Dear Student,
Welcome to West Virginia Northern Community College’s online program. Online
courses are classes taught via the internet. At WVNCC our goal is to provide you with the best
possible online courses.
If you have never taken an online course, it is very important that you carefully read all
the material in this handbook. If you have questions in the future, you can refer to the FAQs
section of this handbook.
In this handbook, you will find the following information.
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Technical requirements for online courses.
Some tips on how to succeed in online courses.
Online course attendance policy.
How to drop an online course.
How to log on to Blackboard to access your online courses.
A brief description of the organization of the online courses.
Some Frequently Asked Questions about online courses.
If you have any further questions about online courses, please feel free to contact me,
your instructor or any Campus Service Center.
Thank your for choosing distance education at WVNCC.
Kim Patterson
Distance Education Coordinator
kpatterson@wvncc.edu
(304) 214-8907
Online Student Handbook
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www.wvncc.edu
(304) 233-5900
Technical Requirements
Your computer system should have the following hardware and software specifications. If your
computer system does not have the following specifications, you can use the computers the
library or other labs available at WVNCC.
Blackboard™ Learn Release 9.1 Requirements
Personal Computer Minimum Requirements:
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Processor: 1.5 Ghz or faster; Memory: 1 Gb of RAM or more
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Internet Connection:
You are required to have a dependable connection to the Internet. If you do not have a
connection at this time, there are a variety of connection options available. You should
research the various providers and choose the service that meets your needs and financial
situation. Please keep in mind that the speed and reliability of your connection will
directly influence your online learning experience.
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Microsoft Office or software specified by your instructor, CD-ROM: 24X may also be
required.
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Instructor-specific Requirements: Your instructor may alter or add to these technical
requirements. Please read your course syllabus carefully!
Windows Compatibility:
OS Supported: Windows XP, Vista, and 7
Browser Supported: IE7, IE8, and Firefox 3.0 and higher (to 3.6)
Mac Compatibility:
OS Supported: Leopard 10.5 and Snow Leopard 10.6
Browser Supported: Safari (3.2 and 4.0) and Firefox 3.0 and higher (to 3.6)
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Blackboard Learn requires the latest version of Sun JRE 6. The JRE can be downloaded
from http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp.
Internet Explorer 8 is tested in Standards Mode. Some known issues can be resolved by
using Compatibility Mode
The following software is free and may or may not be necessary depending on the course.
Consult your instructor to see if any additional software is necessary.
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Shockwave player
http://sdc.shockwave.com/shockwave/download/frameset.fhtml
Real Media (in the lower right hand corner)
http://www.real.com/realoneplayer.html?pp=choice&src=121202r1choice_c3
Quicktime Player
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
Acrobat Reader (under the Support menu)
http://www.adobe.com/
Online Student Handbook
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www.wvncc.edu
(304) 233-5900
Succeeding in Online Courses
The online student and instructor possess unique characteristics and qualities. Instructors
will provide as much assistance as possible, but ultimately the responsibility is the student's. Ask
yourself the following questions to see if online courses are for you.
1. Are you willing and able to commit to 6 to 10 hours per week per online course?
Taking a class online is convenient and flexible. But, online courses are not easier than
the traditional courses. In fact, online courses require more time and commitment. It is
very easy to fall behind, and even more difficult to catch up once you do.
2. Are you self-motivated and self-disciplined?
Online classes require self-motivation and self-discipline from the student.
successful online student should possess time management skills.
The
3. Do you actively participate in your classes?
Online classes require that all students participate in online discussions and questions. If
you are a passive student, then an online class may not be for you.
4. Do you like reading?
An online class requires a lot of reading and writing. All class discussions are type
written online and the student must read and respond to them. The amount of reading per
class will vary. The average online student reads approximately 15-20 typed pages per
week.
5. Can you effectively communicate through writing?
In an online course, all communication is written, so it is critical that students can
effectively communicate in writing. The amount of written work per class will vary. The
average online student writes approximately 5-8 typed pages per week.
6. Do you think critically, and think ideas through before responding?
Meaningful and quality participation in an online class is essential. One of the benefits of
an online class is the ability to take time to consider an idea or concept before responding
to a question.
Online Student Handbook
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www.wvncc.edu
(304) 233-5900
Online Course Participation Policy
Online courses are no different than classroom courses; however, participation and
attendance must be defined in a different manner. Student “attendance” in online courses will be
defined as active participation in the course as described in the individual course syllabus.
Online courses will have procedures for student participation, which can be documented by
several different ways. Some examples are below.
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Submission and completion of assignments by due date.
Communication with the instructor.
Active participation on the discussion threads.
Students who do not log into the course within the drop/add period for the course will be
emailed once by the instructor. After the first week, it is the student’s responsibility to log in and
participate. Students who fail to maintain active participation in an online course as defined in
the course syllabus run the risk of failing the course or being administratively withdrawn (AW)
by their faculty.
Dropping an Online Course
If you wish to drop an online course you must withdraw yourself via your Northern on
the Web (NOW) account. Students should consult the academic calendar concerning deadline to
“drop” courses and read the regulations regarding grades and refunds as well as financial aid, if
applicable. Failure to formally drop the course will result in a failing grade. For assistance with
dropping a course, students should contact the campus Service Center.
