- How do I take an online course?
At QCC taking an online course is as simple as logging onto the Internet and starting up your browser. The online course is paced and delivered from the World Wide Web to your home system at anytime of the day or night. Online materials are integrated with textbook assignments and an online conferencing system to provide for group discussion. Most of our online courses will require 2 to 4 class meetings at QCC for purposes of real-time discussion and testing.
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- What do I need for computer equipment?
Minimum Standards for Technology
- Pentium or PowerPC
- 32 Mb RAM (64 Mb recommended)
- CD ROM
- 28.8 Mhz Modem (56.6 Kbps recommended)
- Printer
- Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher (IE 5.0 is recommended. Download from Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/ie/index.htm)
- Microsoft Office 2000 or higher (Available at the QCC Bookstore at http://bookstore.qcc.mass.edu)
- NOTE: Students enrolled in CIS111, CIS112 or CIS115 will need Microsoft Office XP
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- What kind of commitment is required of me as an Online Student?
- You need to be a disciplined self motivated learner.
- You will need to devote 10 to 15 hours per week for a 3 credit course.
- You will need to be able to follow written directions.
- Take our Self Assessment Survey to see if Online Learning may be for you.
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- How do I know if Online Learning is right for me?
Take our online quiz to see if Online Learning is a good match for you.
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- How do I register for a course?
Take a look at our Easy Steps to Register page and follow the steps to register for a course.
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- I've registered for an online course, what is my next step?
Online courses are NOT available until the first day of classes. Prior to the first day of class you will receive a communication containing your course details, Virtual Classroom login information, Student Email login information, computer system requirements and Helpdesk procedures.
After the first day of classes new student account setup takes place within 24 hours of registration. At this time, letters are generated and 'snail-mailed' to your home address.
If you have any further questions or have not received your letter contact the helpdesk at help@qcc.mass.edu or (508) 854-4427.
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- How do I Access the Virtual Classroom?
You will be accessing your online course through our ?Virtual Classroom? at http://online.qcc.mass.edu. To do this we have generated a username and password unique to you. Access will be available on the first day of classes. To take part in this course you will need a computer with Internet access operating Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher.
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- How do I Access technical support?
Technical support for students enrolled in an online course is provided through the QCCNet Helpdesk. Support is available by telephone, voicemail, email, webform, and FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). Phone support is available from 8:00 AM through 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. Voicemail, email and webforms are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The QCCNet Helpdesk can only offer technical assistance relating to the use of the Virtual Classroom environment. We may not always have the answer and there may not always be a live body at the other end of the phone, but all questions are usually answered within a 24 hour period.
Questions referring to the interpretation of course content and course activities should be directed to your instructor for clarification.
NOTE: Please remember technical support is limited to use of the Virtual Classroom environment, we cannot assist with general home computing questions.
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- Will I be able to access the Virtual Classroom using AOL?
Yes and no. If you are an AOL subscriber we have the following recommendations:
- Install Microsoft Internet Explorer or higher. (Click here to Download Internet Explorer).
- Obtain a free pop3 email account from the Harrington Academic Computing Center.
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- Will I be able to Access the Virtual Classroom with a Macintosh?
The virtual classroom is accessible to the Macintosh. However, there may be some small quirks that you will have to live with. As they occur we will post these quirks with the work-Around to get you through.
- The Class Mailbox doesn't Function properly with the Macintosh.
Work Around: Go directly to the email server http://bacon.qcc.mass.edu:8100/pronto/ to access the student Webmail system directly.
- Occasionally page misalignments will occur with Macintosh display.
Work Around: This should not be a problem. All the information is displayed it just may look ugly.
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- My question is not listed.
If you have a question that was not answered in the FAQ, visit our Contact Us page to find out how to contact the approperiate department.
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