"Just the Basics" Online Handbook

[NOTE: Click on individual "Table of Content Links" for more information.
Clicking the print button on your browser will print the entire "Just the Basics" Online Handbook.]

This on-line handbook has been created to help SUSCC students as they take college courses for credit via their personal computer. If this is the first time you have taken an on-line course, then be prepared for a NEW AND EXCITING approach to taking courses. At the same time, understand that on-line courses are DIFFERENT than traditional courses. Your success in this type course is probably directly related to your level of self-discipline. The following statements will give you a better idea of what you can expect when taking on-line courses.

ONLINE COURSES.

· ARE NOT easier than regular courses (Many times they are more difficult).
· DO NOT meet in a regular classroom on a campus (Exception: some may require on-campus testing or labs).
· DO NOT meet at a specific time.
· REQUIRE a high level self-discipline and organization.
· ASSUME that you possess average computer skills and are comfortable using computers.
· MAY NOT (in most cases) foster face-to-face communication between instructor and student (You may not ever see your instructor).
· REQUIRE students to take more of an initiative in the learning process than they might in a regular classroom.
· ARE NOT for everyone!

IT IS OK IF THEY ARE NOT FOR YOU!

Please understand that this online handbook is very generic regarding specific instructions. Your instructor may change or alter the course and, as a result, these instructions and guidelines may not always apply in all situations. Always read the instructions and guidelines posted by your instructor when working on assignments, lessons, or exams. UNDERSTAND.YOUR INSTRUCTOR ALWAYS HAS THE FINAL SAY! This handbook is designed to give you an overview of some of the basic features of WebCT (software platform) that you may have to use throughout the term in order to successfully complete the course.

PLEASE READ ALL THE INFORMATION IN THIS ONLINE HANDBOOK.

After reading this document, if you still have problems or questions about WebCT, contact:
Mr. Adam McGhee
Distance Education Director
Southern Union State Community College
PHONE: 334-742-1125
E-MAIL: amcghee@suscc.edu

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Before a student is allowed to register for an online course, he/she must successfully complete the online orinetation. The login screen for this orientation can be accessed by clicking here. The orientation has four main parts:

1. Gathering Student Information - Provides Distance Learning Office with student information (name, address, phone, e-mail, etc.)
2. "Is Online Learning for You" Survey - Helps determine if taking courses over the internet is right for you.
3. Technical Requirments Check - Checks to see if student has proper equiment, software, and internet access.

Once the student has successfully completed the online orientation, he/she is sent an "approval" e-mail. From that point on, the student can sign up for any online course offered assuming he/she has met ay course prerequisite requirements. Students should register for online course just as they would a regular course.

IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY COMPLETED THE ONLINE ORIENTATION, CLICK HERE AND
COMPLETE THE ORIENTATION NOW.

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Steps to Logging In Successfully

Within a few days of the beginning of the semester, you can access your class by following these instructions:

1. Access the Internet and go to the Southern Union Home Page. http://www.suscc.cc.al.us
2. Click on the "Distance Education" button.
3. Click on the image of the PC mouse that says: "Course Login .Click Here."
4. You should now be at a WEBCT Login Screen. Click on "Log on to myWebCT."
   NOTE: To access this login screen without going through the SUSCC Server (Steps 1-4), go to http://blackboard.suscc.edu/
5. After clicking "Log on to myWebCT," you will need to enter your username and password as follows:
   • Your username is just your Social Security Number.
   • Your password is the first three letters of your last name and the last four numbers of your SS#.
     • FOR EXAMPLE:
       John Doe with SS# 123-45-6789 would be as follows:
       Username: 123456789
       Password: Doe6789 (Remember to CAPITALIZE the appropriate letters.)
6. (Note: The first time you enter the online course, you will be asked to provide a hint question for your password. Hit Ok and fill out the small form or hit cancel.) You should now be at a page with a header that says "my WebCT: (your name)." The course(s) you are currently enrolled in will be listed under the heading "Courses" at the top left part of your screen. Click on the course title to enter your course(s). Information about new discussion, e-mail, or calendar postings will be listed under the course(s).

