Questions & Answers About Online Learning at CSI
Who will teach my online course(s)?
Online courses are taught by faculty members at the College of Southern Idaho. They are employed by CSI and can help connect you to all of CSI’s resources, answer questions, and provide guidance.
When should I apply?
Today! The CSI application only takes a few minutes to complete online. You can find it here.
How do I register?
If you are already a CSI student who has login credentials, you can visit MyCSI to seach for and register for classes.
What help will be available to me as an online learner?
There is a lot of help available! As an online learner you have access to the following help and resources at CSI:
- Your instructor - CSI professors are friendly and helpful and always happy to answer questions about their course.
- IT HelpDesk – technical support agents can help answer your questions about your CSI login credentials, access to Canvas, troubleshooting your computer, and more. 208-732-6311 or helpdesk@csi.edu
- Canvas 24x7/Tier 1 Support – who better to ask about Canvas questions than Canvas themselves? CSI provides 24x7 access to Tier 1 level support, which you can access by phone or chat simply by clicking the Help icon in the yellow Canvas global navigation menu.
- Learning & Tutoring Commons – peer tutors are available to help you with many different subjects, including how to use Canvas. You can schedule a session with a tutor face-to-face or via Zoom.
Will I have to go to campus?
This will be based upon the type of course delivery you choose:
- Hybrid Yes. Hybrid courses will have online components and required face-to-face meeting times when you will need to come to campus. These courses have an “A” at the end of the course code, designating the instructional type is hybrid.
For example: ENGL 101A C01A - Online Canvas No*. Online Canvas courses are online asynchronous, meaning they can be completed on your own time from any location using a web browser and Canvas and you won’t need to come to campus*. These courses have a “W” at the end of the course code, designating the instructional type is web-based or online.
For example: ENGL 101A C20W - Online Coordinated (Zoom) No*. These courses are online synchronous, meaning there are class meeting times that must be attended in real-time but can be attended by Zoom video conference from anywhere, so you won’t need to come to campus*. These courses have an “M” at the end of the course code, designating the instructional type is web-based or online.
For example: ENGL 101A C20M - Video Conference Yes. This type of course is online synchronous, meaning there are established sessions when a class must be attended in real-time at a given location and you will need to come to a campus location, although it may be located at an off-campus center in Burley, Jerome, Gooding, or Hailey. These courses have a “V” at the end of the course code, designating the instructional type as web-based or online.
For example: ENGL 101A C20V
Can I take classes part-time?
Yes! You determine your course load just like if you are a student taking classes on campus.
Can I work while taking classes online?
Yes! In fact, this is one of the benefits of taking courses online. You may have more flexibility in your schedule.
How much do online classes cost at CSI?
All course credits at CSI cost the same, whether classes are delivered online or on campus. For more information about tuition costs, please see the CSI Tuition and Fees web page.
Does financial aid apply to online classes at CSI?
If you are enrolled as a degree-seeking student taking CSI courses for credit in an eligible degree or certificate program, financial aid will apply to your courses whether they are delivered in-person or online. Financial Aid at CSI
Can I take online courses and face-to-face courses on campus during the same semester?
Yes, students may choose to include both face-to-face courses and online courses in their schedules during any given semester.
How will I take tests as an online student?
Instructors will set up tests according to what best meets the educational objectives of the class. Sometimes these tests will be self-directed and other tests will require a test proctoring service. These proctoring services are easy to find and instructors will explain how to access the service. If you have any questions about how a particular instructor expects tests to be taken, don’t hesitate to ask. Instructors are happy to answer questions about the processes for their courses.