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Is online learning right for me ? |
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To be successful in an online course, |
- You should be comfortable using a computer.
- You should understand how to navigate the World Wide Web.
- You should be able to communicate well in writing.
- You should be self-motivated and self-disciplined.
- You need to be able to commit from 4 to 15 hours per week per course.
- You need to be willing to participate in the virtual classroom discussions.
- You should be able to complete assignments on time. |
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What do I need to access the course ?
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You will need access to a computer, which has a connection to the Internet. The computer can be a PC or a Macintosh. Your Internet connection can be a modem or cable. Finally, you will need an Internet browser: Internet Explorer or Netscape.
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Where can I connect to my online course ?
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You can connect to your WebCT course anywhere you have access to a computer which has a connection to the Internet: at home, on campus, at a library, on the road, or at work. However, you might experience some difficulties if the machine uses something called a firewall, which is software that protects a machine from hackers and computer viruses. Firewalls are popular in work environments and at libraries.
The purpose of most firewalls is to protect resources from unauthorized outside access. However, it can also be configured to prevent access to certain external sites. Sometimes companies that make use of firewall technology do not allow access to web addresses which include port numbers (such as the ":100" at the end of our URL address).
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Can I register online ?
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No. If you can come to Nassau Community College, you would register for an online course the same way that you would register for any other classroom-based course. If you are registering for a fully online course, be sure to register for section "O1" or section "O2". If you cannot come to NCC, email the Office of Instructional Technology at webct@ncc.edu for additional information.
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When do online classes begin ?
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Unless otherwise specified, online classes begin the same day that on-campus day classes begin at Nassau Community College. Consult the college calendar for specific dates.
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When can I start accessing the course ?
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Your instructor will contact you by mail shortly before the semester is scheduled to begin with instructions regarding how to log into the course, and when the course material will be available to you. Unless otherwise directed by your instructor, courses are not available to registered students until one week prior to the beginning of the semester.
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Do I need to be online at specific times ?
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Technically, there are no specific class times. Online courses are conducted "asynchronously", meaning that students communicate with the instructor and other students at different times of the day. You log into the system whenever it is convenient for you, at any time, day or night. Each student must manage their time in order to complete assignments and quizzes by the designated due dates. If the instructor elects to use WebCT's Chat Room tool, then a specific date and time would be setup for participation.
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How is an online course conducted ?
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Generally speaking, the instructor will contact all registered students (usually by mail) about a week before the class is scheduled to begin. At that time, students will be assigned a login ID and Password, and they will be informed on how to log into the course.
WebCT gives each instructor a wide variety of tools to create an online course. This includes different ways to communicate with students, present course materials, give online quizzes, and provide assignments to students. Some of the WebCT tools that might be included in your online course are:
Discussion Bulletin Board
Generally speaking, this tool is a public forum that allows students and the instructor to participate asynchronously (at different times) in discussions regarding specific topics in the course.
Email
This is internal to WebCT. You are not required to have an email account with any other email provider.
This tool allows students to communicate privately with their instructor.
Assignment Drop Box
Using this tool, students can view assignment instructions, and upload completed assignments.
Online Quizzes
If an instructor uses the online quizzing tool, there are a number of different option available. Some quizzes might be timed, and others can be taken more than once.
Since each instructor can decide to use different WebCT tools, each online course can function differently. You should contact the individual instructor for specific questions regarding the flow of the course.
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