Everything You Want To Know About Distance Education
What is Distance Education?
What are the benefits of Distance Education?
How do I know if Distance Education is right for me?
Are Distance Education courses “real” college courses?
Getting Started
How is Distance Education conducted at IVC?
Which degrees are offered through Distance Education?
When does the semester/term begin and end?
Where can I find key semester dates and the academic calendar?
Which online courses are available this semester?
Do I ever have to come to campus?
What can I do to prepare for the first distance class?
Can I take Distance Education courses and on-campus courses at the same time?
Will I have the same campus privileges as other students?
Will there be an advisor available to help me?
Where do I go for help?
Can I work at my own pace?
Admissions (Grades, Transcript, Registration)
Do I need to apply for admission?
How do I get my grades?
How do I get an official transcript?
Can I take the course on a credit/no credit basis instead of receiving a letter grade?
Technical Support
What type of technology will I need to take a Distance Education course?
What is Blackboard?
How do I access my class via Blackboard?
How do I access the course web site?
What is my PIN No.?
How do I access my IVC email account?
What is my IVC Email Username?
What is my IVC Email Password?
Can you just use my regular email account so I don’t have to bother with the IVC email account?
Can I use on campus computer labs?
Math Classes
What is CourseCompass?
Can I buy the class access code for math classes anywhere else but the IVC bookstore?
Do I have to buy a textbook for my math class since I will also be paying for a class access code?
Are the course ID, class ID, class or course access code the same thing for math classes?
Are MyMathLab and CourseCompass the same for math classes?
Financial Information (Financial Aid, Textbooks and Other Costs)
Where do I purchase textbooks for my Distance Education classes?
How much do Distance Education courses cost?
Can I get Financial Aid?
What is Distance Education?
Distance Education is the process of learning, researching, and interacting outside of a campus environment. In the past, instructional courses taken at a distance were considered “correspondence studies,” or “independent studies.” With the advent of computers and online communication, distance education has been elevated to new heights, enabling the teacher and student to communicate more effectively and efficiently.
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What are the benefits of Distance Education?
Taking classes online can expand your opportunities for professional advancement and a higher salary, or enable you to enter a new career field altogether. Many busy adults are discovering that working toward a degree is not as difficult as it once seemed. Distance education makes it possible for you to study at an educational institution that may not otherwise be accessible to you due to regional, physical, or time constraints. Distance education offers the convenience and flexibility of taking classes remotely, without visiting a campus. Online classes most often use the Internet, email, and online discussion technologies to deliver course content and promote student-teacher interaction.
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How do I know if Distance Education is right for me?
When considering whether to enter a distance education program, keep the following in mind:
Do you learn better independently or interactively?
How do you feel about learning through different media, such as the Internet?
What level of student-teacher interaction do you prefer?
Would you rather study/learn at home or in a classroom?
How much flexibility do you need in your schedule?
The individual learner who participates in a distance learning community . . .
is familiar with the Internet and has a minimum computer literacy about receiving/sending e-mails and surf the net.
is self-motivated
has higher expectations of themselves
is more self-disciplined
takes education seriously; and
takes responsibility in helping create a learning community. This is done by displaying the following characteristics:
- upholds honesty when working with others and in what is produced;
- expresses responsiveness to other’s needs;
- demonstrates respect to others - whether teacher or student; and
- exhibits a work ethic
Note: some math classes may also require students to install simple plug-ins.
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Are Distance Education courses “real” college courses?
Yes. Online courses carry the same college credits as other college courses. Best of all, web-based courses are fully accredited and look the same on your transcript as other college-credit classes. A college instructor grades your assignments and exams and is available should you need help. The college credits you earn can be applied to earning a degree.
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How is Distance Education conducted at IVC?
Distance Education at IVC is conducted on the Internet. The school uses a course management system called Blackboard. Students are added to a Blackboard course when they register for a distance education class. They are also assigned to an instructor for the duration of the class term (full or half semester). The class listing indicates how and where an initial orientation takes place. The students are required to attend that orientation session and get all the necessary information for them to start their studies.
Some classes and all Math classes use a different kind of system called MyMathLab or CourseCompass developed by Addison Wesley in a Blackboard skeleton. Students need to buy a class code from the bookstore to access these classes.
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Which degrees are offered through Distance Education?
None at present.
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When does the semester/term begin and end?
