Distance Learning: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What are the advantages of taking distance education courses?
  2. Are distance education courses counted different from on-campus courses?
  3. How do I register for distance education courses?
  4. How do I purchase textbooks for my distance education courses?
  5. What are the characteristics of a successful online student?
  6. Will veteran's benefits pay for an online course?
  7. Will financial aid pay for an online course?
  8. What level of computer/Internet knowledge must I have to take online courses?
  9. What equipment must I have to take an online course?
  10. Are there any required on-campus meetings for online courses?
  11. What do I do after I register for an online class?
  12. When do online courses begin?
  13. How do I login to my online course?
  14. Who do I contact if I cannot gain access to my online class?

Answers

1. What are the advantages of taking distance education courses?

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2. Are distance education courses counted different from on-campus courses?

Each distance education course is equivalent to the on-campus sections of the same course in terms of objectives, contact, rigor, and transferability. Distance education courses are also approved for tuition assistance.
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3. How do I register for distance education courses?

Registration for students who have been admitted to the College is handled in the same manner as traditional course registration, through your Advisor.
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4. How do I purchase textbooks?

Textbooks are available at the College bookstore or you can order online. Bookstore hours of operation, online ordering and additional information can be found on the bookstore page or by calling (252) 246-1222.
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5. What are the characteristics of a successful online student?

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6. Will veteran's benefits pay for an online course?

Yes, educational benefits from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs may be used to pay for college credit online courses. Contact the College’s VA certifying official for details: Rex Bissette - rbissette@wilsoncc.edu or 252-246-1274.
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7. Will financial aid pay for an online course?

Yes, financial aid and military tuition assistance may be used for college credit online courses. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details: Rex Bissette - rbissette@wilsoncc.edu or 252-246-1274.
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8. What level of computer/Internet knowledge must I have to take online courses?

Basic knowledge of the Internet, Web browsers, and search engines is necessary. The ability to download and install software may be required. Word processing skills are also necessary, including creating, saving, attaching and managing files and copying and pasting text from one software application to another. Familiarity with the procedures for sending and receiving e-mail with attachments is essential.
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9. What equipment must I have to take an online course?

You must have access to a computer that meets the criteria below, access to Internet service, an e-mail account, and software that may be required by your instructor. Blackboard.com's minimum requirements for using Blackboard:

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10. Are there any required on-campus meetings for online courses?

No, online courses are delivered entirely by the Internet.
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11. What do I do after I register for an online class?

Classes will begin on the first day of classes each semester. Online courses will have a welcome announcement posted to direct students on how to get started.
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12. When do online courses begin?

Students will have access to their online course on the first day of classes.


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13. How do I login to my online course?

Information on logging into Blackboard can be found at the Distance Learning page.
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14. Who do I contact if I cannot gain access to my online class?

Contact your instructor regarding the class. If you cannot log in to Blackboard, then contact the HelpDesk.
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