I Just Signed Up for an Online Course - Now What?

What is an online course? An online course is a recognized college credit course delivered to the student completely over the web. By accessing a password protected web site the student receives directions for proceeding through the course and is able to communicate with the instructor and other students in the course.

What do I do after I register? You should visit your instructor's web page by going to the Distance Courses Course link. Also visit the Student Services link for information about taking and succeeding in a distance education course.

Instructor's Web Page. To access your instructor's Web page, go to http://www.ccp.edu/de/ and click on Faculty. This link will give you the list of instructors. Please click on the name of the instructor teaching your course, choose the course(s) you are registered for and this will give you the syllabus, instructor contact information and required textbook.

Student Services link, here you will find information on support services, academic calendar, library access, learning labs, counseling etc. These support services will help students succeed in their online courses.

How and when to login and start the course. Student access to their courses becomes available on the first day of the semester. Login information is available in the How to Login to WebStudy link on the Distance Education homepage.

Books. A listing of required and supplemental texts is available in your instructor's syllabus on their web pages. You may purchase them at the College Bookstore. or order online and be ready to begin the course on day one. If you have any questions, email the instructor.

Email your Instructor. It is best to send an email to your instructor just to introduce yourself and let them know that you have signed up for their course. That way, if they have any additional material to send you, they will now have your email address. In most cases you should look at your instructor’s web page first for introductory materials (syllabus, meeting dates, books, assignments, etc.).

If you register late. At the end of the first week, class lists will be reviewed, students who do not belong there will be removed.

Is it easier than a regular course? No. In fact it may be harder in some ways. It requires the student to have the self-discipline to keep up with the work, completing assignments and turning them in on time. If you fall behind, there will be no time to catch up. A good estimate of time spent on coursework is an average of about 12 hours (9 to 14 hours is a realistic range) per week in most cases if you expect to succeed. If you do not log in and turn in assignments, your instructor may drop you from the course just like an in-class course.

Do I need to be at my computer on specific days and times instead of attending a regular class? No - not usually. Most internet-based courses give students a series of assignments and deadlines that students accomplish at a flexible pace (but not self-paced -- you must meet your deadlines).

How about testing? Some instructors hold meetings at scheduled times for exams while others do their testing entirely online. Check the meeting schedule online to see what your instructor does. If you cannot make a scheduled meeting, then communicate with your instructor in advance to make other arrangements.

Is my home computer powerful enough to handle an online course? Please refer to instructor's syllabus for any additional software requirements.

What if I still have questions? If you still have questions related to registration please call 215-751-8010. If you questions are about academic advising please contact Advising Office at 215-751-8777 or email advising@ccp.edu. All other Distance Education concerns should be directed to distance_ed@ccp.edu.