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Get Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions
Reviewing
the list of Frequently Asked Questions may assist you in deciding if an online
course is for you or if you are having some problem in your online course
they may assist you in resolving your difficulty.
- Why should I take an online course?
- What skills are necessary to successfully complete an online course?
- I'm still not sure about taking an online course... how do they work?
- How do I purchase required course materials?
- I'm taking an online course and am having a very difficult time contacting the instructor, which is frustrating. What can I do?
- How do I send an email attachment?
- What if I don't have the same word-processor on my computer that is required for class?
- Is there a specific time I need to use my online course site?
- How do I interact with my professor?
- If I've registered for a course and haven't heard from the instructor, what do I need to do?
- How do I get help? Not just with course work but computer problems.
Why should I take an online course?
- Online courses are convenient,
- Online courses are cost effective,
- Online course content is kept up-to-date and takes advantage of the vast resources of the Internet to provide the information and resources students need to succeed, and
- Online courses are available worldwide so you may be working side-by-side with students from around the world.
What skills are necessary to successfully complete an online course?
Online students should:
- Be able to communicate well in writing,
- Be able to manage their time,
- Have basic computer/internet skills including those listed below:
- Complete and submit online forms
- Use Email effectively
- Send, open, reply to and forward Email messages
- Send, open, and save Email attachments
- Utilize search engines
- Find web sites
- Cut and paste between applications
- Feel comfortable using Microsoft Office, email and web applications
- Feel comfortable participating in online discussions and forums
- Be able to dedicate at least 4 to 6 hours a week to participate in the learning process,
- Be comfortable communicating in writing,
- Enjoy reading, and
- Be able to organize family, work, hobbies and other interests to make room for an online course work.
I'm still not sure about taking an online course... how do they work?
Online courses don't meet for a class in any specific place or at any particular time. Generally, students work at their own pace and at times that accommodate their work, family and/or recreational schedules. In some cases there may be interactions, via chat, or some other means, with rest the class which may require participation at specific pre-scheduled times.
Online classes do have a structure and deadlines and due dates are just as much a part of an online course as they are in a traditional course. Lecture notes, study questions and other course materials are delivered via the internet to your computer. Assignments are submitted to your instructor via email, and discussions with classmates may be conducted online.
How do I purchase required course materials?
Once you are registered in the course you may buy any required course materials
online from the Campus Bookstore by selecting the “Buy
Your Textbooks” link. .
Return
to Questions
I'm taking an online course and am having
a very difficult time contacting the instructor, which is frustrating. What
can I do?
Interaction and feedback are an extremely important part of an
online course, regardless of format. Students have the right to ask questions
and seek help and guidance as needed. Instructors are encouraged to address
the needs of each student as they would in a traditional course. Occasionally,
your instructor may be quite busy with other students, and other classes,
and may not be able to respond immediately. If the problem persists you
might consider calling the instructor, whose telephone numbers are listed
in the instructor's web page.
Return
to Questions
How do I send an email attachment?
There are many email programs in use today, and it would be quite difficult
to address every one of them here. So, the most logical way to explain how
to attach a file to your email message is to direct you to the help file that
accompanies all of the various email programs. The help file will usually walk
you through the process step-by-step ... really, it's that easy! In the case
that you cannot locate the help file, or need further direction, contact the
Help Desk personnel at 315-386-7448 or Email the Help Desk at helpdesk@canton.edu.
Return
to Questions
What if I don't have the same word-processor
on my computer that is required for class?
Most instructors use a popular word-processing program like MicroSoft Word.
It helps if you use a compatible program, but it isn't completely necessary.
For example, if a file is created in MS Word, it can be opened in WordPerfect
... and vice versa. This works quite well with the newer versions of these,
however, if you don't have either of those, chances are you will be able to
use a simple word-processor included on your computer such as SimpleText or
WordPad to create and send documents.
Downloading and/or viewing of class notes or assignments posted on the course web site could be a problem if you don't have a compatible word processor. We suggest instructors post materials that can be viewed, and printed, in the web page. We also encourage the use of Adobe Acrobat , which allows instructors to post material in *.pdf format. This type of document can be opened and printed by any computer that has the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on it ... and this reader is freeware, so all can easily get it from the Internet. (All links are available on the Technical Requirements page.)
WARNING: Some online courses are designed to teach the use of specific types of software and for those courses a student will be required to have the latest version of the software they are learning. The software is available online through the Campus Bookstore at a very competitive rate.
Return
to Questions
Is there a specific time I need to use my online
course site?
You can log on to your course site virtually anytime you choose, day or night,
to access information and get assignments, or even visit a discussion board.
There is no set time you are required to meet, as in a traditional class. You
may, however (depending on the course), have to visit and participate in a
discussion forum during a time range (e.g., Wednesday from 11 AM - 11 PM).
Other than that, it will be your responsibility to keep up with readings and
assignments.
Remember, most instructors will have requirements that you log on to the course site three or four times each week (class participation) and that you remain active in discussion forums. Often you have the freedom of when to log on, but often the number of times is indicated by the instructor. Don't forget deadlines for assignments either!
How do I interact with my professor?
Interactions with your instructor can take a variety of forms, including answering
email questions, participating in online discussions, evaluating your assignments,
and providing feedback to you. Instructors may also keep "online office hours" each
week, enabling you to enter into a synchronous discussion with them. Interaction
with the instructor is an important aspect of a quality online education.
If I've
registered for a course and haven't heard from the instructor, what do I
need to do?
First, don’t panic. Second, check the online course syllabus to see how
the course will begin. If you are still confused, try Emailing your instructor.
The instructor’s Email address is available in the course syllabus and
on their faculty web site.
If you’ve recently registered for the course, the staff may still be creating your student account and setting you up in the course. You should receive an email and letter confirming your registration. This will include your username and password for logging into your online course(s). If all else fails, contact the HelpDesk at 315-386-7448 or “helpdesk@canton.edu”
How do I get help? Not just with course
work but computer problems.
Contact the HelpDesk at 315-386-7448 or “helpdesk@canton.edu”
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the minds of tomorrow as Northern New York's two and four-year college for
technology, health, management and public service.SUNY Canton · 34 Cornell Drive · Canton, NY 13617 · 315.386.7011 · 1.800.388.7123
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