| DISTANCE LEARNING FAQ’S 1) Can I start a class at any time? All distance learning classes follow the same semester schedule as the rest of Collin’s classes. Registration for distance learning classes is completed in the same way and on the same schedule as traditional classes. 2) Am I able to go at my own pace? Most distance learning classes have some “fixed” component, such as taking a test or turning in assignments on certain dates. It is very important to log into the course at the very beginning of the semester. In order to receive log-in information and other instructions, be sure to email your professor when you register for a distance learning course. For more information about taking distance learning courses, see the “Is Distance Learning Right for Me” section on the Distance Learning’s website’s home page. 3) What type of distance learning courses are offered? There are two types of Distance Learning classes: 1) Online courses – These are courses taken via the student’s computer and an internet connection. High speed internet connection is not required but is preferred. Some online courses require that tests be taken at one of the college’s testing centers or other proctored testing location. 2) Blended courses – These courses are a “Blend” of online and
in-classroom sessions. 50% or more of the instruction and course work
will be online. The remaining amount, which may include labs, lectures,
or other learning activities, will occur at one of the college’s
campuses. The course notes, which follow the course listing, will
provide the specific information for each blended course. Yes, the DL courses cost the same as onsite classes. 5) What are some of the skills I need to take online courses? To be successful taking online courses, you should be able to answer “yes” to the following questions: Can you create, save and find files on your computer? Can you open, close and resize windows on your computer? Can you click , double click and right click using a mouse? Can you cut and paste using a mouse? Do you know how to use spell check? Do you know how to install software on your computer if you need to ? Do you know how to send and receive email attachments? Can you save, delete, reply to and forward email? If you do not have your own computer, can you get to campus to use the computer labs or arrange to use some other computer at least 2 hours per day? Can you access email and the World Wide Web at least five times a week? Do you know the difference between an email address and a website URL? Do you know how to access the Internet and go to a website URL? 6) Is there tutoring available? Online tutoring is available. For more information about this and other student services, go to this link http://www.ccccd.edu/studentservices/students.html 7) How do I access my online course? Collin College, starting with the Fall Semester, 2008, will use Blackboard Campus Edition (CE) as the online course management system for the district. This course management system is also used to support classroom teaching in addition to online and blended courses. Blackboard CE is accessed through the college’s online portal, Cougar Web. Password – if you forgot your password, go to this link for assistance: http://ce6.ccccd.edu/webct/logonHelp.dowebct 8) Is there anything I need to do before I login? Browser Check While using Blackboard, if you are unable to view discussion postings, quiz windows, and download links, then you need to disable pop-up blocking in your browser. Pop-up blockers work in the background while you browse the internet. When they detect a pop-up window that may be an unwanted advertisement, they automatically close the window. This can prevent Blackboard from performing properly. 10) How can I disable pop-up blocker? Pop-up blocking functions are included in some anti-virus, internet security, personal firewall, and internet browser programs. Disable the relevant setting in the program or set your Blackboard server as an allowed site. The following examples list some programs that include pop-up blocking functions. • Norton Internet Security • Zone Alarm Pro • Google Toolbar • Yahoo! Toolbar • MSN Toolbar • AOL 8.0 and later • Safari browser • Microsoft Windows XP, Service Pack 2 • Mozilla browser • Netscape browser |