Orientation for Internet-based Courses

1
Orientation for Internet-based Courses

• Barbara Kerns,
• ALC/ Distance Learning Coordinator
• kernsb_at_roanokechowan.edu
• 252-862-1232

2
The Student Will Learn

• Minimum technology requirements and skills
• How to get started in your course
• How to move throughout the course
• How to take tests
• How to get help when needed
• How to use Campus Cruiser
• How to use the discussion board
• Tips for success

3
What Youll Need

• Easy access to a computer, IBM compatible 486 or
  better, including all Pentiums with Windows 95 or
  better OR a Macintosh 68040, including all Power
  PC machines with OS 7.1 or higher
• Internet access either via 56K modem and phone
  line or a direct network connection
• Access to required software
• Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect (RTF)

4
What Youll Need

• Web Browser (Netscape 4.0, Internet Explorer 3.0
  AOL requires most recent version
• E-mail service, preferably Campus Cruiser
• A minimum of 6 hours a week to work on your
  course work
• Computer Skills and an alternate plan (LRC/CAI
  Lab)

5
Getting Started

• The first day of class is January 7. The sooner
  you start, the better however, your first
  contact must be made before January 19 at 1159
  p.m.
• Contact your instructor via e-mail, phone or
  visit. Provide full name, Social Security ,
  phone , and e-mail address.
• Contact information is on the DL Web site,
  posted signs, and the semester schedule.
• Wait a day or so for your personal login.

6
Getting Started

• Once you receive login information from the
  instructor, access the Colleges Web site at
  www.roanokechowan.edu
• Click on Distance Learning. The secret word is
  penny. The Distance Learning Web page contains
  important student information and links to
  Blackboard and other relevant information.

7
Finding the Course

• Click on Blackboard. Blackboard is the
  software that hosts courses. If the link for our
  Web page is not available, try the following
  link http//disted.roanokechowan.edu.
• Screen will change to a Blackboard login screen
  similar to the one following.

8
The welcome screen looks like the one below.
Click on the Login button.
9
Welcome screen changes to a login screen
as shown below.
Enter your personal login information and click
on the login button. Screen changes to the first
page in your course as shown next.
10

• Courses you are taking are listed on the right
  side of the screen as indicated.

11
Click on the course screen opens to the student
desktop, similar to this one. Important!
Notice the logout button near the top of the
course page failure to logout at sessions end
may prevent you from re-entering .
12
Navigating the Course

• Announcements are always in the middle of the
  screen. It may appear that announcements have
  disappeared, but you can always find them by way
  of the tab indicator near the top of screen.
• Buttons to the left are links where information
  is kept. Please click on each link to view its
  contents.

13
Taking Tests

• Tests are usually found someplace on the desktop
  instructors place them in different places.
• Unless stated otherwise, all tests are to be
  taken without books or notes.
• Do Not Open a Test Until You are Ready to Take
  It! The only way to get back into a test is by
  way of the instructor. Tests should be completed
  when you are least likely to be interrupted by
  phone calls.

14
Taking Tests (contd)

• Pay attention - tests may be timed.
• Your grade can be found under Check Grade under
  the Tools button, or your grade may be e-mailed
  to you.
• For some courses, the exam must be taken on
  campus or at another testing center. If this is
  the case, it will be specified early in the
  semester.

15
Getting Help

• Contact the instructor for specific questions
  about course content.
• Seek help from fellow students as well.
• For other problems, contact Barbara Kerns,
  Distance Learning Coordinator, as necessary. She
  is located in the Learning Resources Center, and
  may be phoned at 252-862-1232 or e-mailed at
  kernsb_at_roanokechowan.edu.

16
Getting Other Resources

• For research needs, contact the Learning
  Resources Center at 252-862-1209 or go to the
  website and click on the Learning Resources
  Center link.
• For administrative needs (financial aid,
  counseling, grades, registration, tutoring,
  etc.), contact Student Services at 252-862-1305.
  The secretary will connect you with the
  appropriate person.

17
Campus Cruiser an email system provided by the
college

• Log on to Campus Cruiser
• At the address bar in your browser window
  (Netscape, Internet Explorer, etc.), type
  http//prod.campuscruiser.com/rccc/
• Link also at the RCCC home page (near bottom of
  page)
• If you need help, see the link for Campus Cruiser
  Log-In Instructions.
• If additional help is needed, call Mary Lou Byrum
  at 862-1240.

18
Tips for Success

• Acquire technical skills as soon as possible.
• Be an explorer and read to learn.
• Complete assignments on time.
• Communicate with your instructor and other
  students as needed.
• Take credit only for your own work.
• Start on time, keep up, and pay attention to due
  dates.
• Check announcements and email everyday for new
  information.

19
More tips

• Take responsibility for your own learning.
• Seek help early
• Be persistent and READ, READ, READ!
• Students needing further assistance should seek
  help from the LRC staff. You may also wish to
  complete the Blackboard orientation in the CAI
  Lab.