Distance Education
Iowa Western Community College offers an online option for students to study and prepare for their HiSET final exams and HSED. CASAS pre-test reading and math scores must fall within the eligibility range to qualify for this program. Students must take official practice tests and final exams with a certified Proctor, usually located at one of our campuses. Call the Adult Education department at (712) 325-3266 for further details.
Class Schedule
Online students have the flexibility of studying online whenever is convenient for them. You set your own schedule, but are required to complete a minimum of 8 hours of study time each week to maintain active status.
Location: Distance education students can work from anywhere that has reliable internet access. We encourage you to find a quiet place free of distractions so that you can focus and learn.
FAQ
People learn in many ways. What works well for one person may not work well for someone else. Here are some question and answers about online classes and expectations for the program.
Please contact us at 712-325-3266 or adulted@iwcc.edu to set up an appointment to come to our office and fill out paperwork. We will let you know the next orientation date that is mandatory for you to do in order to begin classes. Orientation is in person at our Iowa Western campus and is when you will take your CASAS tests (Math and Reading) for us to see if your scores qualify for taking online courses. Course sessions are 7 weeks long and there are 6 session per school year.
It is strongly recommended that students be able to read at a minimum of the 10th grade reading level, which is determined by the CASAS Reading assessment during orientation. Students who score below 10th grade on a CASAS Reading assessment will be encouraged to participate in regular classroom instruction until a CASAS post-test shows a score of 10th grade or higher. Students will also need to provide a current-email address to the Adult Education Center during orientation.
You will need the following: Computer and reliable internet access.
**If you do not have access to a working computer, you have the opportunity to qualify to check out a laptop and other accessories through our offices. **
**If you do not have access to a working computer, you have the opportunity to qualify to check out a laptop and other accessories through our offices. **
Online students are required to pay a $25 registration fee at orientation; however, there is no additional fee for the online class. Students will pay their first testing fee of $12.25 per test once they are ready to take their first Official HiSET Test. Free test vouchers are available for those who qualify. Upon completion of all five official HiSET final exams, a free diploma and transcript can be ordered from diplomasender.com. There is a $20 fee for any additional transcripts.
Online learners’ time on task will be monitored. Students are required to complete a minimum of 8 hours of study time each week to maintain active status. If students do NOT show sufficient activity on the website/software for two weeks, the account will be deactivated.
No transportation? No childcare? Difficult work schedule? No problem! You have the convenience of studying at home and can complete most work on your own time.
No. In many ways, online classes are more challenging. Online classes require a large amount of self-motivation and a strong dedication to learning. Online classes have strict requirements. If the requirements are not followed, students may be dropped from the class.
No. You will need to either be in online classes (if you qualify with test scores) or in person classes.
If online classes are not a good fit for you, you will be able to switch to a face-to-face class starting the next session. Please understand if there is not an opening for a face-to-face class, you may be placed on a waiting list until an opening becomes available.
No. Students must attend a four-hour, in-person HiSET orientation and complete the CASAS reading and math assessments. Orientation can be scheduled by calling 712-325-3266 or emailing adulted@iwcc.edu. Online students must return to the appropriate IWCC Campus for a CASAS post-test, all Official Practice Tests, and Official HiSET Final Exams. EmailMichelle Soloth at msoloth@iwcc.edu for an appointment to test. Her office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:30-4:00pm.
Students who are currently enrolled in a class and have a CASAS Reading score of 10th grade or higher may email Michelle Soloth at msoloth@iwcc.edu to set up an appointment to discuss your options.
Persons seeking to meet the Iowa High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) requirements should be aware of companies that claim to offer a High School Equivalency program over the internet or through correspondence courses. Although testing for the HiSET is computer-based, the tests can only be accessed at a recognized Iowa Community College testing site where certified HiSET Proctors will administer the test(s).