Orientation for Internetbased Courses Summer 2006

1
Orientation for Internet-based Courses
Summer 2006

• 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 start CampusCruiser
• Tips for successful completion
• IMPORTANT Please read until the end of the show
  and follow directions.

3
What youll need

• Easy access to a computer with Internet
  capability, including all Power Macintoshes with
  OS 7.1 or higher. LRC/CAI Lab offers computers
  for student use.
• Access to required software - see requirements on
  the course listing on the Distance Learning web
  page
• Microsoft Word software, Works in unacceptable
• E-mail service, preferably Campus Cruiser
• At least 6 hours a week to work on your course
  work.
• Computer Skills and an alternate plan for
  computer access

4
Getting Started

• To enter class, send your instructor an e-mail
  introducing yourself. Subject line will be your
  course, then provide full name, phone , e-mail
  address, and the last 4 digits of your Social
  Security number. Please use the instructors
  e-mail address provided on the Distance Learning
  webpage, posted signs, and the semester schedule
  please do not assume that the instructor is
  using Campus Cruiser.
• The first day of class is May 18. The sooner you
  start, the better however, you must e-mail your
  instructor by May 26 at 1159 p.m. Please do so
  as soon as possible.
• Wait a day or so for your instructors response.
  
• Please alert the DL Office if you have
  received no response for more than
• 3 working days.

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Getting Started (contd)

• Your instructor should reply, then you may begin
  your course. (If you dont get a reply, try the
  login anyway.)
• Access the Colleges web site at
  www.roanokechowan.edu
• Click on Distance Learning. The Distance Learning
  web page contains important student information,
  including links to Blackboard and other relevant
  information. It is advisable that you read all
  information there.

6
Finding your Course

• Click on Blackboard. Blackboard is the
  software that hosts courses. If the link for the
  web page is not available, try the following
  link lthttp//disted.roanokechowan.edugt .
• IMPORTANT Your online course uses
  Blackboard software. While you may see your
  course listed in Campus Cruiser, please do not
  attempt to use Cruiser for your online course.
• Screen will change to a Blackboard login screen
  similar to the one on the following screen.

7
The welcome screen looks similar to this
Click on the Login button and the screen changes
to a screen similar to the following.
8

cjdoe
5678
Enter your first initial, middle initial and last
name as your username (all lowercase, no spaces)
the password will be the last four digits of your
social security number. The secret word is snow.
Click on the login button and you will be able to
access your online courses as shown next.
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• Courses that you are taking are listed on the
  right side of the screen as indicated.

10
Click on the course screen opens to the
students 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 your immediate re-entry
into the course.
11
Navigating the Course

• Announcements are usually in the middle of the
  screen. It may appear that they have all
  disappeared, but notice the tab indicators above
  the announcements access any tab.

12
Navigating the Course (contd)
Buttons or text to your left are links where
information is kept. Please click on each link
to view its contents.
13
Taking Tests

• Tests are usually found in a link in the
  announcements, but be aware that instructors may
  place them in other places as well.
• Do Not Open A Test Until You Are Ready To Take
  It! If you close it, the only way to get back
  into a test is by grace of the instructor.
  (Tests are best completed when you are least
  likely to be interrupted by phone calls.)
• Unless stated otherwise, all tests are to be
  taken without books or notes. (Be honest and do
  not cheat yourself out of an education.)

14
Taking Tests (contd)

• Pay attention tests, may have due dates and can
  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
  course materials.

15
Getting Help

• Contact the instructor for specific questions
  about course content or testing issues.
• 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
  ltkernsb_at_roanokechowan.edugt.

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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 [phone]
  or go to the Student Services link on the
  website.

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Campus Cruiseran e-mail system provided by the
college, not a platform for online courses

• Log on to CruiserLink can be found on the RCCC
  home page and at the Blackboard login screen.
  You may also type the following address in the
  address bar of your browser window
  http//prod.campuscruiser.com/rccc/
• If you need help, see the webpage link for Campus
  Cruiser Log In Instructions.
• If additional help is needed, call Mary Lou Byrum
  at 252-862-1240 or ltbyrumm_at_roanokechowan.edugt.
• You may see your course there, but there will be
  no content use Blackboard for all online courses.

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Tips for Success

• Acquire technical skills as soon as possible.
• Read to learn what is needed.
• Dont delay seek help early. Communicate with
  your instructor and fellow students as needed.
• Take responsibility for your own learning and
  only for your own work.
• Start on time and keep up. Pay attention to due
  dates and plan on submitting work early. Late
  projects/tests are not likely to be accepted.

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More Tips

• Check your course and/or e-mail at least every
  other day for added information.
• Always have a back-up plan.
• Be persistent and READ, READ, READ!
• Last date to drop without penalty June 29
• Students needing more detailed assistance may
  seek help from the LRC staff. They may direct
  you to complete a detailed Blackboard orientation
  located in the CAI Lab.

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• Remember to
• Send first e-mail asap and before the deadline.
• Use the correct e-mail address for your
  instructor.
• Read and understand the course information. Know
  when assignments are due. Do not assume that your
  course is self-paced, most are not.
• E-mail or call your instructor when assistance is
  needed. You can also contact the LRC.
• Save copies of all work submitted you may need
  to provide proof of your work.
• Login to Blackboard for your online course, not
  Campus Cruiser.

21
Now that you have read the entire presentation,
you should have noticed a phrase inserted into
the text containing a secret word. Please e-mail
the secret word to Barbara Kerns at
ltkernsb_at_roanokechowan.edugt.Thank you, and
enjoy your course.If you did not find the
secret word, please read the presentation again.