Frequently
Asked Questions
(Adapted
with permission from a page created by Dr. Dennis O'Neil of Palomar College)
Where
do the classes take place?
Does
this online course have an instructor?
Do
I have to buy the textbook?
What
kind of computer or other hardware do I need?
I
have MS Works. Do I have to buy MS Word?
What
if I don't have Works or Word?
How
do I send attachments?
May
I send my files in a zipped format?
Why can't I use a pseudonym on my email return address?
Why do I have to include previous correspondence on a topic
when writing to MzH?
Does
Shasta College provide technical assistance?
What
is Netiquette?
Will
millions of other people be taking this class?
I
worry that I will miss the face-to-face contact of a classroom. Will
I be able to communicate with the instructor and other students?
I
can't figure out how to use WebCT Is there online help?
How
do we take tests?
What
is MzHighet's background?
Why
don't the course web pages look right on my computer?
Why
don't the sounds and videos in the tutorials work?
Why
don't the online quizzes work right?
What
if I find mistakes on the webpages?
They
take place wherever your computer is: at home, at work, on the road--anywhere
you can connect to the Internet. Online courses are conducted
asynchronously, which means that you can log onto the system whenever it is
convenient for you, at any time, day or night, to receive and/or send course
information. Technically, there are no specific class meeting times.
However, you are expected to work on course assignments regularly throughout
the week, to participate regularly in the online discussions, and to complete
your assignments by the posted deadlines.
Yes,
just like a traditional class, your online course has an instructor. She
develops the curriculum, gives the assignments, answers your questions,
participates in online discussions, and evaluates your work. If you ever
have a problem with the course material or you don't understand some
procedure, don't hesitate to contact your instructor for help.
Yes,
you do have to buy the textbook and novel. They are available in the
Shasta College Bookstore. Because this class is over the internet you
will get most of your instruction from the book and the online tutorials
rather than lectures.
Almost
any recent PC or Macintosh computer will be fine. You will also need a
connection to the Internet that will provide dependable access to the web and
email. Students using AOL will likely have difficulties using
WebCT, and
are advised to seek another ISP. If the web pages do not look right or
the graphics are distorted, go to "Why
don't the course web pages look right on my computer?".
An inexpensive webcam
installed on your computer would make netmeetings with your instructor and your
fellow students more enjoyable, but is not required.
I
have MS Works. Do I have to buy MS Word?
No,
you don't have to buy MS Word, but you must send your Works documents as Word
files. I use Word to grade your papers and make comments, and Word will
not open Works files. Ironically, Works will save files as Word documents,
which I can view, grade, and send back to you. Your Works program will
then open these documents so you can see grades and view comments. But the
entire key here is to SAVE AS a Word document.
To do so, in your
"File" menu, select "Save AS." You will be given a
choice of file types, and you may choose "MS Word." When saved,
your file with then have a ".doc" file extender. This is the
only file I will be able to read. If you send your assignments in an
improper format, they may be considered late.
If your current word processing
program allows you to save your files as "rich text format" files, it
is possible I can view and grade them. However, MS Word is the optimal
program to use for this course, and I'm unable to spend extra time trying to
deal with unreadable files.
How
do I send file attachments?
Create your document and save it as a file as usual. Make
note of the pathname (i.e. where you saved the file. Go into your mailer
and address an email to your instructor.
If you are in Outlook, you may find a paperclip on the menu
bar. If not, click "Insert" and then "file" in the
pull down menu which appears.
If you are in Hotmail or another mailer, you will find an
"Attachments" button to click.
A window showing your file directory will appear. Go
through your directory to the place where you saved your assignment, and click
on the file name of the assignment. Click the "insert" or
"attach" button. The file will be attached to your email, which
you now may send.
Please
do not send zipped files. Grading online papers is a very complicated
process that requires several time-consuming steps. Zipping and unzipping
files adds too much time to an already lengthy task!
When I get a
message from huggybunny@aol.com, it's very hard to
decide who the sender is or to give proper credit for
assignments. Check the preferences settings in your
email program to make certain your name appears on your
email In Outlook, you would do this under
"Tools>Accounts>Properties" (select your ISP), and then
make certain your NAME is in the NAME area, not your
email address. In mailers other than Outlook, similar
settings can be established.
If I write
asking you a question, and three days later get a reply
from you which simply says "yes," it will be very
difficult for me to determine what you're saying "yes"
TO, unless my letter is included with your reply. In
Outlook, you would do this under "Tools>Options," under
the "Preferences" tab select the "E-mail Options"
button. Under "On replies and forwards," select "include
original message text." In mailers other than Outlook,
similar settings can be established.
Shasta College and your instructor can not provide technical assistance
regarding your personal Internet connection or your email service.
Please contact your Internet provider if there is a problem. If you
think that there is a problem with the Shasta College server, please email or
call MzHighet. Sometimes, the server crashes over the weekend or in the
middle of the night when there isn't a technician present to reset it.
In this situation, be patient and try again after 8:00 AM the next day.
If you are having problems specifically with WebCT, fill
out the help request form
HERE.
