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What kind of computer do I need?
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A PC or a MAC with an internet connection is appropriate. To check to see if your computer is compatible go to the computer settings page - http://www.bergen.edu/pages/407.asp |
Do I need a username and password for my course?
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You will be assigned a username and password for your online course. This information will be sent to you within 2-3 weeks before the semester begins. If the semester has already begun, you should receive the information by email within 2 business days. YOU CAN NOT CHANGE YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD. If you change the assigned username and password you will NOT be able to get into your course. |
When does my online course begin?
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Your online course begins the first day of the beginning of the academic calendar. Unless otherwise instructed, your class begins on the first day of the semester. |
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Who provides my Internet access from home?
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You are responsible for your own ISP (Internet Service Provider). This could include AOL, MSN, Compuserve, Comcast, Verizon, Optimum Online, etc. |
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What if I don't have a computer?
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You could use the computers in the free time labs or the library, however, if you do not own your own computer with an internet connection we recommend that you do not take an online course at this time. |
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Do I need to know Windows?
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Yes, you should be able to navigate the Microsoft Windows operating system, have strong email and word processing skills and be able to save a word processing file in RTF (rich text format). |
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What if I use a Macintosh computer?
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You should be able to navigate the MAC OS, have strong email and word processing skills and be able to save a word processing file in RTF (rich text format). |
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Can I use any browser: Internet Explorer, Netscape, AOL, Mozilla?
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To access the features of the online courses you must use Internet Explorer, 4.0 or higher, Netscape, 4.0 or higher or AOL 5.0 or higher. Please note: Netscape Communicator 6.0 is NOT compatible with all the features in your WebCT course. Netscape 7.1 and Mozilla 1.5 browsers for Microsoft Windows or Macintosh OS X are now compatible with WebCT. For the latest please check the support page at the WebCT website. |
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Do I need to know HTML?
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No. Depending on the course in which you are enrolled, an instructor may ask you to put your homework or projects in the student presentation area - which need to be saved in HTML before sending. You need a software program that creates HTML for you such as Microsoft Word, Works, WordPerfect 8, or AppleWorks/Claris Homepage. If you don't have one of these packages, you should NOT consider taking an online course at this time. |
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I don't know the Internet, can I still take the course?
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No. You should have strong internet skills and how to navigate through a browser before taking an online course. We recommend that you NOT take an online course at this time. |
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I am an AOL user, are there any compatability issues with WebCT?
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There are some known issues to accessing WebCT with AOL. AOL may cause your system to lock up and/or crash while working in WebCT. Please review the section of Configuration for web browser compatibility for complete instructions.
Because the browser that AOL provides may cause your system to lock up and/or crash while working in WebCT, the best solution is to use one of the browsers we recommend.
Netscape and Internet Explorer is available in all free labs and the library.
After you log on to AOL, open up the browser you have selected, and use it to access WebCT.
Be aware there are some additional steps you need to take. To keep your AOL session from shutting down due to lack of perceived activity, you'll need to do something to fool AOL's idle timer; for example, create a "private" chat room and leave the room open.
From time to time, you also will need to respond to the message asking whether you want to stay online. To do this you must make AOL the active window and check for this message. |
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What help will I get?
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You are responsible for all course information and course navigation throughout the semester. Once you have logged into your course you can ask fellow students and your instructor for assistance. |
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What is the cost?
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Online courses cost $93 per credit hour for Fall 2005 and Spring 2006 courses. |
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How much time will the course take?
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The same as a regular in-class course, the equivalent of 3 class hours and 3-6 hours of homework a week. Because you are taking this course at your convenience you are responsible for keeping up with the coursework. |
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What if I have extenuating circumstances or my schedule is really erratic?
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You are responsible for all course requirements. If you have specific circumstances, speak to your instructor to discuss assignments and completing the course. This should be done at the beginning of the course or when you are aware of certain circumstances. |
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Can I finish the course early?
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This depends on the calendar set up by the instructor and the course requirements. |
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Do I ever need to come to campus?
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Many courses require on-campus proctored exams. However arrangements can be made at the college that is closest to your home. Additionally, some instructors may have an optional orientation program that you are required to attend. Please check with the course requirements online or directly with the instructor. |
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What if I want to see the instructor?
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You can arrange this with the instructor. Many Instructor's will post their on-campus office hourse on the course website. |
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Do I need a textbook?
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Textbooks and other materials for the course can be ordered directly through the Bergen Community College website and possibly your home college campus bookstore. Each course requires specific guidelines for textbooks and/or access codes to enter the course. Go to: bergen.bkstr.com |
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When do I get my password and can enter the course?
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Online courses follow the same academic calendar that traditional on-campus courses at Bergen Community College. Two to three weeks prior to the first day of the semester you will receive a letter identifying your username and password. If the semester has already begun, you should receive the information by email within 2 business days. YOU CAN NOT CHANGE YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD. If you change the assigned username and password you will NOT beable to get into your course. |
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Do I need to be on the computer at any specific time?
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No. You can log into your course at your convenience. However keep in mind that many instructors require specific online course requirements throughout each week. You are responsible for all online course requirements. |
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When does the course start?
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Online courses start the first day of the academic semester. Please check the campus calendar. |
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How do I register?
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You can register online through your WebAdvisor account. If you do not have a WebAdvisor account, go to: http://www.bergen.edu/pages/352.asp |
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What are the college's policies for withdrawing from an online course?
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Bergen Community College's policies for withdrawing from an online class are based on the academic calendar of the institution offering the course. For complete information about course withdrawals and refunds go to: http://www.bergen.edu/pages/352.asp |
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I still have questions.
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If you have specific questions, please email us at CIT@bergen.edu. Include your full name, how you can be contacted, and your complete question. |
