Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much does a graduate level AETN PBS TeacherLine course cost through University of Central Arkansas?
Tuition and fees for the AETN PBS TeacherLine courses through UCA cost $239.50 per graduate level credit hour.
2. How many credit hours are available for the AETN PBS TeacherLine courses?
AETN PBS TeacherLine courses are available as both 2 hour graduate level credit and 3 hour graduate level credit courses. Click here to find a list of courses.
3. May I use AETN PBS TeacherLine course in a UCA Graduate program?
No. AETN PBS TeacherLine courses may not apply to any College of Education degrees. However, graduate credit hours earned from these courses can be used toward your annual Professional Development unit requirements in Arkansas. Please check with ADE Professional licensure prior to taking a course for graduate level credit.
4. How do I register for AETN PBS TeacherLine courses through UCA?
If you are a current licensed Arkansas school teacher, you will need to create a profile on the Arkansas IDEAS Portal at www.arkansasideas.org using your 10-digit State Teacher Identification Number (STIN). If you are unable to get your STIN from your district or need help creating your profile, please email AETN Helpdesk at arideastech@aetn.org. Once a username and password are created, you will be able to enroll in a course through the Arkansas IDEAS Learn Now! system.
5. What do I do to complete an AETN PBS TeacherLine course?
Learners must participate at least three (3) times a week in online discussions, investing about six to eight (6 to 8) hours a week in the course. They must read all content, participate in online discussions, reflect on their learning, and complete assignments, and a final project.
6. How do I get a transcript?
Click here to order a UCA Transcript.
7. When are grades posted?
Grades for each term are posted approximately one week after the end of the term on the IDEAS Portal. Learners will need to log-on to the IDEAS Portal, select My Courses, select the course completed, select the underlined status of 'complete,' and select the print certificate button. You can also request a copy of your transcript from UCA to verify that you have successfully completed an AETN PBS TeacherLine course.
8. How will my transcript record AETN PBS Teacher Line credits?
All AETN PBS TeacherLine courses are listed as EDUC 5335, regardless of the course. We strongly encourage you to keep information about each course that you take in order to show your representative in human resources/personnel as documentation to fulfill your Professional Development requirements.
9. How many graduate-level courses will the Arkansas Department of Education provide for each year?
Through a partnership between Arkansas Educational Television Network and the Arkansas Department of Education, a total of 24 courses will be offered throughout the four terms. Course selections are subject to change or additional courses could be added. AETN and ADE will pay for one free Professional Development course per term. They will not pay for the graduate credit.
10. When do classes meet?
The courses are scheduled asynchronous. 'Asynchronous' because there is no set time for the class to meet, and 'scheduled' meaning learners need to participate on a regular weekly basis to complete the weekly assignments. Being asynchronous allows for flexibility on the learner's part so the courses can fit almost anyone's schedule, but it is not 'at your own pace.'
11. When do I pay for graduate credit?
After your course officially begins, you will find an announcement in the course, and/or your facilitator will inform you when you can pay for graduate credit. Typically, payments for graduate credit is accepted after the first few weeks of the course begin date.
12. Do I have to pay additional money for graduate credit?
Yes. You will have to pay a graduate application fee directly to the University of Central Arkansas in the amount of $25.00. You must pay at the time you register for the graduate credits.
13. Will I receive a letter grade for an AETN PBS TeacherLine course?
Yes, you will get a grade, regardless of whether or not you elect to pay for graduate credit. Our courses are graded on the following scale:
100-90= Pass/graduate credit A
89-80= Pass/graduate credit B
79-70= Pass/graduate credit C
Anything below receives no credit.
14. How are course assignments weighed?
Generally course elements are weighed equally (discussion board participation, assignments, online journal, and final project). Please ask your facilitator for a specific breakdown for the grading in a course. Please note: Expectations for AETN PBS TeacherLine courses are high. Deadline for weekly course material are real and assignments are graded according to rubrics with point scales. Points will be deducted for work that is not turned in on time according to the weekly schedule. Please inform your facilitator beforehand if you will be away from your computer and s/he will advise you if the work can be "made up" or completed beforehand as an exception.