• NOTE: Some classes require that you enter an "ACCESS CODE" prior to starting your online course (i.e. SOC 200 and PHS 111). The access code should come with your textbook if you purchased a new textbook for the online course. If you purchased a used textbook, you will have to purchase an access code via the web using a credit card (follow instructions provided to buy the code online).
  
• NOTE: IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE COURSE. FAILURE TO ACCESS THE COURSE AND COMPLETE THE WORK WILL RESULT IN AN "F" FOR THE CLASS.
  
• IF YOU FORGET YOUR USERNAME OR PASSWORD or HAVE PROBLEMS LOGGING IN, PLEASE CONTACT Adam McGhee BY PHONE (334) 742-1125 OR BY E-MAIL (amcghee@suscc.edu).

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(Note: Some of these features may or may not be used by different instructors.)

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• Using WebCT Email - The e-mail feature on WebCT is designed to allow one-on-one communication between instructors and students. Instructors can use the e-mail feature to send information to all the students in a class or to individual students. In the same manner, students can e-mail the instructor, all their classmates, or individual students. The WebCT E-Mail feature is designed for classroom use only. You cannot use it to send regular e-mails to people outside of class.
  
• Receiving and Reading E-Mail
  1. When you have new e-mail to read, you will be notified upon logging in to your course. To read the e-mail, click on the e-mail icon. You should now be at the main e-mail screen.
  2. Click on "Inbox" to view a listing of your messages.
  3. The messages that you have not read should have the word "NEW" beside them.
  4. Click on the message to read it.
  5. To reply, simply click "reply" and type your text in the fields provided.
  6. Then hit "send."
     
• Composing and Sending E-Mail
  1. Login to your course.
  2. Click on E-Mail Icon.
  3. Click on "Compose Mail Message."
  4. Click on "Browse."
  5. Click on the Instructor's Name (or other student's names). [Hint - To choose more than one person hold "ctrl" while clicking on names.]
  6. Click on "Done."
  7. Type in Subject and Message.
  8. Add attachments if needed (See sending attachments below).
  9. Click on "Send."
     
• Sending Attachements (Files)
  1. Login to your course.
  2. Click on E-Mail Icon.
  3. Click on Compose Mail Message.
  4. Beside the empty box provided for the address, select Browse. This button pulls up the addresses of your classmates and the instructor.
  5. Click on the person to whom you want to send a file. [i.e. -Susan Norton (ENG_101)].
  6. Click on Done.
  7. Type in your subject and any message that needs to be sent with file.
  8. Now you are ready to attach your file. Go down to the bottom, right-hand corner of the e-mail screen (near red paperclip) and click on Browse.
  9. Find the file on your computer. Click on the file name. Then click Open.
  10. Click on Attach File.
  11. The attached file name should now appear in blue text under the attach file button.
  12. You are now ready to send the e-mail with the attachment. Click on Send.

• Receiving Attachments (Files)
  1. When you receive an e-mail with an attachment, the following image will appear to the left of the message.
  2. Click on the paperclip image.
  3. Click the radio button (small circle) beside the file name.
  4. Click "Download."
  5. Choose "Save this file to disk" and hit "OK."
  6. Save the file to your computer.
  7. Go to where you saved the file on your computer and double click the file name to open it.

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• Using WebCT Calendar - The calendar feature in WebCT is very useful. In most cases, instructors will use this, in addition to sending out e-mails to inform you of any new lessons, assignments, exams, or other class information. Each time you log into your course, you will be notified if the instructor has posted any new information to the calendar. In addition, the calendar icon will be highlighted.

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CAREFULLY READ CALENDAR POSTINGS!

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• Using WebCT Chat - NOTE: Chat rooms may not be available in all courses.

