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"Frequently Asked Questions":

In regards to technology, what do I need to succeed in an online course?

Students need access to a computer and access to the Internet.  Students MUST have moderate computer experience - including the ability to submit and retrieve assignments and other course materials, the ability to send and receive e-mail with or without attachments, the ability to download files, the ability to work in a Windows environment, and the ability to effectively navigate the World Wide Web.  Online instructors will not be teaching technology skills.  Above all, students need self-discipline and the motivation to succeed.

What personal skills do I need to succeed in an online course?

  • It is critical that you feel comfortable expressing yourself in writing.  In an online course nearly all of the communication will be written.
  • You are expected to be able to read, interpret the material, and complete the coursework with minimal supervision and direction.  
  • You must enjoy working independently, be self-motivated, and have good time management skills. 
  • You must be comfortable with asking questions or expressing difficulties as you have them or the instructor will be left to assume that you are progressing without difficulty.

Are online courses difficult?

Online courses are not developed to be easier or more difficult than a traditional lecture style classes.  But depending on your learning style, an online class could be considered to be somewhat easier or more difficult. There are no lectures and therefore you are responsible for learning the material on your own.  You will be required to answer questions that in a lecture class would be part of the discussion.  Even though online classes are flexible by nature, it is important to keep up with the timetable in the course syllabus.  Online classes begin the first day of each semester. Most online classes have assignment/exam/quiz cut-off dates and work completed after such dates is not accepted.   If you fail to make satisfactory progress, the instructor has the right to drop you from the course (refer to the CSC catalog sections entitled "Grades" and "Withdrawal from Courses.")

When does my class meet?

…Technically, although there may not be traditional class times, getting started the first week and keeping up with the recommended time schedule is critical. For the most part, online courses are conducted "asynchronously" which means students and instructors take turns discussing class material in a back and forth manner. Most instructors require frequent participation online.  You can log onto the system whenever it is convenient for you - any time, day, or night, to retrieve and/or send course information.  Some courses may have a "synchronous" component, where students and the instructor communicate in "real time."  Synchronous, or real time communication, requires designated sign-on times to allow for on-line, simultaneous classroom dialogue among students and/or the instructor.

I worry that I'll miss the face-to-face contact of a classroom.  Will I be able to communicate sufficiently with the instructor or other students?

…A lot of people mistakenly assume that they will feel isolated in an online course.  To their surprise, most students find that online courses actually provide a high degree of personal contact.  Not only will you and your instructor communicate directly, everyone in the class will be involved in many group and individual discussions.  Far from being an impediment to communication, the online format facilitates and enhances it in ways that would be impossible in other situations.

Can I still use traditional methods of contact to communicate with my instructor?

…By all means, if possible, schedule a face-to-face appointment with the instructor.   Contacts via telephone calls, US or campus mail, or fax are always welcome if a personal visit is not possible.

How do I take my exams for the course?

…Some courses will have exams offered over the Internet; however, some courses will mandate proctored exams that must be proctored at a designated test site. Proctored exams may be scheduled by contacting the designated test proctor at your local campus.  At the Galesburg Campus, contact Mitch Ray (mray@sandburg.edu or (309) 341-5323).  At the Bushnell campus, contact Julie Ford (jford@sandburg.edu or (309) 772-2177).  At the Carthage campus, contact Linda Thomas (lthomas@sandburg.edu) or (217) 357-3129 ext. 7244.

What happens if the Internet is down?
…Technology is great when it is running smoothly; however, you should prepare and plan for technology glitches. If the Internet is not working, try logging on again. It may be down only for a short period. If it is down for more than a day and there is a quiz or online activity scheduled, the quiz or activity will resume on the next weekday that the system is operating.

What do I do if my computer is not working?
…You can still access the class by using any computer that is online. The computers at CSC or the public library are for your use.  If you do not have computer access at a critical time, contact the instructor via telephone and let him or her know your situation.
I get an error message asking me if I would like to "keep on executing script". What should I do?
…If you get an error message asking you whether or not you would like to keep executing script, respond "yes." Using Internet Explorer as a browser may be the cause. WebCT seems to run the best on Netscape. To avoid this message, run WebCT on Netscape.

What if I have trouble with the technology? How do I get assistance?

… You can contact the Galesburg campus help desk.  The Help Desk is open between 8am and 9pm Monday through Thursday and 8am and 5pm on Fridays during spring and fall semesters and between 8am and 4pm during summer semesters. The Help Desk can be reached at 1-877-236-1862 - ext. 5446 or e-mailed at - help@sandburg.edu.  Answers to frequently asked questions can be found at the Help Desk website at: http://help.sandburg.edu/

What if I need help with the course content?

… Internet courses with section numbers of 155 can go to the BCT lab in B009 on the Galesburg campus.  Instructors are present in the lab and can offer assistance.  Students in internet courses with section numbers of 151 will need to request assistance from their instructor or request tutoring services through the Student Support Center.  Call Carol Crouch for eligibility requirements (309) 341-5262. Or e-mail her at ccrouch@sandburg.edu .