Online Orientation for Distance Education Students

Distance Education courses begin at 8am on the first day of each semester.

***If you register during the week classes begin, it will take at least 24 hours to process your information before you are able to view your course or utilize your email account.

Distance education students should be familiar with the items below. The information below covers application, registration, advising, class scheduling, books, payment/fees, minimum computer requirements and skills, and requirements for a Distance Education Student. Bookmark this page as future reference.

**Please note that students are strongly encouraged to attend the Face to Face orientations for Distance Education students held on campus in the Academic Skills Center. Please review the Distance Education Student Handbook to determine when Face to Face orientations sessions are held.

Read and explore each of the five modules below:

Module 1: Am I Ready For A distance learning Course?

Take the Distance Learning Quiz to see if online courses are right for you. (This quiz is provided by the University of Alaska.

Students sometimes discover the distance learning program at CCC and think, "Wow! This will be easy! I don't even have to go to class!"

This perception of Distance Learning is unrealistic. Because the requirements for self-discipline, persistence, and patience are intensified, distance learning courses are more challenging than traditional classroom-based courses.

If you have already taken a distance learning course at CCC, don't assume all other distance learning courses will use the same for software and processes for communicating and submitting assignments. CCC's distance learning courses reflect the college's commitment to innovation and creativity. Thus, you must be prepared to adapt to the course and software requirements of individual instructors. Distance Learning courses at CCC use Blackboard as the course management system.

If you can answer "yes" to all of the following questions, you are probably prepared to learn in a non-traditional, online environment. Sincerity is vital. Convincing yourself that your study habits are different than they actually are will not serve your best interests.

Are you willing and able to communicate with your instructor and classmates almost completely through writing? Writing assignments will probably include essays (long and short), e-mail, messages for course bulletin boards, and more.
Are you self-motivated and self-disciplined? Do you consistently finish projects and assignments when they are due?
Are you assertive? Do you seek help and find solutions when problems arise? Are you persistent in your requests for information? Do you seek information from a variety of sources and not just one person or office?
Do you tend to think through challenges and problems in order to devise a solution?
Do you have the self-discipline and the flexibility in your schedule to spend 15 hours per week on each course? Will you follow a routine and check your course e-mail, bulletin board, and web site daily?
Do you have access to a reliable computer and Internet connection?
Do you have the time and patience to learn to navigate unfamiliar web sites? Will you feel comfortable with the process of downloading and/or installing software? Will you have the time and motivation to learn to use software and software functions that are new to you, such as electronic bulletin boards, assignment drop boxes, and multi-media applications?

Module 2: Minimum Computer Skills

Start up a computer
Find and run software programs.
Organize, copy, paste, name and rename data files.
Operate a word processor, and save and organize the resulting documents.
Cut and paste information from one document to another, and from one program to another.
Access and browse the World Wide Web.
Send and receive e-mail, and attach data files to an e-mail.
Save attached files from an e-mail.
Download and save data files from a website.
Download and install computer software.
Navigate and post to a Web-based course bulletin board.
Use external storage devices such as USB drives and CDR's.

Module 3: Minimum Technical and Software Requirements

Computer: A PC running Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 or Mac with System 10.0 or higher. Computers with multimedia capabilities are preferred. CCC's Library and Academic Skills Center computers are suitable for most distance learning classes.
(Courses in the Information technology area, may utilize their labs for access to specific software. Contact your instructor for more information)
Internet Access: You will need to have an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). There are numerous companies that offer Internet access. DSL or Broadband connections are recommended.
An e-mail account: You must have a personal e-mail account registered in your name. You may not use an e-mail account shared by family or friends to conduct your distance learning correspondence. Many instructors require students to use the CCC e-mail account provided to you. Your CCC e-mail account will be registered in your name and is suitable for distance learning correspondence. CCC e-mail and is available on the first day of the semester.
Browser: Internet Explorer 8 or Firefox 3.6 or higher. Particular browser requirements might vary by instructor.
Plugins: You will need the current versions of the following plugins; Adobe Acrobat Reader, Shockwave WIN or MAC or Flash WIN or MAC, and a media player (Windows Media or Quicktime). You may download the free upgrades from each Highlighted link.
Word Processor: Microsoft Word 2003 or higher. If using a word processor other than MS Word, students must be able to convert files to MS Word format. Instructors may not accept MS Works, OpenOffice, StarOffice, WordPerfect, and other formats. Courses may require specific software in addition to what is listed above.

Module 4: How do I apply & register for a class - and then what's next?

Please make sure to read and explore each of the following pages:
- Select Online Application to apply online to CCC.
- Select Admissions procedures for additional information on Admission procedures.
- Select Tuition and Fees information for additional Tuition and Fees information.
- All students are strongly urged to register during the registration periods preceding the term they plan to enroll.
  (See Academic Calendar / Class Schedules for Registration Dates and Times.)
During registration, schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to register for classes. If you are unsure who your advisor is, you can stop by or contact Student Services at (252) 638-7227, the Havelock campus at (252) 444-6005 or the Cherry Point Branch Office at (252) 444-6000.
You and your advisor will plan your schedule for the upcoming semester. At this time, he/she will register you for your classes.
If you have an unpaid fine or an incomplete admissions file, you will be directed to the appropriate office to resolve this matter. Your advisor will complete your schedule on a Permit to Register form that you will take to the Office of Records and Registration where you will be registered for your classes.
If you wish to audit a class, your advisor will complete your schedule on a Permit to Register form that you will take to the Office of Records and Registration, Brock Administration Building, Room 106, where you will be registered for your classes.
After your schedule is entered into the computer, you will go to the Cashier's Window in the Brock Building to pick up your schedule and pay your tuition and fees. Payment of fees can be done via the phone and with a valid credit card at 252-638-7268.
Review the CCC courses currently available Craven Community College courses.
If you have a question regarding a particular class, contact the instructor via the Faculty and Staff Directory.
Once you are registered for a distance learning course, please read the Distance Education Student Handbook.
You can purchase textbooks online by visiting the Craven Community College Bookstore website.

Module 5: How do I login to my Blackboard Course?

You may log into your online courses on the first day of classes, view the Blackboard Login Tutorial if you are unfamiliar with the login process.

You must know your WebAdvisor username, if you do NOT know your WebAdvisor username view the WebAdvisor Username Tutorial.

Login into Blackboard by adding crav- in front of your WebAdvisor Username.

Module 6: The Distance Education Student Handbook

The Distance Education Student Handbook

Congratulations! You have completed the orientation!