Getting Started Checklist

GET READY...

The online classroom is different from the traditional classroom and it is important for you to prepare to succeed in this new environment. Follow steps 1-5 to Get Ready for your course!


GET READY STEP 1: Learn about online courses at PGCC

All About Online Courses


GET READY STEP 2: View and Print Important Course Information

Each online course has specific requirements determined by the instructor. It is important that you become familiar with this information before your course begins.

To view the important details about your online course(s), do the following:

 

  • Click on Credit Schedule
  • Locate your course in the Online Course listing
  • Click on “more info…” link located below the title
  • We suggest you print this document, as it will be helpful as you prepare for your online course.

GET READY STEP 3: Determine the type of online course you are taking

It is important that you know what type of online course you are taking. The college offers 4 types of online courses:

 

 

The type of online course you are taking can be found in the "Important Online Course Information" document you printed in Step 2 above. Learn more about the type of online course you are taking by clicking on the Online Course Format link above.


GET READY STEP 4: Determine the Start Date of your Course

Not all online courses have the same start date and end date.

The start and end date for your online course can be found in the "Important Online Course Information" document you printed in Step 2 above.

It is important that you begin your online course on the scheduled start date.

Please note: You will not be able to access to your online course until 4 days prior to the start date of the course. For example, if your course starts on August 25, you will be able to access the course on August 21.


GET READY STEP 5: Determine Other Requirements for your course

In addition to the standard online course requirements, some online courses have other requirements determined by the instructor. Examples of other requirements are:

 

  • Required On-Campus Class Meetings
  • On-Campus Testing
  • Special Requirements
  • On-Campus Instructor-led Orientation Session

 

It is important that you become familiar with these requirements before your course begins. The other requirements for your online course can be found in the "Important Online Course Information" document you printed in Step 2 above.

 

 

GET SET!

Now that you have completed the steps to Get Ready, follow steps 1-6 to Get Set for your course:


GET SET STEP 1: Check Your Computer Hardware and Software

Check Your Hardware and Software Requirements to find the minimum computer hardware and software requirements to successfully take an online course.

If your course requires additional hardware or software, it will be listed in the “Special Requirements” area of the “Important Online Course Information” document you printed in Step 2 above.


GET SET STEP 2: Test your Web Browser

It is important that you are using a web browser that is compatible with Blackboard. Before starting your online course, test your web browser so that you can avoid problems once the course begins.

Click “Test Your Web Browser” to go to Blackboard and access the Browser Test. On the Blackboard login page, click on the “Test Your Browser” icon (below the login box).


GET SET STEP 3: Become Familiar with Blackboard

Familiarize Yourself with Blackboard


GET SET STEP 4: Take the READI Assessment

READI is the Readiness for Education at a Distance Indicator. READI is an indicator of the degree to which online learning will be a good fit for you. READI will help you prepare to be successful as an online student. This online assessment will help you determine your strengths and weaknesses as an online student. You will need to use the the following Login:

 

READI Login Information:
Username: onlinestudent
Password: pgcc

 

Click "READI Assessment" to take the READI Assessment Test.


GET SET STEP 5: Test your Blackboard Login

Test your Bb login (May 26, 2009)

It is a good idea to test your Blackboard login to ensure there are no problems with your Blackboard account. Click Here to go to the Blackboard login page to test your account. You will use your Owl Link username and password to login to Blackboard.

If you are unable to login to Blackboard, click the "Having Trouble Logging In?" link below the login box. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO VIEW YOUR COURSE(S) UNTIL 4 DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE.


GET SET STEP 6: Plan to Attend Orientation

Plan to Attend Orientation

You are encouraged to attend Orientation as you get started in your online course. The Distance Learning Center conducts two different orientation sessions:

1. Distance Learning General Orientation
2. Instructor-led Orientation Sessions (for select courses)

 

All first-time online, hybrid/online, video enhanced online and accelerated online students should attend the Distance Learning General Orientation.

The Instructor-Led Orientation is conducted by the instructor of your online course.
Note: Not all instructors will conduct an orientation session.

Click on the “Plan to Attend Orientation” link above to find all of the Orientation details for your course.

 

 

GO!

You are well on your way to a successful semester!


GO STEP 1: Access Your Course Syllabus

Access Your Course Syllabus (4 days prior to the course start date)

Four days prior to the start date of your course, you will be able to access your Course Syllabus. Click on the "Access Your Course Syllabus" link to login to Blackboard and access your course syllabus.