Student Handbook of Online Learning

HOW DO I SUCCEED IN ONLINE LEARNING

To succeed in online learning, practice these eight steps:

 

STEP 1. Plan your study time.

Use these steps each week to plan your weekly study time.

  1. Plan about 7 – 12 hours to study per course for each week.
  2. Check the number of weeks and assignments listed on the course calendar. Where you can, adjust your personal calendar and work load to accommodate the course load.
  3. Choose days and times to study each week, and mark these as "course appointments" on your calendar.
  4. Note the dates and times of activities that are already scheduled for you, such as discussions, assignment deadlines, and exams.
  5. For weeks in which you must do exams, quizzes, or major projects, add a little extra study time.

 

STEP 2. Stick to your schedule.

Use these strategies to stay on schedule.

  1. Keep your "course appointments" with yourself. Do not plan other activities at these times.
  2. Complete the first assignment and activity for the week, and note the time it takes to complete them.
  3. Estimate the time you think you will need to complete the rest of the assignments and activities for the week.
  4. Adjust your "course appointment" times to match your time estimate.
  5. If you are having difficulty with any of the technology, plan extra time to get answers to your questions and to practice using the technology.
  6. If you miss a "course appointment," reschedule it.

 

STEP 3. Keep up with assignments.

Use these strategies to stay current with your course load.

  1. Send an e-mail question to your instructor if you have any questions about the instruction.
  2. Complete each assignment by its due date.
  3. Look ahead to see what assignments you can begin early.
  4. If you fall behind, plan extra time to catch up.
  5. Save a copy of all of your completed assignments. You can lose your work due to technical problems. To be safe, always make a backup.

 

STEP 4. Use and keep up with course e-mail and discussion boards.

You will be receiving e-mails from your instructor and you will be participating in online discussions with your class. (Instructions for participating in online discussions are presented later in this handbook.) Learn how to use and stay current with e-mail and discussion boards.

Be sure you know how to find your course mail and discussions on your course website.

 

STEP 5. Check your computer equipment and skills.

Prepare yourself by having the right equipment and skills for online learning.

  1. Make sure that your computer meets the standards for computer hardware and software and that it has Internet access. Check the minimal standards at:
  2. If you do not have much computer experience, arrange for some training before the course begins.
  3. Make sure that you have a word-processing program such as Microsoft Word.
  1. Make sure you have the computer skills to:

 

 

STEP 6. Check your WebCT settings.

Supported Browsers: For all WebCT 3.x versions

 The browsers below are supported for all WebCT 3.x versions — 3.1, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7 and 3.8. If you need help determining your browser or WebCT version, read the instructions we've prepared.

Netscape Navigator

Internet Explorer

 

For a detailed list of supported browsers by WebCT version, see below. Remember to check your browser settings once you've verified that you're using a supported browser.

 

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Supported Browsers: By WebCT Version

If you need help determining your browser or WebCT version, read the instructions we've prepared. Please review the notes at the end of this section.

WebCT 3.1

WebCT 3.5

WebCT 3.6

WebCT 3.7

WebCT 3.8

WebCT Vista

Notes

Remember to check your browser settings once you've verified that you're using a supported browser.

 

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Prepare Your Browser Settings for WebCT

Review the following items to optimize your browser for WebCT:

For best results with AOL:

In Internet Explorer 4.0 and higher


In Netscape Communicator (Navigator 4.5 and higher):

In Internet Explorer 4.0 and higher


In Netscape Communicator (Navigator 4.5 and higher):

In Internet Explorer 4.0 and higher:

How do I enable cookies for Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x?


How do I enable cookies for Netscape 6.x?


How do I enable cookies for Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x?


How do I enable cookies for Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x?


How do I enable cookies for Netscape Communicator 4.x?

Some popular pop-up killers include:

 

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How to Determine Browser and WebCT Versions

To determine browser version:

To determine which version of WebCT you are using:

If you are a WebCT administrator:

If you are a designer, instructor, or student:

Note: If you are unable to log on to your WebCT course, please contact your instructor or WebCT administrator.

 

 

STEP 7. Review your logon procedures.

Once you have received confirmation of your online course you will need to logon. The following procedures are only for course sections with an OL designation. Courses with an OH designation are being taught from other NJ Community College campuses and you will receive information from the host school regarding their logon procedures.

1. Go to the Online Learning Center at www.pccc.edu/library/online.html

2. Find Logon to WebCT at the top of the page click on the hyper linked text.

3. Next you will go the WebCT logon page. It will ask for your webct ID and password. Your WebCT ID is your first initial and last name in lower case letters spelled as one word for example (John Smith) would be jsmith. Your password is the last four digits of your social security number. If your SS# is 123-45-6789 your password would be 6789.

4. Click log in or just press the enter key. Now you will see you’re my WebCT Homepage. Your name is listed across the top and your online courses are listed on the left side of the screen. To enter your course place the pointer on the course name and click. The next screen will be the course homepage. You may now start your online course.

 

STEP 8. Request online assistance if necessary.