Frequently Asked Questions


  1. What are PD Online® courses?
    ASCD's PD Online courses are web-based, media-rich learning experiences that help users deepen their understanding of today's most important education topics. Each course includes video content, readings, auto-graded assessments, downloadable applications, and reflections.

    PD Online courses address the topics that matter to today's educators from trending topics like the Common Core State Standards Initiative to always relevant topics like classroom management and student assessment. Throughout the courses, users explore the ideas of ASCD's most influential authors and thinkers, including Robert J. Marzano, Carol Tomlinson, and Eric Jensen; meanwhile, job-embedded applications allow users to translate what they learn into their own education practice, meaning the courses are as strong in theory as they are practical to your professional life.
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  2. Are the courses led by an instructor?
    No. PD Online course are asynchronous learning experiences that you complete at your own pace. However, the courses are flexibly designed to support many different types of users from individuals wanting to expand their understanding of a topic to schools wanting to provide their entire staff with professional development credit hours.
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  3. How long will it take to finish a course?
    In general, it should take 10-15 hours to complete a course, depending on how much time you spend on each component.
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  4. How long do I have to finish a course?
    You have six months to complete a course once you begin.
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  5. What is the course wallet?
    The course wallet allows users to purchase course access (in the form of credits) without purchasing a specific course. The wallet holds these credits until the user exchanges one for enrollment in a course.
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  6. What are the technical requirements?
    The following chart details how you can access PD Online on different devices.
    PlatformBrowser Versions
    PC
    • Firefox 4.0+
    • Safari 5.1.1+
    • Chrome 15+
    • Internet Explorer 11+ or Edge
    Mac
    • Firefox 4.0+
    • Safari 5.1.1+
    • Chrome 15+
    iPadNative Safari for iOS 6.1+
    Android tabletChrome for Android 4.0+
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  7. Why won't my course start after I click the Play icon?
    If you have your pop-up blocker turned on, you will need to turn it off. Once you've disabled the blocker, click the Play icon again and your course should start. If you still experience problems accessing your course, contact Web Help.
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  8. Why can't I download the attached documents?
    If you have your pop-up blocker turned on, you will need to turn it off. Once you've disabled the blocker, click the document link again. If you still experience problems, contact Web Help.
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  9. I can download the PDF documents, but when I try to download the Word documents, I am blocked. Why?
    Some users report an issue when trying to open Microsoft Word documents from within the course. The issue relates to a security setting on the user's local computer rather than an issue with the document or course. The simplest solution is to download the material as a PDF instead using the link provided in the course. Click here for more information about this topic.
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  10. Can I make copies of the course materials?
    The course material is meant for one user. You can download, save, and print the course material for your personal use, but you cannot share this material with others unless they are also enrolled in the course.
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  11. Will I receive a certificate of completion?
    Yes. If you complete the course through ASCD's Learning Management System, you will receive access to a certificate of completion.

    To access the certificate, click on the View Course Report icon (next to the Play button) on your home page after completing the course. Select the Take Course Survey icon (clipboard at the top, right-hand corner) and complete the course evaluation. The certificate's icon will appear next to the survey icon shortly after you complete the survey.
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  12. I'm taking the course asynchronously. Do I need to upload my application activities for someone to grade?
    No, you do not need to upload the material for ASCD to review. The application activities are meant to help you apply the content to your practice. However, you may be asked to share your work with a professional development leader or university reviewer if you are seeking continuing education units (CEUs) or course hours.
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  13. Do I get a grade once I complete the course?
    No, you will not receive a grade. However, you will receive a score on your post-course assessment.
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  14. Does ASCD offer college credits for completing PD Online courses?
    No. However, a number of colleges and universities do offer college credit hours in relationship to ASCD courses. A current list of these partner colleges and universities can be found on the ASCD website. Contact the colleges or universities directly to learn about their requirements, preferably prior to beginning the course.
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  15. Does ASCD offer CEUs for completing PD Online courses?
    No. Although ASCD does consider each course as equal to a certain number of clock or seat hours, clock hours are not the same as CEUs. Every state and accrediting agency has different rules regarding the award parameters for CEUs. You should contact your professional development coordinator before you begin the course so you know exactly what is required to obtain continuing education units.
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  16. What if I don’t like the course?
    If for any reason you are not satisfied with your course selection, within 15 days of purchase, you may request a transfer to a different course of your choosing. We encourage you to send an e-mail to Web Help with any of your concerns.
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