Welcome to ACCT101 Online!

Online classes offer you the flexibility of “attending” class any time of the day.

HOWEVER…

Online students need to be independent learners, self-starters and extremely motivated individuals. Be prepared to set aside approximately ten hours each week for studies related to this course. You will need a reliable computer with access to the Internet, and you must understand that you will be working online for long periods of time. The computers at the HUB are available and have the necessary hardware and software for this course.

Before enrolling in this or any online course, you should go to the following website, http://www.miracosta.cc.ca.us/Instruction/DistanceEducation.  After clicking on Getting Started, under Get Ready, click on “Test your potential as an online student.”  This should help you make a decision whether or not an online course is right for you.  Many students mistakenly think online courses are easier and will take less time, which is not true.  To be successful as an online student, you need to possess the self-motivation required to keep up with the class on a daily basis, without the face-to-face contact and reminders that happen in an on-campus class. After you enroll, log onto Blackboard (BB) at: https://blackboard.miracosta.edu  and enter your Surf I.D. and password. Then, enter my class.  You may not be able to log on immediately, as the system upload students to BB twice a day, and not on weekend.

As stated above, students who sign up for an online course must have regular access to a reliable, working computer that has the necessary hardware/software/browsers and has reliable internet access. Students must “attend class” by going on Blackboard (or selected course management system) regularly (at least 3 days per week) to work on homework assignments, check announcements, check the discussion board, check the schedule, take any quizzes or tests, etc. Not being able to connect at home for some reason is not an acceptable excuse for not going online. If something comes up at home that prevents computer or online access, the student must find another way to get online by finding an acceptable computer.  This may mean coming to campus or your local Kinko’s or public library if you are not located within MiraCosta’s service area.

Students will read and/or watch video lessons/lectures/examples online—the online book may be printed and read offline as well.  The student may purchase the full printed textbook or videos.  The student must do homework problems online, and take quizzes and/or tests online.  There is a significant amount of homework that must be done online.  For each problem, if needed, a student can click on a link that gives hints for solving it, or may view an example step by step, is often able to watch a video example, may click on the textbook pages pertinent to the problem for more instruction, be able to email the instructor (me) a question, or print the problem.

This class is NOT self-paced. 

During the semester, I check my email and the Discussion Board frequently, and will reply within 48 hours during spring and fall, unless it is over the weekend or a holiday. Usually, I respond much quicker than that—sometimes within minutes or in the middle of the night; it all depends when I am online.   But please do not expect me to get back to you immediately. If you need an immediate response use the Discussion Board.  Make sure you keep up with the material, and ask questions as they arise.  If you wait until the last minute to ask for help, it may be too late. For instance, if a quiz is to be taken by Monday, you should ask questions by the previous Wednesday or Thursday to make sure I have plenty of time to respond.

I look forward to “seeing” you online!

Christina Hata (and please feel free to call me Christina)