• Can I attend a class via a telecommunication (TC), eg, online or via teleconferencing?

Not all classes maybe offered through a TC medium. Certainly all new students who enrol with The School would invariably be studying Foundation Level ‘Ilm Al-Tajweed, which is not taught on-line or through tele-conferencing, unless there are special circumstances. Students wishing to study through the TC medium need specific approval by The School. To be granted permission and necessary log-in details for the tele-conferencing line (e.g. skype®) the student would have to satisfy certain conditions. For example, the student would have to be living more than 50 miles  or an hours travel away from where the course was being taught (Manchester), or in the case of a female student, an inability to be accompanied to the class by a Mahram.

• Are all courses taught through a tele-communication (TC) medium?

No. All courses are taught via class-base. However, an alternative TC mediated session may be available under certain circumstances.

• Who can apply for an online course?

Adult seekers of knowledge, brothers and sisters (rules of Hijaab strictly applied) who meet the following criteria:

Brothers who live at least 50 miles, or 1 hour’s journey away from the main teaching centre.

Any sister who cannot be accompanied by a Mahram, and there is a sisters-only class in her area

• Can I  attend a TC mediated lesson on my own?

Students can attend on their own but it is preferred for distant learning students to be based in a classroom environment where not only minimum student numbers apply, but also the School’s code of conduct. Successful registration for Distance Learning courses will preferably be subject to these terms. Full rules and regulations are available on request.

• How does it work?

Your area will have a local senior student who will be your local contact.

On his/her recommendation to The School, you will be invited to submit an application; fees will be applicable. The School’s policy on admissions can be made available on request.

The necessary course material will be emailed to your specified address along with a final timetable, including exam dates.

• What will the classroom be like?

In discussion with your local senior student, a mutually convenient location, with facilities for the necessary audio-visual link with the main teaching centre, should be agreed.

The class will resemble  the main teaching centre.

• What will the lesson be like?

On the specified date and at the distant classroom, you will meet no earlier than 10 minutes before the lesson is due to start.

You will need your SID number ready as it will be required by your local senior student to help with logging-on.

The lesson will commence using a TC tool (eg tele-conferencing or skype® connection) to the main teaching centre.

As there will be other Distant Learning classrooms also logged-on, your Tutor may ask and be asked questions in turn.

Every Distance Learning student will be required to attend a lesson once a month. This is the requirement whether the student is studying one or more courses. The student should notify The School if s/he is unable to meet this learning requirement.

• What if I do not meet the Distance Learning requirements (e.g, local student) but for some reason was unable to attend the lesson in Manchester (e.g, late at work), could I join through tele-conferencing or live audio link medium?

Students should, in every instance, make all efforts and make any necessary arrangements to attend lessons at the designated venue for that particular course.

If a student cannot attend a lesson for a particular reason, s/he should request permission from the Class Co-ordinator to join the lesson through a TC medium as soon as it becomes clear that s/he will not be able to attend the lesson, or in any event, before the start of the lesson. The student should inform the Class Co-ordinator of the reason for not being able to attend, or if the issue is personal, should email the School, explaining the issue in confidence.

The reason given for the student not being able to attend must be of a nature such that it would be considered acceptable in a workplace or educational institute, bearing in mind the additional level of adab that should be shown for seeking knowledge. For the avoidance of doubt:

Fear of being late for a lesson does not constitute an acceptable reason.

If students are concerned about travel arrangements and returning home late after a lesson, permission may be sought from the course Tutor to leave early.

Again, this should be notified at the earliest opportunity.

If a student is outside of the UK on the day of a lesson, they should inform their Class-Coordinator at the earliest opportunity and make the necessary arrangements to try to attend the lesson online.

As there is no issue of mahram for sisters living within 50 miles of the course venue, they should also try to attend the lesson. If however it will be inappropriate in the circumstances, she must inform the sisters’ Class Co-ordinator at the earliest opportunity and comply with the points below.

If a student is to join a TC mediated lesson, s/he must ensure that the necessary software has been downloaded, the necessary hardware is in place, any relevant passwords and joining details have been obtained before the lesson.

If a student is to join a TC mediated lesson, s/he must text the Class Co-ordinator after the lesson to confirm that s/he attended the lesson, whether s/he was on time, and whether s/he has completed the written homework.

If a student cannot attend a lesson, s/he should also consider phoning a classmate who is at the course venue to listen-in to the lesson. Again, this should be arranged through the Class Co-ordinator at the earliest opportunity, and in any event, before the start of the lesson.