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Overview and FAQ’s

About 24PearlStreet

Our 24PearlStreet online writing program allows students to work on their craft year-round wherever they are. Our virtual model combines convenience with the opportunity to work with prize-winning, esteemed faculty and fellow dedicated writers. Please browse through our past workshops to see our recent faculty members. Check out our scholarship opportunities. If you have questions, email Senior Program Manager Jennifer Jean at jjean@fawc.org.

FAQ’s

Registering for a Workshop

Are there deadlines for registering for 24PearlStreet’s online workshops?

You need to register at least one day before a workshop starts. We encourage students to register early since workshops fill fast. Once a workshop is full, registration is closed. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list, you may register for a workshop that is already full. All waitlisted students are notified when a spot opens, and the spot will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Do you offer tuition payment plans?

Flexible payment plans are available to every student. To use our payment plan option, please proceed with registration as usual and select “Pay by Payment Plan” on the second page of our registration form. You will then be provided with a form to fill out and email to the Senior Program Manager, who will call you with further instructions. Though students may make credit card payments at regular intervals, please plan for your tuition to be paid in full before the start of your workshop.

Does 24PearlSteet offer any discounts?

Yes! We offer discounts for returning 24PearlStreet students and Summer Program students. We also run occasional seasonal and early registration promotions.

Does 24PearlStreet offer any scholarships?

Yes! We offer scholarships–many of which are co-sponsored by notable writing organizations like Cave Canem, the Institute for American Indian Arts, Kundiman, Lambda Literary and others. Our scholarship program is consistently growing. Check our scholarship page for more details and new developments.

What’s your refund policy?

Payment is fully refundable up to two weeks prior to the workshop start date. Registrations canceled within two weeks of the workshop start date cannot be refunded, although students may request a transfer to another workshop in the same session.

Do these courses qualify for Continuing Education Credits?

Yes. You may use your workshop payment receipt (received via email) as proof of registration.

About Asynchronous Learning

Why do 24PearlStreet’s workshops feature an asynchronous learning model?

Asynchronous learning is at the heart of 24PearlStreet’s model. It allows students across time zones to come together, engage with their peers, and elevate their craft–even if their lives are also busy with full-time jobs, parenting, or other obligations or pursuits that make it hard to schedule or reserve time for live meetings dedicated to writing.

What does asynchronous learning in a 24PearlStreet workshop look like, exactly?

As a student in a 24PearlStreet workshop, you’ll have 24/7 access to an online classroom. Your teacher will post workshop materials–lectures, readings, assignments–in that online classroom. It’s also where you’ll post your work and comment on the work of your peers. You’ll have deadlines during the week, as indicated by the syllabus, but there’s no specific time of day you need to be online. You just need to make sure to post your work by a certain time.

Are there technical requirements to participate in an asynchronous workshop?

A computer or tablet and internet connection are required to participate in 24PearlStreet online workshops. Please be aware that some devices, like iPhones and Android phones, may not be able to fully display all pages.

What if I have trouble with the technical elements in my asynchronous workshop?

If you have trouble with our custom online classroom you may consult the guidesheet provided at the beginning of each workshop. You may also email 24PearlStreet’s Senior Program Manager for assistance. For persistent troubles you may need to make a phone or Zoom appointment with the Senior Program Manager. Or, you may need to consider consulting your local Geek Squad or computer and internet expert in case the issue lies with your device or network.

What’s the difference between the 1-, 4-, and 8-week workshops?

The biggest difference between 1-week intensives, 4-week workshops, and 8-week workshops is the level of intensity. 1-week intensives have deadlines and interaction every day, and often include a one-on-one component between you and the instructor at the end of your workshop. 4-week workshops have a few interactions and deadlines a week, and 8-week workshops have a couple interactions and deadlines a week.

How much time will I need to commit to my online workshop?

All our coursework is designed for busy people. 1-week intensives have deadlines and interactions in the online classroom every day, and some students choose to dedicate time away from work or other obligations to immerse themselves in the course. On the other hand, many students balance their normal routines with their coursework. It’s entirely a matter of personal preference.

Do asynchronous workshops have synchronous elements?

While asynchronous contact is the foundation 24PearlStreet was built on, faculty members at 24PearlStreet recognize that occasional synchronous contact—in other words, communicating in real time—has tremendous value, too. Some workshops feature optional and occasional synchronous, or “live” elements. If a course will feature a live element, the workshop description specifies this. If no live element is listed underneath a workshop description, the course will be entirely asynchronous.

Are these synchronous or “live elements” required in an asynchronous workshop?

No. Whether or not a course includes optional live elements, asynchronous learning via the online classroom remains the primary way that teachers will communicate information and conduct the course. Given the constraints of time zones (24PearlStreet students live all over the globe), internet streaming capabilities, and more, live elements are always optional for students.

About “LIVE via Zoom” Workshops

What is a “LIVE via Zoom” workshop?

Because of the popularity of live synchronous writing workshops, 24PearlStreet is now featuring many exciting new intensives where students can meet and receive direct instruction from faculty for two hours a day during a five-day workshop.

How does a “LIVE via Zoom” workshop work, exactly?

Live synchronous learning via Zoom will be the primary way faculty will communicate information and conduct the workshop. 24PearlStreet’s custom online classroom may still be utilized to upload assignments and download resources. “LIVE via Zoom” workshops will be indicated in the workshop description in the 24PearlStreet online catalog.

Accessing Your Workshop

When will I receive information about my online workshop?

You will receive an introductory email from 24PearlStreet’s Senior Program Manager a few days before your workshop start date. This email will contain a guide about how to use the online classroom and, if applicable, a Zoom link. You will receive a separate email giving you access to our custom online classroom (previously registered students need only use their existing online classroom account).