Getting Started

1. What are these online courses all about?
   Courses taken via the Web at Santa Rosa Junior College are nearly identical to the same courses taught in a more familiar classroom setting, but they are delivered over the Internet using educational webpages, online tests and exercises, email, and other Net-based tools and resources.
   
   
2. What do I need in order to take an online course?
   Not much, really. You just need reliable access to a computer and an Internet connection (with, for example, a local ISP such as Sonic.net or a commercial service such as AOL) including a reliable email account. For a fuller explanation of what you need and what you need to know, visit our Online Requirements page.
   
   
3. Can I use a computer on campus to take an online course?
   Yes. With a validated student ID you should be able to use SRJC computer labs. You need to check hours of availability with each lab.
   
   
4. How do I know if I'm ready for an online course?
   If you have already done some Web surfing and know how to send and receive email, then you're probably ready. Of course, you'll also need some self-discipline to stick with an online course, and a little pioneering spirit can't hurt. You might want to take a useful little Self-Assessment Quiz to help gauge how ready you are.
   
   
5. How do I get into an online course?
   It's necessary first to enroll at SRJC and register for the online section of a particular course. When the semester begins, find your class homepage via the course directory. Many online courses will then require you to check in online to receive your class username, password, and further information; see your class homepage or consult with your instructor to see if you need to do this.

Class Structure, Routine, and Communication

1. How are the classes actually conducted?
   The instructor will typically give reading assignments (on the Web, in textbooks, or both), provide further explanatory "lecture notes" online, call for discussion on the class Mailing List, answer any questions raised during the discussion, and then administer an online exercise or quiz. Then the class moves on to the next topic.
   
   
2. How will I communicate with the instructor and other students?
   Your instructor will provide you with his or her email account for direct communication and might also hold "virtual" office hours via online chat. You can also phone or visit his or her campus office. You'll communicate with other students (and the instructor) through the class Mailing List and/or Message Board.
   
   
3. What about tests and exercises?
   Most online classes include exercises, tests, and even final exams on webpages. These are completed online and submitted to your instructor with the click of button. After being corrected and graded, they are emailed back to you. Some online classes require you attend proctored exams on campus.
   
   
4. What are the class deadlines?
   The instructor sets the pace and deadlines for each class. Some are very flexible and self-paced, others are held to a more structured approach. Check your class webpages or consult with your instructor.
   
   
5. How will class participation be handled?
   This varies from class to class, but most instructors will require certain amounts of online participation, especially in the discussions on the class Mailing List. Again, check your class webpages or consult with your instructor.
   
   
6. Do the online courses ever meet in person?
   It depends on the class. Some never meet in person at all, some have an optional class meeting, and some require your presence at one or more classroom sessions.

Email

1. If I'm using the campus computer labs, how can I do the class email?
   If you are a registered SRJC student, you can request an SRJC student account, or you can get a free Web-based email account from a variety of online sources.
   
   
2. Suppose I change my email address?
   Please notify your instructor at once so your subscription to the class Mailing List can be updated.
   
   
3. What happens if I have more than one email account?
   You can choose to have your class email delivered to as many addresses as you want. Just notify your instructor which account(s) you want to use.
   
   
4. Can I get an email virus from an online course?
   Classes conducted using our courseware management systems utilize web-based messaging which cannot transmit viruses. Nevertheless, every computer connected to the Internet should be protected by an anti-virus program, and users should always practice safe computing, especially when taking an online class.

Passwords

1. How do I get a password to see all the class webpages?
   Not all online classes require passwords. For those that do, after you've registered at SRJC and enrolled in the online class, when the class actually begins you need to use the check-in webpage to submit your name and email address and pick a username and password so that the instructor knows you are "present" and ready to begin the class. Within one or two working days, the instructor will then accept you into class, activate your username and password, and send you a welcoming email message to remind you of your password.
   
   
2. Once I have my password, what do I do?
   When you've checked in and your username and password have been activated by your instructor, you'll also get a reminder about the location of your class webpages. You should go there as soon as possible with your web browser, test your password, and bookmark the class homepage.
   
   
3. Suppose my password doesn't work?
   Re-read the email message in which your password was delivered and make sure you're entering it exactly as given to you.
   
   
4. Suppose it still doesn't work?
   Try our password reminder page. If it still doesn't work, check with your instructor.