how to login to your course.
On day 1 of your course, your instructor will contact you to welcome you to the course. You and your fellow candidates will quickly get to know each other and form an online learning community where you will share ideas, engage in online discussions and receive individual feedback from your instructor. Queen's online AQ/ABQ courses generally have 15 or less candidates in one class.
Your online AQ/ABQ course will be composed of several modules, each with their own due date. You may work at your own pace and schedule as long as you complete each module by its due date.
Once you have completed your online course, your instructor will give you a final grade. The Office of Continuing Teacher Education will report the successful completion of your course to the OCT so they can update your Certificate of Qualifications.
2: What are the computer requirements needed for an online course?
We strongly recommend that you use our Automated System Check to determine if your computer meets the minimum requirements to take an online course
Most recent web browser should work with the exception of Internet Explorer. We recommend Firefox 16 (or newer) for Mac OS X or Windows.
Be sure to check out the Browser Settings Information.
3: Can I see what taking an online AQ course at Queen's is like?
Yes, you can try our demo course.
4: When and how do I access my online course?
You will receive an email a few days prior to the course start date with instructions on how to log in to your course.
5: How do I get a pre-assessment to determine if I am eligible to take a certain AQ/ABQ?
Please complete and return a Preassessment Request Form and fax it along with your undergraduate transcript(s) to (613) 533-6702:
http://www.coursesforteachers.ca/Forms/Preassessment.request.form.pdf
Pre-assessments are free and are generally completed in 2-3 business days.
6: What is the difference between an AQ and an ABQ course?
An AQ course (Additional Qualification) expands your leadership and subject knowledge within the divisions you are currently qualified to teach (i.e. Special Education, Librarianship, Guidance & Career Education)
ABQ courses (Additional Basic Qualifications) allow you to teach in new divisions (i.e. Primary, Junior, Intermediate or Senior)
7: How is teaching experience determined?
'One year' of teaching experience is one full school year, or 194 days of teaching experience if you are a supply teacher.
Teaching experience must be verified by the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent of your school. If you teach in a private school, your teaching experience must be verified by the Ministry Official appointed for your school (i.e. Education Officer).
8: What is a Combined Honour Specialist and what are the requirements?
A Combined Honour Specialist is the completion of two separate Honour Specialist courses. To be eligible for a Combined Honour Specialist you must have 20.0 full-year courses in your undergraduate degree including 14.0 full-year undergraduate level courses across two subject areas, with no less than 6.0 full-year courses in either subject.
Example: 8.0 in History and 6.0 in Math or 7.0 in History and 7.0 in Math.
You can take the Honour Specialist courses in the same session or in separate sessions. A recommendation is sent to the OCT once both courses have been successfully completed. An experience form is required for only one of the subject areas.
9: What is my NET ID and where do I get it?
Your NET ID is your unique identification number at Queen's that you will use to access online services and courses at Queen's. Information on how to get your NET ID will be sent to you by email once you have been admitted to your course.
10: How do I withdraw from an online AQ/ABQ Course?
To drop an online AQ/ABQ course:
- Log into your Queen's portal using your NET ID and password at http://my.queensu.ca
- Under "SOLUS", click on "SOLUS Student Center"
- From the drop down menu on the left, select "Enrollment: Drop" and click the double arrows to the right
- Select the term your course is in using the radio buttons on the left and click "Continue"
- Select the course you wish to drop using the radio buttons on the left and click "Drop Selected Classes"
- On the next screen click "Finished Dropping" to confirm your withdrawal.
A refund will be issued to your credit card within 3-5 business days. Click here to view our refund schedule.