Q. How do I register for Online courses at Del Mar College?
A. Register just as you would for any other on campus course. Go to the Admissions page, for more information.
Q. How much do Online classes cost?
A. Online classes cost the same as any other on-campus class. Go to the Tuition and Fees page for more information.
Q. Are the academic credits for Online classes the same as on-campus courses?
A. Yes, you receive the same credit as an on-campus course. The work required and content are the same as the equivalent on-campus courses. In addition, your transcript will not indicate whether the course was taken Online, by Telecourse, or on-campus.
Q. Is Distance Learning for me?
A. Only you can answer that question. The truth is that on-line teaching and learning is currently in the "experimental" stage. Del Mar is a leading edge school in that it supports the experimentation of technology to bring training into the student's home or office. As with any new method there must be a certain amount of experimentation before the most successful application is found. However, it is already obvious that distance learning requires students who are self motivated and have the self-discipline to keep on task without monitoring from others. Experience and educational research shows that the single biggest factor in determining a student's success is the student's motivation to succeed.
There will be barriers to your success such as:
- - technology that does not work
- - your inexperience with computers
- - family and professional distractions that compete for your time and attention
- - feelings of isolation from other students and the instructor
- - frustration with new software/hardware you were not anticipating
If you understand these limitations going into a distance learning course perhaps you have a more realistic set of expectations. The reasons for taking an Internet based course should be valid ones. Valid reasons include:
- - ability to set your own study schedule
- - opportunity to use familiar technology to learn new subjects
- - freedom to time shift your own schedule to better meet familial and professional obligations while continuing your education
- - motivation and self-discipline to keep yourself on task in absence of a monitor
Students are warned not to take an Internet based course for all the wrong reasons. Invalid reasons include:
- - thinking the Internet based course will be easier--it will not be!
- - overloading your class schedule with an additional course
- - avoiding writing and reading assignments
- - cheating on exams
Q. How do I configure Netscape 4.0 and higher or MS Internet Explorer 5.0 and higher to work with WebCT?
For Netscape 4.0 and higher click here.
For Microsoft Explorer 5.0 and higher click here.
Question: Can I use a browser other than Internet Explorer or Netscape to navigate WebCT?
Answer: The only browsers currenlty supported by WebCT are Internet Explorer and Netscape. Other browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox, may work with WebCT but these cannot be supported if technical issues should arise.
Q. My boyfriend (girlfriend, neighbor, cousin, etc.) just bought a new computer. Can I use their computer to take this course?
A. You're going to need to spend a significant amount of time on the computer. Though they may have generously offered to let you use their equipment, they may not realize what kind of time commitment is involved in a course like this. Chances are, they will not want their equipment and phone lines tied up all the time. Having access to the computer may be too unpredictable and, of course, they can terminate your right to use it at any time. Also, keep in mind that you will most likely have to install browsers and plug-ins on their machine. They may not like this. One final thought: If you don't own a computer, do you have the required computer skills necessary for this course?
Q. Can I use the computers in the library's Student Technology Center to take this course?
A. Yes. There are many computers in the Student Technology Center (located in the White library) that meet the required specifications for this course. To use them you will need a validated I.D. card with a bar code. You will also be required to sign an (Acceptible Use Policy) before you can use the center. The Student Technology Center is open during regular library hours.
If you decide to use the STC for the course, you should be aware that your teacher cannot guarantee the availability of these machines. Machines are assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis. When the center is busy, you may have to wait for a machine. The staff may impose time limits if there are students waiting. You should take this into consideration before signing up for the course.
Q. I have America Online. Do I have to use Netscape Communicator? Can't I use AOL's software?
A. In the past, students using some versions of America Online have had problems accessing required course materials. If you have America Online, click here to find out how you can solve this problem.
Q. The (Required Equipment) page says I have to use the QuickTime 4.0 plug-in produced by Apple Computer Corporation. But I'm a Windows 95/98 user! How can I install an Apple product on my machine?
A. Even though the QuickTime 4.0 plug-in is an Apple product, it is cross-platform. That means it can run on any type of computer. They have versions for both Windows and Macintosh computers. Click here for more information.
Q. I want to sign up for an Internet service provider but don't know which company to choose. How do I select one?
Click here for a listing of local and nationwide internet service providers. You can also find internet providers in the Yellow Pages under (Internet Services), or under (Telephone Companies). AT&T, MCI and other telephone companies may offer you a discount if you subscribe to their long-distance services, so be sure to ask.
Some internet providers offer free access but you have to put up with advertising banners on your computer display. Other companies charge a monthly service fee of approximately $10-$30 a month for unlimited access. In most cases, the fee is billed to your credit card, though other payment arrangements may be available. (Check with the provider for details.) The fee usually includes a free e-mail address and access software (if required). Make sure any service you choose has the following:
- - Local access number (Important! You don't want a long-distance charge every time you log on!)
- - Support for your type and speed of modem.
- - Toll-free customer service help line with real people answering the phone seven days a week.
- - Fast connections at any time of day. (You don't want to get a busy signal everytime you try to log on.)
Before selecting a company, We would recommend that you talk to a number of people who already have an Internet service provider and ask them how happy they are with their service. Do they have any problems connecting to the service? Do they get a lot of busy signals? Do they get disconnected? Are the rates reasonable? Is customer service adequate?
Beware of fly-by-night companies! It's best to pick a company (either local or national) that has been in business for a while and has an established track record. If you're unfamiliar with the company, it might not be a bad idea to check them out with the Better Business Bureau (887-4949). Keep in mind that the cheapest service may not necessarily be the best deal.
Q. How do I sign up for an free email account?
A. You can sign up for a free account at any of the various internet sites on the web. For a list of sites, click here.
Q. I have an older computer that doesn't meet the specifications listed on the (Required Equipment) page. But if I install a few upgrades, I still think I can do everything required for the course. Can't I use this computer?
No, We really can't recommend this. You could get into the course and run into all sorts of problems if your equipment doesn't meet the requirements. You might end up having to drop the course if you can't complete assignments. That could be very frustrating. You'll wind up losing money and wasting time. And, of course, the teacher won't make any special accommodations for you.
If you have older equipment and can't afford a new system, We would recommend that you use the equipment in the Student Technology Center. |
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