Frequently Asked Questions

Source: https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/hbkux/faq Parent: https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/hbkux

Navigating Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) can sometimes bring up questions. We have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about HBKUx to help guide you.

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What is the process to enroll in a MOOC?

To enroll in a MOOC, you need to create an account on edx.org, browse through our course catalog here, and click on the 'Enroll' button on the course page.

Are there any fees associated with these courses?

All of our MOOCs are free to audit, which gives you access to all the course materials, additional readings and discussion forums where you can interact with other learners.

Are there any prerequisites for the courses?

Prerequisites vary depending on the course. For example, for a course in solar energy management, some engineering knowledge may be required. Each course description includes information about any prerequisites.

Do I receive a certificate upon completion of a course?

Some courses might require a small fee for the certificate, which will be clearly mentioned on the course page. If you choose to pay the course fee, you will earn a certificate upon successfully completing the course. The certificate can be shared on LinkedIn or other professional networks.

How do I share my certificate?

You can list both your credential and your certificate on your LinkedIn profile under 'Education'.

Can I study at my own pace or are there fixed schedules for the courses?

Most of our courses are self-paced, meaning you can start and finish at any time. Some courses might have a suggested timeline to help guide your progress.

What kind of support can I expect while taking a course?

The edX Help Center has a wide variety of articles guides to answer your questions and assist you through your learner journey. If you need further assistance, you can reach out to edX by submitting a support ticket.

What if I have questions or need help during the course?

You can interact with fellow learners in the discussion forums, and reach the course team through the email address displayed at the beginning of your course. While there won't be direct, real-time communication with professors, they will still play a significant role in the learning process through brief video lectures to clarify complex concepts and guide learners through various interactive learning components. The course team members monitor the forums and will respond to your questions as quickly as possible.

What is the language of instruction for the courses? Are there subtitles or translations available?

The primary language of instruction is English. The availability of subtitles will be mentioned on the course page.

What are the technical requirements to take a course?

You will need a computer or a smartphone with internet access. If your course requires specific software or hardware, this will be clearly mentioned in the course description.

Is there a community or forum for learners to interact and discuss course content?

Yes, each course has a dedicated discussion forum where learners can interact, ask questions, and discuss course content.

How are the courses evaluated? Are there quizzes, assignments, or exams?

Course evaluation methods vary. They may include quizzes, assignments, peer-reviewed projects, and exams. The specific evaluation methods for each course are outlined in the course syllabus.

What happens if I have to drop the course midway? Can I re-enroll later?

If you need to drop a course midway, you can do so from your course dashboard. You can re-enroll in the course when it is offered again. However, your progress will not be saved, and you will need to pay again to obtain a certificate.

Do you have any free courses?

From time to time we will offer coupons to enable learners to access our courses at a discount. We will send out notifications in this instances for learners to take advantage of.

Can I start for free and pay later?

Yes, you can start your course in the audit track and upgrade to the verified track later, as long as you do so before the upgrade deadline passes. Check the upgrade deadline date in the on the right side of the course homepage under 'Important Dates'. It is not possible to upgrade after the deadline or the course end.

Can I study for HBKU degree courses on edX?

At the moment no, although your professor might ask you to take a unit on an existing edx course as part of your degree studies. Explore here for on-site courses

How long do I have access to a course once I enroll?

Access duration can vary by course. Some courses provide lifetime access, while others may have a specific end date. The course description will provide details.

Can I take multiple courses at the same time?

Yes, you can enroll in and take multiple courses at the same time. Please consider your schedule and commitments to ensure you can dedicate enough time to each course.

How long does it take to complete each course?

The duration of each course varies between 6-10 weeks. You can expect to spend about 1-3 hours per week on coursework. The estimated time commitment for each course is listed on the course page.

We are here to assist you. If you do not find the answers you are looking for here, please do not hesitate to contact us at: HBKUx@hbku.edu.qa.