Online Student Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about YCCC online courses.
1. What is an online course like?
An online course is a course in which you do not have to come to the campus to attend class.
In order to take an online course, you need access to the Internet. You can interact with the instructor and other students to complete the activities and objectives of the course at any time and from any place that has a computer connected to the World Wide Web.
Just as every classroom differs slightly, so does the distance learning experience. Different courses will use different types of course materials and Internet technologies. You need to be comfortable with certain computer skills such as using a computer, sending and receiving email, and using the Internet.
You will have due dates for assignments that must be met as required by the instructor. Just like in a traditional class, you have to be on top of your studies. You still have to read the textbook and/or other class reading materials, follow the syllabus, submit assignments on time, and take quizzes and exams.
Probably the greatest advantage of online courses is that you have the flexibility to schedule your online time around other school, work, and family commitments.
A typical day as an online student might involve the following:
As an online student, you would log in to your online course at a time during the day that is convenient for you.
There might be an ongoing online discussion that you need to participate in before the end of the day.
There might be course materials for you to print out and read in preparation for this week's assignment.
You might have a homework assignment to work on or to submit.
You might have a quiz to take.
You might also take this opportunity to check the course syllabus, schedule, or calendar to find out what other activities and assignments are coming up.
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2. What is WebCT?
WebCT is the course delivery software system that YCCC uses to create a virtual classroom for online instruction.
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3. How long is the semester?
Online courses have the same start and end dates as classes offered on-campus. Your online course will follow the same academic calendar as your on-campus courses.
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4. When does the class meet?
Online courses are conducted "asynchronously," meaning that you do not have to be logged in to your class discussions or lectures at any particular set time of day. Most instructors establish a schedule of participation at the start of the course. You may find this information on the course syllabus or on the discussion board. Some classes will use chat, which requires participating at a specific time and day.
It is generally recommended that you log in four to five times a week to retrieve and/or send course information, but that can be done whenever it is convenient for you --- at any time, day or night.
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5. Will I need a textbook?
Online classes require you to purchase textbooks. To find out how to purchase a textbook, go to the How to Order Books section in the navigation area on the left. Consult your course syllabus to find information about additional required materials for the course.
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6. How do I register for an online course?
Registration for online courses is the same as for any other course at YCCC. You will can either call Student Affairs at (207) 646-9282 ext. 309, or come in to fill out a registration form in person. For more information, go to the How to Register section in the navigation area on the left.
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7. When can I login to my course?
You can login to your online course on the first day of classes. If you registered on the first day of classes or after, you will typically need to wait 24 hours before you can login.
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8. How do I login to my course?
Go to the Enter Your Course section in the navigation area on the left. Then click on either the Enter Your Online Course text link or the graphic Enter button. Once you have clicked on it, a new page will appear that will require you to enter your username and password.
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9. What is my username?
Your username is s + yourentirefirstname + yourentirelastname.
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10. What is my password?
Your password is your student ID number. Look on your schedule of classes, your last grade report, your YCCC student ID card, or your bill or tuition receipts. All of these should have your student ID printed on it.
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11. What if I forgot my username or password?
If you cannot find your username or password written anywhere, email Doreen Rogan at drogran@yccc.edu
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12. What do I do if I can't login to my course?
If you just registered for your course, try again in 24 hours --- you have probably not been entered into the system yet. If you still are unable to login, contact Doreen Rogan at drogan@yccc.edu.
If you do not see your course listed, it is possible that you were registered into the wrong course. Contact Student Affairs at (207) 646-9282 ext. 309 to work out the details.
If there is a technical issue, such as the YCCC server going down:
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Don't panic.
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Keep trying to logon every few hours.
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When you are able to log back on, let your instructor know when and how often you tried to get into the course, and also when exactly you were successful.
If your server has gone down, contact your Internet Service Provider for support. Let your instructor know what is going on and that you are working on the problem.
