| Which classes can I take online? |
Starting with the Spring/Intersession 2008 semester, all courses will automatically have an online component. The extent to which the course utilizes the online environment is up to the instructor of the course.
If you're interested in taking "online classes" with 50 to 100 percent of the material online, check the class schedule. You can select "Online" in the search features to view which of OCC's courses are taught online.
| How are Online Classes offered and What is Blackboard Vista? |
Most OCC online classes are offered in a special online classroom called Blackboard Vista. This online environment has different sections for lectures, assignments, quizzes, online discussions, E-mail, and other important class components. Blackboard Vista is easy to navigate and will help you keep track of your online activities and assignments. You will go through a simple online tutorial to learn how to function in the online classroom.
| How Often Will I Go To My Online Class? |
You will set your own schedule for your online studies. Your instructor will give you the deadlines and a suggested pace to make you successful, but it will be up to you to decide when and how often to go online. Most good online students check in every day or two to see if there are new messages or discussion items.
| How Much Time Does an Online Class Take? |
The time needed to complete an online class varies by course, instructor, and the number of units you are taking. Online classes are designed to take the same amount of total time as their on campus counterparts. This means that your reading and homework assignments plus the time you spend reviewing online lectures and completing other online activities will be the same as the total time you would spend if you took the class on campus. The only time you save is your commuting time!
| What Kind of Computer Will I Need? |
You can use any PC computer or Macintosh computer with reliable access to the Internet and any of the browsers supported by Blackboard Vista. To make sure your computer is up to speed, and to check your browser and download any neccessary software plugins, please visit the "Preparing for Your Online Class" page from the menu at the left.
| Will I still need a textbook? |
Yes, you'll use a textbook just as you would for an on campus class. Check the Orange Coast Bookstore on campus, or here on the OCC Website (under Student Services) for more information on the book you'll need. Some of the courses also use what is known as a "Access Code." If your course has an access code, you will need to buy it with the book or purchase it online. Your instructor will inform you if you need to purchase an access code and provide you with instructions. You will be asked for the access code when you enter the course for the first time.
| Is online learning right for me? |
Here are a couple of things that help students become successful online:
- Access to Equipment and Internet
Once you've identified the appropriate equipment, do you have ready access to it? Is the Internet connection reliable? Is it in a quiet place where you can study?
- Computer Knowledge
Are you comfortable on the computer? Do you know how to use simple word-processing and save files? Have you spent time on the Internet? Are your keyboarding skills pretty good? If you answer "no" to any of these questions, you'll have to struggle to survive in an online class.
Please take the 'Technical Skills Test' to ensure that online learning is right for you.
- Good Time Management Skills
Are you good at scheduling your time and sticking to the schedule? Do you usually make deadlines? Are your college classes a priority in your life?
Please take the 'Student Skills Test' to ensure that online learning is right for you.
- Support from Family and Friends
Do people realize that you are taking a serious college class and you will need time to take your class even though you're not going to campus? |