Students do not have to use the Chat Rooms if they so choose unless required by the instructor. The chat room feature provides a place for students to chat with other class members. On rare occasions, the instructor may set up a chat session to discuss a class topic. This is not common and is usually not mandatory because it is hard to find a specific time at which all class members could be involved. However, it is possible, that the instructor may set up a question/answer session through the chat feature prior to an exam. If you think this might help you in preparing for your exam, tell your instructor in advance, and he/she can work to set this up if he/she is so willing.

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• Using WebCT Discussion Boards (Bulletin Boards) - WebCT allows for student interaction through Discussion Boards. Some classes refer to this feature as a "Discussion Board." Others call it "Bulletin Board" (ENG 101 calls it "Cyber-Journal.") The discussion board feature is designed so that students and instructors can communicate through what is known as a threaded discussion. Basically, one person starts a discussion, and others can read their statements and respond using the reply feature.

To give you an example, in SOC 200, the instructor may ask a discussion question related to current topics or chapters. Each student should read the discussion question and then use the reply feature to state his/her response or opinion. This is an effective learning tool because it allows students to read opinions and responses from other class members. In ENG 101, this feature may be used to allow students to post non-graded writings.

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THE WEBCT WEBSITE PROVIDES A "STUDENT TOUR" THAT DISCUSSES EACH OF THESE FEATURES. CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE WEBCT STUDENT TOUR.

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NOTE: SUSCC may not offer each of these courses listed below every semester.
Check current course schedule.

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 RLS 101 - Fundamentals of Real Estate

INSTRUCTOR:
DWIGHT WELLS
334-797-7373 / 334-794-9595

NOTE: In addition to MICROSOFT WORD (6.0 or higher), you will also need to have access to the following programs: MICROSOFT EXCEL, MICROSOFT ACCESS, and MICROSOFT POWER POINT. All of these programs are available in MICROSOFT OFFICE 2000 (OR OFFICE 2000 PROFESSIONAL). These software programs are not provided in the course. You will have to obtain copies of them yourself. If you cannot obtain a new copy, most of our campus computer labs have these programs. http://office.Microsoft.com

EXAMS NOTE: You are required to take all of the exams for this class at the Assessment Center on the SUSCC Opelika Campus (334) 745-6437 ext. 5488. . BE SURE YOU BRING A PICTURE ID FOR VERIFICATION PURPOSES. The instructor will provide specific information about the exams during the semester.

**EACH TIME YOU ENTER THE COURSE, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE COURSE CALENDAR, YOUR IN-CLASS E-MAIL, AND THE CLASS DISCUSSION BOARD FOR INFORMATION FROM YOUR INSTRUCTOR.**

ASSIGNMENTS - All assignments should be completed as instructed by the instructor. They should be submitted using the attachment feature within the class e-mail system. Do not send them using your personal e-mail account. Do not use the class e-mail system to send personal e-mail not related to the class.

DROPPING THE COURSE - If students want to drop the course, they must follow the same procedures to drop a course as they would with a traditional course at SUSCC. See the current SUSCC Catalog for drop-and-add rules.

READ ALL AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED WITHIN THE COURSE!

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 CIS 130 - Introduction to Computers

INSTRUCTOR:
JEANETTE PARKER
SUSCC Opelika Campus
Tech Building
334-745-6437 ext. 5379

NOTE: In addition to MICROSOFT WORD (6.0 or higher), you will also need to have access to the following programs: MICROSOFT EXCEL, MICROSOFT ACCESS, and MICROSOFT POWER POINT. All of these programs are available in MICROSOFT OFFICE 2000 (OR OFFICE 2000 PROFESSIONAL). These software programs are not provided in the course. You will have to obtain copies of them yourself. If you cannot obtain a new copy, most of our campus computer labs have these programs. http://office.Microsoft.com

EXAMS NOTE: You are required to take all of the exams for this class at the Assessment Center on the SUSCC Opelika Campus (334) 745-6437 ext. 5488. . BE SURE YOU BRING A PICTURE ID FOR VERIFICATION PURPOSES. The instructor will provide specific information about the exams during the semester.