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13. What do I do if I see a blank page or error message when I try to login?
If after entering your login information and clicking on the login button a blank screen or "Page can not be displayed" error message displays, you may have spyware, adware or a pop-up blocker installed on your computer. Certain applications, such as the Google and Yahoo tool bars, include pop-up ad blockers. Try going to either of the two websites listed below to test for these problems.
Another potential issue could occur if you are using Windows XP Service Pack (SP2), which includes a popup blocker. This feature can potentially cause problems with WebCT. If you've installed the new service pack and are having problems with popup windows in some of WebCT's features (such as Discussion Boards, Mail or Quizzes), complete the following steps.
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In Internet Explorer, click on the Tools menu.
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Click on the "Pop-up Blocker" item.
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Click on the "Turn off pop-up blocker" command.
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14. What do I do if I get a message to enter an access code?
An access code is a series of letters and numbers that are unique to the user and the course. Only those courses that use publisher content require access codes. Please note that access codes can be used one time only. You will not be able to share access codes with other students.
You will need to purchase the access code directly from WebCT with a credit card. See the "All About Access Codes" instructions linked off the Enter page of this site for further details.
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15. How do I turn in assignments?
Depending on the class, assignments will be submitted via email or a discussion board posting. If you are unsure how to use either of these tools, consult the Online Training Manual for detailed step-by-step instructions.
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16. When are assignments due?
Assignments are typically due on a weekly basis. Consult your course syllabus and/or calendar to find information about specific due dates.
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17. How will I take tests?
How you will be tested depends on the instructor of the online course. Most instructors have quizzes as part of the assignments. These quizzes generally have to be answered online. You will never have to come to campus to take any exams. Instructors also evaluate your performance based on the assignments you have submitted online and/or your level of participation in class.
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18. How do I print pages in my course?
To print a page in your course, right-click on it and select Print from the popup menu. MAC users - hold the Control Key and click on the page, and then select Print from the popup menu.
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19. How can I make the font size larger or smaller?
If you have trouble reading the print on web pages in your course, you can easily change the size of the font to fit your needs.
In Internet Explorer, click on the View menu, select the Text Size submenu, and then select one of the options to change the font size.
In Netscape, click on the View menu, and select the option to either Increase Font or Decrease Font.
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20. How can I make the online courses website my browser homepage?
Go to the page you want to be your browser homepage (the page that displays every time you open your browser).
In Internet Explorer:
In Netscape:
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Click on the Edit menu
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Select Preferences
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Click on the Navigator button
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In the "Navigator Starts with" section, select "Home page"
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In the "Home page" section, type in the URL of the page in the text box (for example --- http://www.yccc.edu/online_courses/enter_your_course/index.htm
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Click on the OK button
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21. How can I get library materials?
The YCCC homepage has a link to the Library. You can find numerous research tools there, including online databases. If you need to borrow books you do not have to come to the campus - we can mail them to you!
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22. How do I contact my instructor?
Your instructor will provide you with their preferred method of communication. Most instructors use email as their primary mode of communication, but don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call your instructor if you feel direct communication is best. However, remember that your instructor will not be available 24/7, even though the course is. Please allow a 48 hour response time when contacting your instructor.
Instructors usually have hours posted for when they will be online and actively participating in the course.
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23. Is there an orientation I can attend?
An orientation for online courses is held at the beginning of each semester. Go to the Enter Your Course section in the navigation area on the left. On the page that displays, click on the orientation link to find out when the next one will be offered.
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24. What is the Online Orientation course and why is it showing up in myWebCT?
All online students are automatically added to the Online Orientation course when the semester begins, regardless of whether they have taken an online course before or not. This procedure helps to ensure that students will begin the semester with access to WebCT help, and provides an area that allows you to "try out" the WebCT tools before you have to actually use them in your course. The Online Orientation course is not graded or monitored. If you are familiar with WebCT, you may simply ignore the course.
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