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Volunteer State Community College

       
    Distance Learning at Volunteer State
 

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Welcome to ENGL1010 - English Composition I
Kimberly Hibbard, Instructor

 

Familiarize yourself with these requirements in order to maximize your opportunity for success in your distance learning course. After you review the course orientation, you can begin working with your distance learning course content on the first day of classes.
 

Click on any of the questions below:

Does this course cost the same as a regular course?

Tuition and other fees are the same as a regular course.  However, you may incur extra costs if you need to update or purchase a computer, software, or internet connection.

Does this course count the same as a regular course?

Yes.

Does this course transfer?

Yes, but students should check the catalog, as with any other course.  You may also wish to consult your advisor.

How can I contact my professor?

Once the course begins, the most efficient way to contact me is through the e-mail function of the course. In addition, you can also reach me during the week at 452-8600 ext. 3398 or e-mail me at kimberly.hibbard@volstate.edu.  As a general rule, I do not respond to voice mail or e-mail during weekends or college holidays.

How is this course taught without meetings?

This course actually requires three meetings during the semester: an orientation session at the beginning of the semester (see the schedule of classes for the date and time of this meeting), a required on-campus essay exam at midterm, and the final exam at the end of the semester (see the course calendar and syllabus for the dates and details of these two meetings).

As in a regular course, I've divided the semester into a number of units, each including required readings and assignments.  In addition, for this course, activities and/or lectures that would take place during regular class meetings have been modified and incorporated into the required readings and assignments. Furthermore, students will be encouraged to ask questions and to learn from each other (this will occur by using the discussion board on the course website). By participating in online discussions and completing the readings and assignments, students  will have the opportunity to learn the material necessary to successfully complete the course.  

Do I have to come to campus to complete this course?

Yes. This course actually requires three meetings during the semester: an orientation session at the beginning of the semester (see the schedule of classes for the date and time of this meeting), a required on-campus essay exam at midterm, and the final exam at the end of the semester (see the course calendar and syllabus for the dates and details of these two meetings).

How do I access the course content and materials?

All course materials are found in the WEBCT site.  You will have a user name and password.  That information will be sent to you at the home address you have listed with the college.  Typically the username is your first initial and last name.  However, for many students someone already with that initial and last name has been a student so your username ends up being your first initial, last name and a number such as wsmith6.  Your password will be your birth date, mm/dd/yr

The Volunteer State WEBCT URL is http://vswebct.volstate.edu

What are the computer requirements?

  • PC with a Pentium processor, 56 Kbps modem or cable connection, 32 MB RAM, 4GB hard drive, CD-ROM
  • Printer
  • Reliable Internet Service Provider
  • Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher
  • E-mail address
  • Microsoft Word 2000or later (If you don not have Microsoft Word 2000, you can word process your assignments on a number of word-processing software packages, save them to a disk, bring them to the Volstate computer lab, have the file converted to Word 2000, and then load the online course and sent the assignment(s) to me.

How do I get started?

First, make sure that an online course is a "right" for you.  Online courses are not for everyone.  You must be disciplined enough to work with very little structure, comfortable learning on your own, communicating in writing, and asking for help, and willing to devote the additional time necessary to complete an online course (contrary to popular belief, online courses often require more time rather than less time than regular classes).  In addition, you must know how to work in an online environment, including knowing how to attach files to e-mail messages, participate in discussion boards, and download files. 

If you decide an online course is right for you, it is easy to get started in this class.  Register, buy your books, come to the orientation session, and you are ready to go!

What do I do if I need assistance with technology or the course?


First, contact me.  If I can not answer your question immediately, I will try to find the answer or refer you to someone else.

How is attendance taken in a distance course?

Attendance, in the sense that you must be at a certain place at a certain time, is not relevant to this course.  However, you will be expected to submit all work on time and to participate in online discussions.

What is expected of me in this course?

You will be expected to complete all readings and assignments, including participation in online discussions, and to contact me whenever you have questions or problems.  For specific course requirements, consult the course syllabus and unit lessons.

Where do I find my assignments?

All of the assignments can be accessed from the course website by clicking on the appropriate unit lesson link and then following links to specific assignments.
 

How do I know when assignments are due?

Due dates are listed in the assignment section of each unit lesson and on the course calendar.

How do I communicate with other students?

You can communicate with other students by using the discussion board and the e-mail feature found within the course.  In addition, students, as a class, may decide at the beginning of the semester to enable the chat feature of the course.

How do I submit my assignments?

Essays will be submitted through the course e-mail, attaching files as Word documents.  Directions for submitting other assignments can be found on the course website.

How do I take a test?

There are not any online tests (there are grammar quizzes - see course syllabus for instructions) in this course.  You will be required, however, to come to campus twice after the semester begins to complete a midterm essay exam and a final exam.

Can I finish the course early?

You may be able to finish the course a few days before the stated end date, but you won't be able to finish weeks in advance (primarily because participation in the discussion boards precludes finishing early).  Even if you are able to finish early, final grades will not be available until all grades are submitted at the end of the semester.


Student Pages  |  Classes & Schedules  |  Faculty Pages  |  RODP  Contents

Orientation  |  Resources  |  Research