Online Orientation for Distance Education Students

Distance Education courses begin at 8am on the first day of each semester.

***If you register during the week classes begin, it will take at least 24 hours to process your information before you are able to view your course or utilize your email account.

Distance education students should be familiar with the items below. The information below covers application, registration, advising, class scheduling, books, payment/fees, minimum computer requirements and skills, and requirements for a Distance Education Student. Bookmark this page as a future reference.

**Please note that students are strongly encouraged to attend the face to face orientations for Distance education students held on campus in the academic skills center. Please view the student handbook to determine when face to face sessions are held.

Read and explore each of the five modules below:

Module 1: Am I ready for a distance learning course?

Module 2: What are the minimum computer skills needed for distance education students?

Module 3: What are the minimum technical requirements for students?

Module 4: How do I apply & register for a class - and then what's next?

Module 5: How do I login to my Blackboard Course?

Module 6: The Distance Education Handbook

Module 1: Am I Ready For A Distance Learning Course?

Take the Distance Learning Quiz to see if online courses are right for you. (This quiz is provided by the University of Alaska. You will need to hit your back button to return to this page)

Students sometimes discover the distance learning program at CCC and think, "Wow! This will be easy! I don't even have to go to class!"

This perception of distance learning is unrealistic. Because the requirements for self-discipline, persistence, and patience are intensified, distance learning courses are more challenging than traditional classroom-based courses.

If you have already taken a distance learning course at CCC, don't assume that all other distance learning courses will use the same for software and processes for communicating and submitting assignments. CCC's distance learning courses reflect the college's commitment to innovation and creativity. Thus, you must be prepared to adapt to the course and software requirements of individual instructors. Distance Education courses at CCC use Blackboard as the course management system.

If you can answer "yes" to all of the following questions, you are probably prepared to learn in a non-traditional, online environment. Sincerity is vital. Convincing yourself that your study habits are different than they actually are will not serve your best interests.

Are you willing and able to communicate with your instructor and classmates almost completely through writing? Writing assignments will probably include essays (long and short), e-mail, messages for course bulletin boards, and more.
Are you self-motivated and self-disciplined? Do you consistently finish projects and assignments when they are due?
Are you assertive? Do you seek help and find solutions when problems arise? Are you persistent in your requests for information? Do you seek information from a variety of sources and not just one person or office?
Do you tend to think through challenges and problems in order to devise a solution?
Do you have the self-discipline and the flexibility in your schedule to spend 15 hours per week on each course? Will you follow a routine and check your course e-mail, bulletin board, and web site daily?
Do you have access to a reliable computer and Internet connection?
Do you have the time and patience to learn to navigate unfamiliar web sites? Will you feel comfortable with the process of downloading and/or installing software? Will you have the time and motivation to learn to use software and software functions that are new to you, such as electronic bulletin boards, assignment drop boxes, and multi-media applications?

Module 2: Minimum Computer Skills

Start up a computer
Find and run software programs.
Organize, copy, paste, name and rename data files.
Operate a word processor, and save and organize the resulting documents.
Cut and paste information from one document to another, and from one program to another.
Access and browse the World Wide Web.
Send and receive e-mail, and attach data files to an e-mail.
Save attached files from an e-mail.
Download and save data files from a website.
Download and install computer software.
Navigate and post to a Web-based course bulletin board.
Use external storage devices such as usb drives and CDR's.

Module 3: Minimum Technical and Software Requirements

Computer: A PC running Windows 2000 or XP, or Mac with system 9.2 or 10. Computers with multimedia capabilities are preferred. CCC's library and Academic Skills Center computers are suitable for most distance learning classes. (Courses in the Information technology area, may utilize their labs for access to specific software. Contact your instructor for more information)
Internet Access: You will need to have an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). There are numerous companies that offer Internet access. DSL or Broadband connections are recommended.
An e-mail account: You must have a personal e-mail account registered in your name. You may not use an e-mail account that is shared by family or friends to conduct your distance learning correspondence. Many instructors require students to use the CCC e-mail account that is provided. Your CCC e-mail account will be registered in your name and is suitable for distance learning correspondence. CCC e-mail and is available on the first day of the semester.
Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, Netscape 7.2 or higher, Mozilla 1.7 or higher, Firefox 1.5 or higher, or AOL 9 or higher. Particular browser requirements might vary by instructor.
Plugins: You will need the current versions of the following plugins; Adobe Acrobat reader, Shockwave WIN or MAC or Flash WIN or MAC, and a media player (Windows Media or Quicktime). You may download free upgrades from each highlighted link.
Word Processor: Microsoft Word 6.0 or higher. (If using a word processor other than MS Word, students must be able to convert files to MS Word format. Instructors may not accept MS Works, OpenOffice, StarOffice, WordPerfect, and other formats. Courses may require specific software in addition to what is listed above).

Module 4: How do I apply & register for a class - and then what's next?

Please make sure to read and explore each of the following pages.

You can apply online to CCC by clicking here.
Click here for additional information on admissions procedures
Tuition and Fees information can be found by clicking here
All students are strongly urged to register during the registration periods preceding the term they plan to enroll. (See Academic Calendar / Class Schedules for dates and times.)

During registration, schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to register for classes. If you are unsure who your advisor is, you can stop by or contact Student Services at (252) 638-7227, the Havelock campus at (252) 444-6005 or the Cherry Point branch office at (252) 444-6000.

You and your advisor will plan your schedule for the upcoming semester. At this time, he/she will register you for your classes.

If you have an unpaid fine or an incomplete admissions file, you will be directed to the appropriate office to resolve this matter. Your advisor will complete your schedule on a Permit to Register form that you will take to the Office of Records and Registration where you will be registered for your classes.

If you wish to audit a class, your advisor will complete your schedule on a Permit to Register form that you will take to the Office of Records and Registration, Brock Administration building, room 106, where you will be registered for your classes.

After your schedule is entered into the computer, you will go to the Cashier's Window in the Brock Bldg to pick up your schedule and pay your tuition and fees. Payment of fees can be done via the phone and with a valid credit card at 252-638-7268.

Have a look at the currently available CCC courses by clicking here.

If you have a question regarding a particular class, contact the instructor. The faculty and staff directories are available here.

Once you are registered for a distance learning course, please read the Distance Education handbook, located here.

You can purchase textbooks online by visiting the bookstore's website, located here.

Module 5: How do I login to my Blackboard Course?

On the first day of classes you may log into your Online courses. View the tutorial on how to login to your courses, here. Note that you must know your WebAdvisor username (vew tutorial) and place crav- in front of your WebAdvisor Username to gain Blackboard access. (vew tutorial)

Module 6: The Distance Education Handbook

Congratulations! You have completed the orientation!