**EACH TIME YOU ENTER THE COURSE, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE COURSE CALENDAR, YOUR IN-CLASS E-MAIL, AND THE CLASS DISCUSSION BOARD FOR INFORMATION FROM YOUR INSTRUCTOR.**

ASSIGNMENTS - All assignments should be completed as instructed by the instructor. They should be submitted using the attachment feature within the class e-mail system. Do not send them using your personal e-mail account. Do not use the class e-mail system to send personal e-mail not related to the class.

DROPPING THE COURSE - If students want to drop the course, they must follow the same procedures to drop a course as they would with a traditional course at SUSCC. See the current SUSCC Catalog for drop-and-add rules.

READ ALL AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED WITHIN THE COURSE!

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CIS 146 - Microcomputer Applications

INSTRUCTOR:
GWEN TAUNTON
SUSCC Opelika Campus
Tech Building
334-745-6437 ext. 5392

NOTE: In addition to MICROSOFT WORD (6.0 or higher), you will also need to have access to the following programs: MICROSOFT EXCEL, MICROSOFT ACCESS, and MICROSOFT POWER POINT. All of these programs are available in MICROSOFT OFFICE 2000 (OR OFFICE 2000 PROFESSIONAL). These software programs are not provided in the course. You will have to obtain copies of them yourself. If you cannot obtain a new copy, most of our campus computer labs have these programs. http://office.Microsoft.com

EXAMS NOTE: You are required to take all of the exams for this class at the Assessment Center on the SUSCC Opelika Campus (334) 745-6437 ext. 5488. . BE SURE YOU BRING A PICTURE ID FOR VERIFICATION PURPOSES. The instructor will provide specific information about the exams during the semester.

**EACH TIME YOU ENTER THE COURSE, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE COURSE CALENDAR, YOUR IN-CLASS E-MAIL, AND THE CLASS DISCUSSION BOARD FOR INFORMATION FROM YOUR INSTRUCTOR.**

ASSIGNMENTS - All assignments should be completed as instructed by the instructor. They should be submitted using the attachment feature within the class e-mail system. Do not send them using your personal e-mail account. Do not use the class e-mail system to send personal e-mail not related to the class.

DROPPING THE COURSE - If students want to drop the course, they must follow the same procedures to drop a course as they would with a traditional course at SUSCC. See the current SUSCC Catalog for drop-and-add rules.

READ ALL AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED WITHIN THE COURSE!

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ENG 101 - Written Composition I

INSTRUCTOR:
KENNEDY

INSTRUCTOR:
SUSAN NORTON
Auburn, Alabama
(334) 821-1443 (Please do not call after 5:00 pm)

NOTE: Must have Microsoft Word 6.0 or higher.

**EACH TIME YOU ENTER THE COURSE, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE COURSE CALENDAR, YOUR IN-CLASS E-MAIL, AND THE CYBER-JOURNAL FOR INFORMATION FROM YOUR INSTRUCTOR.**

ASSIGNMENTS - All writing assignments (pre-writing and essays) should be completed as instructed by the instructor. They should be submitted using the attachment feature within the class e-mail system. Do not send them using your personal e-mail account. Do not use the class e-mail system to send personal e-mail not related to the class.

DROPPING THE COURSE - If students want to drop the course, they must follow the same procedures to drop a course as they would with a traditional course at SUSCC. See the 2001 Catalog for drop-and-add rules.

READ ALL AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED WITHIN THE COURSE!