Accessibility Information for the WVNCC Student
West Virginia Northern Community College is committed to assuring that students with
disabilities are afforded the same opportunities and the same responsibilities as all other students.
Accommodations for students with disabilities can be arranged through the Academic
Support Center, Accessibility Office, Room 225C B&O Building. The Office, along with the
campus Counselors, work with faculty, staff, and community agencies to arrange for reasonable
and appropriate accommodations.
Students who wish to arrange for accommodations are asked to first provide
documentation to the Accessibility Counselor, Kevin Serig. Mr. Serig can be reached at (304)
214- 8938 or at kserig@wvncc.edu. With a signed release by the student, staff can contact the
student's instructors to arrange appropriate accommodations.
IMPORTANT: Documentation should be provided well in advance of the beginning of the
semester to allow time to make arrangements with faculty, to hire required staff, to coordinate
with other service providers, or to purchase equipment which may be necessary.
Online Student Handbook
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www.wvncc.edu
(304) 233-5900
Logging on to Blackboard Learn and Entering
Your Course’s Website
Blackboard Learn is a series of specially designed websites that allow teachers to display
course documents, interact with students and facilitate classroom activities over the internet.
If you are enrolled in a course that is either partially or fully located on Blackboard, you will
need to know how to log on to Blackboard in order to access your course. The following steps
will guide you through that process:
1. Use your web browser (Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox) to access the following web
site: www.wvncc.edu
2. Click on Student Portal and enter your user name and password to log in to your student
portal.
3. Click on the Blackboard Learning Systems button.
4. You are now logged on to Blackboard Learn. Once logged on, your screen should look
similar to the following:
Online Student Handbook
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5. This is your My Organization page. The My Organization page contains all the courses you
are currently enrolled in. Look in the My Courses box on the right of the page. This is
where your online courses are listed. Note: If your courses are not listed here, email Kim
Patterson at kpatterson@wvncc.edu. You will receive a reply email within 24 hours once the
problem is resolved.
6. To access your course, click on one of your courses. Once inside the course website, your
screen should look something like either of the following. If your screen looks like the one
shown below, click on the Course Content (or Content) tool on the left.
Online Student Handbook
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If your screen looks like the one shown below, you are ready to begin accessing the various
tools and folders used in the course.
The tools listed on the left of your screen will vary depending on the course and the instructor.
Clicking on the My Organization tab will take you back to the My Organization.
Online Student Handbook
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(304) 233-5900
Frequently Used Tools
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does an online course differ from a traditional classroom course?
The biggest difference is that students do not attend class in a classroom. You “attend”
class online through the internet. Attendance is documented by course participation, which
includes login, assignment submission, and participation and interaction in the discussion
threads.
Are online courses easier than traditional on-campus courses?
No, online courses are more difficult than traditional on-campus courses. However, the
tradeoff is convenience and flexibility. The reason they are more difficult is because they require
a lot of reading and writing.
What do I need to take an online course?
To answer this question, please refer to the technological requirements section of this
handbook. Online courses are Internet and computer-based, therefore, students need to have
good computer skills. Students should be familiar with performing Internet searches, using email, chat, and discussion boards. Students will become familiar navigating the Blackboard
website in a few days. Be patient and explore.
If I don’t have a computer at home, can I still take an online course?
Yes, WVNCC has several computer labs and a library available to students. Open hours
for the computer labs and the library will be posted outside the room at the beginning of each
semester. You may log in and participate in an online class from any computer with Internet
access, for example, your local public library.
How do I enroll in an online course?
You register for an online course the same as a traditional course. Online courses offered
by West Virginia Northern Community College are listed in the printed class schedule and online
at www.wvncc.edu.
How often do I have to come to campus?
This partly depends on the type of course being offered. Some on-line courses require
on-campus visits for things such as orientations, labs, student presentations, supervised tests, etc.
Students should check the course syllabus or email their instructor for any on-campus meetings.
Online Student Handbook
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www.wvncc.edu
(304) 233-5900
How do I access my course?
Registered students will be given access information, which includes the URL (web address),
username, and password. For further information on accessing online courses, refer to the
“Logging on to Blackboard Learn and Entering Your Course’s Website” section of this
handbook.
What do I do if there is a technical problem with Blackboard?
Unfortunately, technical issues are a reality in online classes. If you are having technical
difficulty with Blackboard, do not panic. First, try a few times, just to make sure. Second, check
your email to see if your instructor has notified you of the problem. Chances are if you are
having a problem, so is everyone else. If your instructor has notified you, work on your
assignments and wait for your instructor to email you that the problem has been fixed. In the
event that your instructor doesn’t email you about the problem, you should contact that
instructor. Your instructor will contact the college and everyone in the course. You may
contact Kim Patterson at kpatterson@wvncc.edu. She will contact you via email when the
problem is resolved.
How do I turn in assignments, communicate with my instructor, and take tests/exams?
Students turn in homework/assignments and communicate with their instructor and other
students in the course in a variety of ways. Your instructor will let you know the requirements of
the course in the syllabus.
Online Student Handbook
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www.wvncc.edu
(304) 233-5900