Frequently Asked Questions
How is a distance education course different from a regular
in-class course?
What types of distance education formats does HCC
offer?
What are the computer requirements for an online course?
How do I register for a distance education course?
How and when do I submit assignments?
How do I take tests and exams?
Will I be able to talk to the instructor?
What do I do if I have contacted the instructor and
I have not received a reply?
What library facilities are available to a student
taking a distance education courses, and how do I access them?
How is a distance education course different from a regular
in-class course?
In a distance education setting, you will be working more independently
than in a traditional classroom setting. You must be willing to put in
an average of 10-12 hours per week for an online course. You must understand
that taking a distance education course offers you flexibility, but you
will still have deadlines to meet.
What types of distance education
formats does HCC offer?
- Cable Television
- Course-in-a-Box
- Interactive Television
- Online courses
- Telecourses
What are the computer requirements for an online course?
Minimum requirements:
- A computer with a Pentium processor, or better, with at least 32 mb
of RAM.
- A computer monitor should have at least a resolution of 800x600, most
platforms can be accessed with a lower resolution of 640x480 but scroll
bars may interfere with the interface.
- A 56 KBPS modem will provide a minimal acceptable performance.
- An Internet Service Provider and an Internet browser such as Netscape
Communicator or Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher. Browsers such as AOL
have been found to be unsuitable for platforms such as Blackboard, WebCT
and ConnectNet. AOL users can log on with AOL, but you will need minimize
it and use a downloaded version of Internet Explorer or Netscape.
Download
the latest version of Internet Explorer
Download
the latest version of the Netscape browser
- An active e-mail account.
- A word processing program, such as Microsoft Word is also necessary.
How do I register for a distance education course?
- Check the course requirements in the schedule or on the HCC Web site.
Make sure that you have met the academic and technical requirements
for each distance education course for which you wish to register.
- Register for your courses in person or via fax or mail-in.
- After registering for any distance education course, you must contact
your instructor online. Go to the Distance Education
Course Schedule and select the appropriate semester. Check the
classes you are taking and click 'Notify your instructor!' Fill out
all fields and click 'Send Info' to forward your contact information
to your instructors. Please print a copy of the confirmation page for
future reference.
- Purchase textbooks from the bookstore.
- Read the Distance Education Student
Handbook.
How and when do I submit assignments?
For online/web-based classes, all assignments will be submitted online.
For other distance education classes, that information is outlined in
your course syllabus.
How do I take tests and exams?
Your course syllabus will provide that information. You may be required to take tests and exams in the Academic Testing Center.
Will I be able to talk to the instructor?
Yes. You can always contact your instructor by e-mail, telephone or make
an appointment for a face-to-face meeting.
What do I do if I have contacted the instructor and
I have not received a reply?
If you have contacted the instructor and have given ample time for the
instructor to reply, yet have not received a response, please click on
this link and fill out the form.
A staff member will contact the instructor and make sure that the instructor
knows that you need assistance.
What library facilities are available to a student
taking a distance education courses, and how do I access them?
If you click on this link, it
will take you to HCC's Library Distance Education site.
If you have a question that you feel should be on the list, please e-mail
us and we can add it to the FAQs.
distlearn@hagerstowncc.edu
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