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PHS 111 - Physical Science

INSTRUCTOR:
RON SANDERS
SUSCC Opelika Campus
HAC Building
334-745-6437 ext. 5456

NOTE: STUDENTS MUST PURCHASE NEW TEXTBOOK - The on-line course is designed to follow along with the textbook required for this class. To access the course, you will need an ACCESS CODE that is provided on the inside cover of the textbook. BE SURE YOU BUY A NEW BOOK (IN SHRINK-WRAP) FROM THE BOOKSTORE. THE NEW BOOKS (IN SHRINK-WRAP) WILL HAVE THE ACCESS CODES NEEDED TO GET INTO THE ON-LINE COURSE. IF YOU BUY A USED BOOK INSTEAD OF A NEW ONE, YOU WILL NOT HAVE THE ACCESS CODE NEEDED FOR THE COURSE. IN THIS CASE, YOU WILL HAVE TO PURCHASE A CODE VIA THE WEB TO ACCESS THE COURSE. THESE CODES CAN BE EXPENSIVE IF YOU HAVE TO BUY THEM SEPERATELY!

LABORATORY NOTE: Students in PHS 111 - Physical Science must also attend a weekly lab that meets on the Opelika Campus.

**EACH TIME YOU ENTER THE COURSE, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE COURSE CALENDAR, YOUR IN-CLASS E-MAIL, AND THE BULLETIN BOARD FOR INFORMATION FROM YOUR INSTRUCTOR.**

EXAMS - You will have four exams in this class. All four exams are given on-line through the course. They are only offered at certain times. In addition, they are timed. The instructor will provide more information about the exams during the semester.

DROPPING THE COURSE - If students want to drop the course, they must follow the same procedures to drop a course as they would with a traditional course at SUSCC. See the current SUSCC Catalog for drop-and-add rules.

READ ALL AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED WITHIN THE COURSE!

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SOC 200 - Introduction to Sociology

INSTRUCTOR:
ROBIN BROWN
SUSCC Wadley Campus
Administration Building
256-395-2211 ext. 5176

NOTE: STUDENTS MUST PURCHASE NEW TEXTBOOK - The on-line course is designed to follow along with the textbook required for this class. To access the course, you will need an ACCESS CODE that is provided on the inside cover of the textbook. BE SURE YOU BUY A NEW BOOK (IN SHRINK-WRAP) FROM THE BOOKSTORE. THE NEW BOOKS (IN SHRINK-WRAP) WILL HAVE THE ACCESS CODES NEEDED TO GET INTO THE ON-LINE COURSE. IF YOU BUY A USED BOOK INSTEAD OF A NEW ONE, YOU WILL NOT HAVE THE ACCESS CODE NEEDED FOR THE COURSE. IN THIS CASE, YOU WILL HAVE TO PURCHASE A CODE VIA THE WEB TO ACCESS THE COURSE. THESE CODES CAN BE EXPENSIVE IF YOU HAVE TO BUY THEM SEPERATELY!

**EACH TIME YOU ENTER THE COURSE, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE COURSE CALENDAR, YOUR IN-CLASS E-MAIL, AND THE CYBER-JOURNAL FOR INFORMATION FROM YOUR INSTRUCTOR.**

EXAMS - You will have four exams in this class. All four exams are given on-line through the course. They are only offered at certain times. In addition, they are timed. The instructor will provide more information about the exams during the semester.

DROPPING THE COURSE - If students want to drop the course, they must follow the same procedures to drop a course as they would with a traditional course at SUSCC. See the current SUSCC Catalog for drop-and-add rules.

READ ALL AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED WITHIN THE COURSE!

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If you are experiencing technical problems or have questions about SUSCC Distance Education courses, please contact:

Mr. Adam McGhee
Distance Education Director
Southern Union State Community College
701 Lafayette Parkway
Opelika, AL 36801
Phone: (334)-742-1125
E-mail: amcghee@suscc.edu

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Disclaimer: This is to notify you that materials you may be accessing in chat rooms, bulletin boards, or unofficial web pages are not officially sponsored by Southern Union State Community College. The U.S. Constitution rights of free speech apply to all members of our community regardless of the medium used. We disclaim all liability for data, information, or opinions expressed in these forums.