Distance Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to my online courses?
You will be able to access your online course on August 18 at 8 a.m.

How do online courses work?
Online students "attend" class by accessing the class in Blackboard and completing assignments according to the class schedule. Students are required to complete assignments according to the class schedule, to maintain regular contact with the instructor, and to participate in online class discussions. Online courses run on the same semester schedule as on campus classes.

What is the difference between an online class and a hybrid class?
A hybrid class incorporates parts of both online and classroom settings. You will complete parts of the course online, but will be required to attend some classes on campus. An online class is one in which 100% of  the instruction is delivered through the Internet. Proctored exams may be required for your online course.

Will I have to buy software, textbooks, or other material?
Most classes require you purchase a textbook for the course. Some courses also require special software which students can often purchase at discount prices  through the school. Contact the course instructor for specific information about the necessary materials needed.

Do I have to be online at a certain time each day (or week)?
No, but you are required to "keep up" with the class schedule and to complete assignments on or before the due date. You can choose the time of day or night you want to log on to the Internet to work on an assignment, but you must complete it and "turn it in" by the specified date and time.

What skills do I need to be successful in an online course?
Taking a course over the Internet requires the ability to work independently, and to devise your own regular schedule for "attending" class and completing assignments. See Tips for Online Success.

How much time do I get to complete a course?
Online courses begin and end on specific dates that coincide with the regular semester. The schedule of coursework, assignments, and due dates are determined by each instructor.

What if I start an online class and decide it's just not for me?
Contact your instructor immediately and he/she will help you facilitate the proper procedure for withdrawing.

Where can I get help if I run into a technical problem?
The instructor for each course is your primary contact for questions or problems you may have during the class. You can reach your instructor by email or telephone. If you need help face-to-face assistance, you can schedule an appointment with your instructor. If your instructor is unable to assist you with a technical issue he/she will forward your problem on to the Technology Support Services.

What level of computer/Internet knowledge must I have?
Basic knowledge of the Internet, Web browsers, and search engines is necessary. The ability to download and install software may be required. Word processing skills are also necessary, including creating, saving, downloading, attaching and managing files and copying and pasting text from one software application to another. Familiarity with the procedures for sending and receiving e-mail with attachments is essential.

I registered late. When can I login to my course?
Blackboard rosters are updated daily. If you register after the semester begins, please allow one night to pass before you login to the Blackboard system to access your courses.

My instructor can't open the assignment that I submitted. What should I do?
If you are using a word processing program other than Microsoft Word (Works, WordPerfect, WordPad, etc), follow the directions below to save your file in a format that can be read by any word processing program.

• Open the assignment in your word processing program.

• Open the File drop-down menu and select Save As.

• In the Save As window, open the Save as type drop-down menu. Select Rich Text Format (.rtf) from the list of file types and then click the Save button.

After your file is saved in Rich Text Format (the file name will have an .rtf extension), send it to your instructor.

My instructor uses PowerPoint presentations on Blackboard, but I can't see them. What do I need to do?
You need to download and install the PowerPoint viewer. It is free and available from Microsoft.com or from the following RCC website: http://www.rockinghamcc.edu/bb/Blackboardaddons.htm

What if I use a Mac?
If you are using a Mac and have trouble accessing Blackboard with your browser, try downloading Mozilla Firefox to correct this problem.

I am having trouble sending email through Blackboard. What is the problem?
If you cannot send email through the Interface on Blackboard, send it from your student email account.

How will I be graded in this course?
Students enrolled in an online course receive a grade just as they would in a traditional course. Each course has its own grading scale. Contact the instructor, or view the syllabi online.

What happens if my computer crashed?
Students will be allowed to work on assignments using the computers in the Academic Technology, Tutoring and Testing Center (AT3) located in  the Advanced Technologies Building.