Online Learning       

Do you have limited time to attend class? Have you completed the Learning Online Readiness Inventory to assess your chances of success online? If online learning is right for you then the distance learning courses at Asnuntuck Community College will offer you an opportunity to complete a course within the comforts of your home. Online courses at Asnuntuck are presented using a powerful internet-based course management system, Blackboard Vista. All courses are fully accredited by state, regional, and national organizations.

Students need to have access to the Internet and a web browser. Students may use a personal
internet service provider or the college computer labs during posted lab hours. Online students
have access to all college support services, including academic tutoring and help using Blackboard
Vista. Keep reading to find out how distance learning at Asnuntuck works and if it's right for you.

Considering an Online Course or Using Blackboard in Your On Ground Class?

	Take the Learning Online Readiness Inventory to find out if you are ready for distance learning.
	FIREFOX 3 is not compatible with our version of Blackboard Vista! Click to download Firefox 2.0. Make sure your computer has a supported web browser and that JAVA is installed. JAVA enables many Blackboard Vista tools.
	Need JAVA? Click here, pick Save, download to desktop, right-click folder to unzip, and follow directions in .pdf. Delete folders on desktop when finished.
	Check your bandwidth to make sure you have sufficient internet speed. A connection of 300kbps or higher is recommended by Blackboard. Dial-up is not recommended.
	Ready to jump in? Check our online course availability. Register early!

What to Do and Expect After You Register for an Online Course

	EXPECT an automated email from "Asnuntuck Community College Distance Learning" with course information and login directions. Depending on the date you registered your email could arrive as early as 3-4 weeks before semester start. If you register shortly before classes begin your email will arrive the next day.
	View sample email notice.
	Didn't get an email? Update your email address how-to.
	DO test your login TWO WEEKS before semester start. It's your responsibility to be ready for class. Your instructor will not contact you.   DO read, print, or download "Getting to Your Online Course."
	New Students: Learn how to use your NetID and Password to login.
	DO read the course Syllabus or instructor's Welcome letter posted in Blackboard Vista to help prepare you for the semester ahead. DO check out the Vista Orientation course. Don't see it listed in "My Blackboard"? Contact Katie O'Connell: 860.253.3019 or koconnell@acc.commnet.edu
	Important! Get a web browser tune-up to check your pop-up blockers then click the myCommNet image below to login. Inside myCommNet click the Student tab.
	Can't get to Blackboard Vista? Are you getting a blank page when you click any of the Blackboard Vista links in myCommNet? Check pop-up settings. Even if you changed settings in IE you could have hidden toolbars that prevent Blackboard Vista from appearing. Google, Yahoo, and AOL are popular toolbars that also block pop-ups. To check if you have them installed click View-Toolbars. Click on the toolbar name to show them and change their pop-up settings. Find more help here.
	No courses showing in Blackboard Vista? Check the calendar. Courses don't show until 2 weeks prior to semester start. If the date is within the 2 weeks prior to classes starting and you still see no courses listed, contact: koconnell@acc.commnet.edu or call 860.253.3109.
	DO get textbooks, if needed. Shop 24/7 @ http://www.efollett.com Call the bookstore at 860.253.3186 for on-campus hours.
	Need software? Through agreements with Microsoft and other vendors, such as Adobe, we are able to offer several products at substantial discounts to students, faculty, and staff. Purchase Microsoft Office Pro 2007 for only $84.98. Go to www.JourneyEd.com/Select or call 800.874.9001.

 

Be Successful in Your Online Course

	Go the Blackboard Tutorials page to find a Blackboard Orientation session on campus or view tutorials at your own pace.
	The Academic Skills Center offers tutoring in many subjects and can help with papers or other writing assignments.
	Online tutoring is available at etutoring.org. To register click "Northeast eTutoring Consortium" and select Asnuntuck Community College at the etotoring.org homepage.
	Bookmark the Blackboard Outages link at left to keep up with maintenance downtimes. There will be times that your online course will be inaccessible. Knowing outage periods beforehand will help you plan! Reminders about outages will also be placed in myCommNet.
	Get assistance with Blackboard questions or problems.
	Need to use a campus computer? Check the Computer Lab schedule. Lab 131 is the Open Lab and is equipped with state of the art software, printers, and a scanner.

For more information about online learning, please contact:

Katie O'Connell

Director of Educational Technology

860.253.3109 or koconnell@acc.commnet.edu.