During the first week of class, pay attention to what the teacher requires you to do. Some classes require you to take a certain action by a deadline, or they will drop you.
Accessing your online class
Check the Distance Learning website to see when your online class will start, and also for more information about the class including teacher e-mail and website.
Some classes will allow you to access their class before the class actually starts. However, they are not required to have the class available to you until the very first day that the semester begins. If you cannot access the class, please wait to contact the teacher about it until the day that classes are scheduled to begin.
Crashing Online Courses
A "closed" course is one that has reached maximum enrollment. Students may not add closed courses without instructor consent. All online courses have the same enrollment limits as the equivalent "traditional" sections.
To try crashing a closed online course, follow these steps:
- BEFORE classes begin, consider enrolling in a "traditional" section of the course if the online section you wish to add is closed. You should also talk to a counselor about other courses that meet your needs and requirements. Check the CyberCosta web site to see if the instructor has posted information or instructions for crashing.
- BEFORE classes begin, check enrollment on SURF daily because space may develop before the first day. You may be able to add yourself through SURF if there is space. DO NOT email or call the instructor before the first day of classes because you may not receive a response.
- AFTER classes begin, email the instructor at his/her correct email address for permission to add. Include your full name, your SURF ID, and the specific course you'd like to crash. If there is space and the instructor consents, you will receive a prompt email response with permission to add. Print the entire email and visit A&R (in person) before the enrollment deadline. Instructors cannot process student enrollments.
Testing Tips
Before taking a test/quiz online there are a few precautions you must make before beginning. Ensure the following:
- Pop-up blocker disabled or on the safe list. Details
- Ensure that there are no other windows in the background.
- All other programs are turned off. That includes Instant Messengers and e-mail.
- Set aside enough time for the test/quiz.
- Let anyone in your household know that you are taking a quiz and that you need some time without disturbances to finish it.
Pop-up Blockers
When taking a quiz/tests pop-ups are on the top of the list for causing problems. Before taking any test/quiz ensure that you have the pop-up blocker either disabled or have the website on your safe list. Disabling pop-up blocker instructions (Internet explorer WinXP sp2)
Online connections (Wi-Fi Network) interconnectivity
If you have an wireless internet connection at home it is possible that your connection could periodically drop and come back. If you are taking a quiz or test, it is best to connect using a wire to ensure that you won’t get disconnected and locked out of the quiz/test.
Plugins
Some classes require certain Plugins. Please test your browser to see if you have all of the required Plugins. And view the plugging list to see if you may be missing any.
Technical knowledge
Before contacting your instructor regarding technical problems please visit the Student Help Desk website. We offer an FAQ database, Tutorials, and a Browser requirement database to help aide in fixing the problem.
System downtimes
Periodically there are updates to the online class programs. To check for upcoming downtimes go to System Status on the Student Help Desk website.
Computer literacy
It is the student's responsibility to be technologically capable to take an online course, i.e. you should be computer literate and Internet experienced! Check to see if you're ready for online learning.
Instructors are responsible for teaching course curriculum - not how to use your home computer.
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