| FAQ's about LCC Online
Students interact with the instructor and other students through web based
courses that were developed using the WebCT course platform. Courses are
not self-paced. You must meet regular deadlines and due dates, but can
complete your work any time of day or night. Here are some frequently
asked topics.
Q: How do I get registered for an online
course?
A: You can register online, in person, or over the phone,
but you must be admitted to the college first and take an assessment test.
For more information about the admission and registration process, select
New Students on our home page.
Q: How do I get started in my online course?
A: Enrolled students will be able to access online courses
four days before class starts. To access your online course, please follow
the links to setting up your computer and login. You must be logged into
classes the first day classes start; otherwise you may be subject to withdrawal
at census date. If you've never taken an online course at Lamar Community
College, you are required to attend one of our online orientation sessions.
The sessions will make a difference in your success as an online student.
Q: Where do I get information about textbooks?
A: To obtain information including required books and
instructor email addresses, please select Course Schedule.
Complete course syllabi will be available in your course site the first
day of class. You will need to be enrolled to see the course site and
additional information.
Q: Where do I buy my books and course materials?
A: To see a list of required books and materials, go
to Course Schedule.
If book information is not available, you can contact the LCC Bookstore
for help. You need to know your course and section number (e.g. ENG 090-L01)
when requesting book information. Some courses may require additional
software or other equipment. Please be sure to check the syllabus for
details.
You can buy books at the Lamar Community College Bookstore. Books may
be mailed for a fee. Call the LCC Bookstore for details at 719-336-1620.
Q: What software do I need for my online course?
A: Students need a standard browser to access courses.
Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher or Netscape Navigator 4.76 up to 6.2 is
compatible. AOL users must use version 7.0 or higher. See instructions
for setting up your computer and be sure to set up your computer at the
start of your course.
Students will also need Microsoft Office Word. Word is the standard in
the industry and students will most likely use this software in his/her
profession. Microsoft Works is not the same as Microsoft Word. It is preferred
students have Microsoft Word before classes begin.
Q: What kind of a computer do I need?
A: Students will need to have access to a computer at
all times during their online course. Computer access will also be available
at LCC’s campus. However, students need to be aware in advance of
the hours of operation and secure a back up in the event they are unable
to come to the campus.
For students with computers at home, following are the guidelines for
computer specifications:
IBM-compatible PC
• Pentium II processor or higher processor recommended.
• Operating System: Windows 98, NT 4, 2000, or XP
Depending on your Operating System (O.S.), 96 Megabytes of RAM (128 Megabytes
or higher is recommended with higher level O.S.)
• 56 K Modem (or faster) internet connection through an account
on an ISP. Slower speeds will possibly work but that will take you much
more time to do your course.
• 3.5 inch floppy diskette drive / CD-ROM or DVD / Hard drive (Floppy
diskettes or CD's may come with some courses)
• Monitor - SVGA(800x600) or higher display
• Please note that your connection to the internet must not initiate
from behind a firewall, unless it is configured to access our server.
In some cases, you may have to turn it off while doing your work, if it
can not be configured properly.
• Optional - Full Duplex Sound card with speakers/headphones and
microphone (Is required in some courses but not all)
Macintosh
• PowerPC 120 Mhz processor or higher, G3 processor recommended.
Note: If you have an older Macintosh, you may check this Apple Product
Info
Archive to see what processor it has.
• System 8.0 or higher operating system
• 64 Megabytes of RAM (or higher)
• Full Duplex Sound with a microphone
• 56 K Modem (or faster) internet connection through an account
on an ISP. Slower speeds will possibly work but that will take you much
more time to do your course.
• Please note that your connection to the internet must not initiate
from behind a firewall, unless it is configured to access our server.
In some cases, you may have to turn it off while doing your work, if it
can not be configured properly.
• 3.5 inch diskette drive / CD-ROM / Hard drive (Floppy diskettes
or CD's may come with some courses)
• 800x600 or higher display resolution, thousands of colors.
Q: How do I submit course assignments?
A: Generally, you will post your assignments in your
course or attach them via email in your WebCT course site. Instructions
for posting assignments are available online in your course under the
Table of Contents. This instruction is also covered during orientation.
Q: Will I be required to attend class meetings?
A: Most all of our online courses meet solely online.
We may offer hybrid courses that mix online instruction with regular meetings
on campus over the semester. Those courses that are a hybrid are identified
in the Course Schedule and the meeting times will be indicated in the
course syllabus.
Q: How will I complete exams and/or quizzes?
A: Exams and quizzes are administered online through
the WebCT. Students are not required to travel to the campus to take an
exam or quiz.
Q: Is distance learning about technology?
A: Distance Learning is about learning, not technology.
However, it is technology that is making it feasible for more people to
further their education - people who live in rural areas, and those whose
schedules don't permit them to take a traditional classroom courses. Many
distance learners start courses with only basic technology skills.
Students needing to refresh or beef up their skills in handling the technology
should attend an online orientation. Many adults who are novices with
technology report that within a short time they are able to get comfortable
with the technology.
Q: Will I feel that I am part of a college community?
A: Distance Learning offers a great opportunity to meet
and really get to know others. Contrary to what many people assume, distance
learners in a quality program do not feel isolated from each other. Faculty
and program advisors use many means to develop a strong sense of community.
You will have opportunities to learn independently and to participate
in discussions, enhancing your learning while expanding your network.
There are numerous ways that you will be supported and connected into
a learning community.
Q: Is distance learning as good as traditional learning?
A: Despite the conventional wisdom that a classroom is
the best place to learn, research has consistently shown that distance
learning can be as effective, and in some cases, more effective than classroom-based
programs. However, it is not for everyone! Please be sure to take our
online survey to determine if online is a good fit for you.
Q: Is distance learning easier than traditional learning?
A: Overall it can be said that distance learning takes
a great deal more time and effort to complete. Students need to be self
motivated. Distance learning is much more challenging because the responsibility
for the learning is on the student. Students have to pace themselves and
diligently follow through the course.
Distance learning works best for the mature, motivated adult who is
ready to take the responsibility for learning without reminders and face-to-face
interaction from instructors.
Q: How much does distance learning cost?
A: The cost for distance learning courses is higher tuition
than traditional campus courses; however, generally learners save expenses
in travel and transportation, childcare costs, housing, and clothing that
traditional campus students can incur. When you inquire under New Student,
you will be able to determine exactly how much extra tuition is charged
for online courses. On average students will pay approximately $35 more
per credit hour but they are not subject to additional campus fees.
Q: Where do I go for further information and assistance?
A: For specific questions about course content, contact
the instructor. For general information about online classes or using
the WebCT, please contact us for additional information.
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