For specific dates, please see the Schedule of Classes. Note that Distance Education/Online courses follow the same semester start and end dates as courses on campus and have assignments due throughout the semester.
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Where can I find key semester dates and the academic calendar?
The academic calendar and key term dates are both located on the Distance Education web page.
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Which online courses are available this semester?
Please see the Schedule of Classes.
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Do I ever have to come to campus?
Individual course requirements differ, so it depends on the course. Most classes require on-campus orientations or testing. Contact your instructor for the specific requirements for your course.
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What can I do to prepare for the first distance class?
Make sure you read your class description carefully. Online classes at IVC require you to come in or have an orientation online. Times/dates and locations for orientations are listed under each class.
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Can I take Distance Education courses and on-campus courses at the same time?
Yes! In fact, many students find that distance education courses allow them to accelerate the progress they make toward earning their degree by enrolling in a combination of distance education and on-campus courses.
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Will I have the same campus privileges as other students?
Yes! All distance education students are welcome to use the college library, student support services and other campus resources.
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Will there be an advisor available to help me?
Certainly! Just got to http://www.ivc.edu/counseling/ a page found in our college web site and follow the directions to access on line educational counseling. You can always drop by the Counseling Office in the Student Services Center, second floor, room 210 or call them at (949) 451-5319 to set up an appointment.
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Where do I go for help?
For answers to course-related questions, email your course instructor. For technical help, contact the Technology Services Help Desk at (949) 451-5696, ivctech@ivc.edu.
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Can I work at my own pace?
It depends on your instructor. Some instructors allow you to work at your own pace, while others have a schedule you must adhere to.
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Do I need to apply for admission?
Yes. Students must be admitted to Irvine Valley College in order to register for Distance Education classes. You can apply through the college home page at: http://www.ivc.edu/ and then click on “How to Enroll.” The directions will lead you through the process of applying to the college and registering for classes.
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How do I get my grades?
Grades are available approximately ten days after the semester or summer term is completed through your MySite account. In fact, an entire unofficial transcript is available through your MySite account under My History.
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How do I get an official transcript?
Official transcripts are ordered through the Office of Admissions and Records. Through the college web site you would select Admissions or go directly to the following URL: http://www.ivc.edu/admissions/ and then select Grades, Transcripts and Verifications to get directions for having an official transcript made. The necessary request form is available online and can be faxed to the college for processing. Please follow the directions so you can be quickly served.
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Can I take the course on a credit/no credit basis instead of receiving a letter grade?
Yes, you need to sign up for the credit/no credit grading basis on line via MYSITE before the Cr/NC date for the semester.
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What type of technology will I need to take a Distance Education course?
Most distance education programs use the Internet, email, and online discussion technologies to deliver course content and promote student-teacher interaction. Therefore, the minimum requirement would be access to the Internet and a computer with the necessary software (word-processing, spreadsheet, anti-virus protection) to complete your course work. Check with your instructor for a list of the specific technology requirements.
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Recommended for courses using Blackboard:
Pentium, Power-Mac or faster
At least 32 MB of RAM; 64 MB preferred
Access to the internet (Service Provider)
Netscape 3.x or Internet Explorer 4.x
28,800 modem or faster recommended
An e-mail address
Working knowledge of computer skills, internet applications and ability to send and retrieve attachments
Recommended for courses using CourseCompass or MyMathLab for math classes:
CourseCompass is tested with and supports the following operating systems and browser configurations.
|
|
Operating Systems |
Browsers* |
|
PC |
Windows® 2000 |
Internet Explorer®, Version 6.0
Netscape® Navigator®, Version 7.0 |
|
Windows XP |
Internet Explorer, Version 6.0
Netscape Navigator, Version 7.0
Firefox 1.0.7 |
|
Mac
|
Macintosh® OS 9.2 |
Netscape Navigator, Version 7.0 |
|
Macintosh OS 10.1 |
Netscape Navigator, Version 7.0 |
|
Macintosh OS 10.2.x |
Netscape Navigator, Version 7.0 |
|
Macintosh OS 10.3.x |
Netscape Navigator, Version 7.0
Firefox 1.0.7
Safari 1.2 |
*If you have earlier versions of these browsers, you can download a newer version from the appropriate manufacturer’s website:
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What is Blackboard?
Blackboard™ is an Internet educational delivery platform that provides students with an online learning community. Students are able to download course content (including: articles, streaming audio and video, and presentations) and interact with their professors and classmates through the discussion board (similar to Internet news groups) and the chat / virtual classroom (similar to online chat rooms). Work through the Blackboard Tutorials for more information.
