Course Formats
                            Online
   What is online learning
  Why take an online class
  What is expected of me
       Software/Hardware
                       Checklist
                    Telecourse
                        Teleweb
                    Interactive
                  CampusWeb
 

 


Online Course

What is online learning?
Using a computer at home or at work, you will log in to your class to receive course information, view course content, submit assignments, and have discussions with your instructor and fellow students.
The college uses Blackboard as our course management system. Just as you have become familiar with the set up of a classroom on campus, you will become familiar with the features of an online classroom within Blackboard:
 
  • Announcements
  • Discussion Board
  • Groups
  • Email
  • Course information and content
 
It is very important to remember the following points about online learning:
 
  • Online learning is flexible and convenient...but NOT EASIER!
  • You can expect to study a minimum of 6-9 hours each week
  • Most online classes at PGCC are not self-paced. The instructor sets the deadlines
    for the course work.
Why take an online class?
Taking an online class allows you the flexibility to study from home, using your own computer and the internet, at any hour or day you choose. You can submit work quickly and easily by email as soon as you have completed it. You can email your professor with questions or problems as they arise and receive feedback via email. You can communicate with other students by email or through discussion boards to share ideas and information.

What is expected of me?
To be successful in your online class, you are expected to:

  • Log in regularly to your classes, usually three to five times per week
  • Plan to ensure enough time to study and complete assignments
  • Commit 6 - 9 hours per week per three-credit class
  • Enjoy communicating in writing and reading the writing of others
  • "Speak up" to your instructors when problems arise
  • Be willing to take responsibility for your learning
  • Be able to learn easily from reading and writing
  • Know how to use technology properly
  • Read and write well
  • Be comfortable addressing problems at a distance
  • Have good time management skills to follow a schedule for finishing readings and assignments
  • Have good research skills, including how to effectively use the Internet
  • Have the ability to work well cooperatively, even when your communication is restricted to email or online chat
  • Complete the Checklist for Starting your Online Course (link to checklist) prior to beginning your course
What software and equipment will I need?
To take an online class you will need access to a computer equipped with a modem, internet access, an email address and the appropriate software.

  Hardware
  • Pentium Class computer with 128MB RAM or Macintosh system 7.5 (or better)
  • minimum 50MB free disk space (for assignments, course materials, etc)
  • A modem or other device capable of connecting to the internet at a speed of 56 kbps (or faster)
NOTE: The minimum requirements suggested here for hardware and software are those that will allow you to use all the features of the Blackboard learning environment, however, a slow modem and computer may be frustratingly slow to use and may prevent you from using some interactive features of your online course.   
 
Software
  • Windows operating system (95, 98, 2000, NT or XP)

  • Web browser: Internet Explorer 5.5 (or higher) or Netscape Navigator 7.0 (or higher)
  • Internet Service Provider software (i.e. AOL, MSN)
  • E-mail program (i.e. AOL, MSN, Yahoo, Hotmail, )
  • Word Processing program (Microsoft Word is the college standard)
  • Virus Protection software kept current with updates (i.e. Norton's Antivirus, McAfee)
  • Some classes may have specific class requirements for additional software. These requirements will be listed on the course information page

Checklist for Starting your Online Course

  • Register for your course.
  • Confirm orientation date, time and location, if applicable.
  • Check course dates and deadlines. Online classes begin when the regular classes begin. Please do not try to log in to your online course prior to Orientation.
  • Visit your instructor's web page for information about the course requirements and materials and pertinent information about how to access the course.
  • Be sure you have internet access and an e-mail account set up before the start date of the course.
  • Resolve any technical problems before the class starts, as technical problems are generally not accepted as an excuse for late or incomplete work in an online course. You may contact the Distance Learning Office for assistance.
  • Know how to logon to Blackboard. Online classes begin when the regular classes begin. Please do not try to logon to your online course before Orientation.
  • Purchase your textbook.
Online Course Schedule