FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What classes does CCV offer online?

Q: How do I review online course materials before I register?

Q: How do I register?

Q: How do I access my online courses?

Q: How will I know when my online classes start?

Q: Where do I purchase textbooks for my online courses?

Q: What kind of email service will I need? Why is my email address so important?

Q: What kind of computer hardware, software, and Internet connection will I need to take a class online?

Q: What computer skills will I need?

Q: How can I learn how to use Blackboard?

Q: How can I learn more about online classes?

Q: What classes does CCV offer online?

A: CCV offers a wide range of classes online and hybrid (a mixture of online and face-to-face meetings) classes. The summer schedule will be posted on this website by March 10.

Q: How do I review online course materials before I register?

A: You can review course descriptions, learning objectives, and text information for online courses on the CCV portal at https://blackboard.vsc.edu. When you arrive at the welcome page, you can navigate to the CCV course list by clicking on the Courses/Catalog tab at the top of the page; you can search or browse by subject and semester. To enter a specific course, simply click on its title.

Q: How do I register?

A: For details on registration, click HERE

Q: How do I access my online courses?

A: 1) Go to the CCV Portal (Blackboard).

2) Enter your Username. If you don't know your Username, click on "What's My Username" on the left hand side of the Blackboard website.

3) Enter your Password. (By default your password is your 3 initials, the same initials as your user name, plus the last four digits of your social security number).

4) Click Login.

If you are still having trouble logging in, submit a helpdesk request.

Q:How will I know when my online classes start?

A: Most summer classes will begin Tuesday, May 27. Before classes start, you will receive two e-mail messages from CCV's Online Learning office. The first is a test to find incorrect addresses; the second will contain directions for logging in. If you do not receive an e-mail by the first day of class, you should contact the Office of Online Learning immediately, either by phone (802) 334-4451, (802) 334-4319; or by e-mail to morins@ccv.edu, corrows@ccv.edu, or support@ccv.edu.

Q:Where do I purchase textbooks for my online courses?

A: Order texts online at CCV bookstore the sanctioned source for all text purchases for CCV's online learning courses.

You can also order your texts by phone- 800.274.9104 or fax- 800.274.9105

If you choose to order your texts from a different vendor, the Office of Online Learning will be unable to intervene should you have problems with your order. For more information contact Sarah Corrow at 334-4319 or corrows@ccv.vsc.edu

Q: What kind of email service will I need? Why is my email address so important?

A: On or before the first week of classes, initial course instructions are sent to the email address you provided when you registered. In addition, your instructor and other students in your class may contact you via email. It is therefore essential that this email address is current and correct and that the email service you are using is reliable (Some free email services, like Hotmail, are unreliable and so may not be the best choice for online classes). To check your email address is current

• Log onto the portal
  
• Click on “ Personal Information” on the left
  
• Click on “Edit Personal Information”
• Once you have checked and made any necessary changes to your email address, click “submit”.

Q: What kind of computer hardware, software, and Internet connection will I need to take a class online?

A: To be successful in an online class you will need the following:

• A recent model Pentium that runs Windows ’98, NT or a Mac running OSX or better, and a modem that runs 33.6 or faster.
• Access to the Internet through Earthlink, ValleyNet, or another reliable and reputable Internet service provider (ISP), and
• a current version of a Web browser such as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer Safari, Firefox, Mozilla or Opera, that is Java enabled.

For most classes you will also need word processing software such as Microsoft Word. Other classes, like computer applications classes, programming classes or graphic design classes may require additional software.
Software & hardware requirements

Q: What computer skills will I need?

A: Experience accessing and navigating the internet, composing and sending email, uploading and downloading files, composing documents, and cutting, copying, and pasting text. It is also important to attend a free Online Learning Workshop at your local site office or online.

Q: What kind of learning strategies works best in online courses?

A: As in any class, you will have projects to complete and deadlines to meet in your online class. However, unlike face-to-face classes, you won't have anyone tapping you on the shoulder to remind you about deadlines. It’s therefore important to read all of the information provided in your course site at the start of the semester. If you have questions, email your instructor immediately. Once you have a clear understanding of the course requirements, plan—and stick to—a weekly schedule that will help you to meet all necessary deadlines. This schedule should include time to work independently on assigned readings, papers, quizzes and projects, and time for logging on and participating in written discussions. As a general rule, plan to be online and participating in discussions at least 3 times per week.

Q: Whom should I contact for technical or academic support?

A: Click on the student support link for a list of contact personnel.

Q: How can I learn how to use Blackboard?

A: The easiest way to learn how to use Blackboard is to sign up for a free Online Learning Workshop at your local CCV site office before the semester begins. You can also take a look at our Blackboard tutorials on the web.

Q: How can I learn more about online classes?

1. Test your readiness for online classes by taking our interactive quiz.

2. Sign up for a free Online Learning Workshop at your local CCV site office.

3. Email an academic coordinatoror call (802) 334-4451.