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How do I access my class via Blackboard?
You will use
http://socccd.blackboard.com/
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How do I access the course web site?
You can log onto your IVC web page by going to http://www.ivc.edu and clicking on Blackboard. Then log in with your username (flastname#) and your email password (pin number followed by zero zero). There is a link to the orientation for blackboard on the sign-in page if you need it.
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What is my PIN No.?
Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) was assigned when you applied to IVC. If you applied on line, you were asked to create your own 4-digit pin number and to keep it in a safe place. If you applied in person on campus, sometimes the last 4 digits of your social security number are assigned as your PIN number. That is the same number you use to register by phone or online. If you do not know it, you must come to the Admissions office to ask for it in person.
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How do I access my IVC email account?
Point your browser to http://www.ivc.edu and log onto MY SITE Click on the link to EMAIL, then Web Mail, and log in. Web mail can be accessed from any computer any time, but you will be required the first time you use it to read a couple of pages of instructions and pass a little on-line quiz. Once you have successfully completed the quiz, you can access your college email account by clicking the link to WEB EMAIL. You will have to log in separately to the email system with your username (flastname#) and your email password (usually your pin number followed by zero zero). This will be covered in detail during the orientation.
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What is my IVC Email Username?
Your username is the first initial of your first name followed by your last name (up to 10 digits) following by a number, usually zero or one. It’s also the left portion of your IVC email address. Some of your registration materials list your email address or your instructor can tell you your username as well.
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What is my IVC Email Password?
That is hard to say since they are strictly confidential, but usually your email password is your PIN number followed by zero zero, unless you’ve changed it at some point in the past. The only way to find out your password if you forget it is to check with IVC tech services.
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Can you just use my regular email account so I don’t have to bother with the IVC email account?
It is best to use your IVC email account, but you can forward your IVC email to your home account if you wish. You can enter the forwarding instruction at http://www.ivc.edu then click on MYSITE, log in, and choose EMAIL, Web Mail, Options and Settings. You will see a box where you can type in your forwarding address. Once you click “save changes,” that instruction remains in effect as long as you continue taking classes at the college.
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Can I use on campus computer labs?
Yes, you are welcome to visit the on-campus computer labs any time they are open for as long as you wish. There is a computer lab in Room B353 and another in the Library.
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What is CourseCompass?
CourseCompass is an Internet educational delivery platform developed by Addison Wesley, with partnership with Blackboard, ideal for math classes. For more information on the cost please access: http://www.coursecompass.com/ and take a tour.
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Can I buy the class access code for math classes anywhere else but the IVC bookstore?
Yes. You can buy it online from: http://www.coursecompass.com/website/student_register.html. You will need a class ID or course ID from your instructor (different than the ticket number) to complete the purchase.
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Do I have to buy a textbook for my math class since I will also be paying for a class access code?
No. Your book will be online “free” of charge when you buy the access code and it is only a fraction of the book even if you bought it “used”. Also the CourseCompass class access code is free of charge if you buy the book “new” from our bookstore.
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Are the course ID, class ID, class or course access code the same thing for math classes?
Yes. They are used interchangeably in different places. That ID or code is provided by your instructor.
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Are MyMathLab and CourseCompass the same for math classes?
Practically yes. You will be able to access your class from either site.
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Where do I purchase textbooks for my Distance Education classes?
Textbooks can be purchased online at the IVC Bookstore.
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How much do Distance Education courses cost?
Enrollment fees for distance education are the same as for regular classes. There are distinct cost savings associated with taking classes online, as there is no need to commute to attend your classes. There are, however, several things to keep in mind when determining how much your online classes will cost. A sample list of costs for taking distance courses student may include:
- Enrollment fees
- Books and/or class materials
- Class access code to access math classes in CourseCompass
- Computer
- Internet service provider or DSL
- Software (word-processing, spreadsheet, anti-virus)
- Hardware and computer peripherals (printer, webcam, CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, scanner)
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Can I get financial aid?
Yes, you may be able to qualify for financial aid. For more information, you can look over the Financial Aid Office web page at: http://www.ivc.edu/finaid/ or stop by their office in the Student Services Center, room 120. They can also be reached by phone at: (949) 451-5287.
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Good luck with your web-based courses…where learning begins on your time!