Do I need special hardware and software?
Hardware
Computer: You will need at least a multimedia computer (Pentium 150 with 32 megabytes of RAM running Windows 95 or NT 4.0 or better or a Macintosh Power PC 603/180 Mhz or 604/132 Mhz with 32 megabytes of RAM running Mac 0s 8.0 or better)
Modem: Minimally you will need a 14.4 baud modem but the faster the modem (28.8 or 56.6 preferred) the better.
Internet Service Provider (ISP): You must be connected to the Internet by an Internet Service Provider that offers a reliable direct PPP connection. Frequent shut downs at critical points in the quarter could be very frustrating.
E-mail: If your ISP does not provide e-mail, please check the list of companies below that offer free e-mail accounts.
Software
Browser: We recommend using either Netscape Navigator 4 or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4 for your browser. Both of the recommended browsers may be downloaded at no cost. (You can also use America Online but we recommend Netscape or Internet Explorer as your web browser.)
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Where can I get a free e-mail account?
The following is a list of some of the companies that offer free e-mail accounts to individuals.
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How much computer and Internet experience do I need?
You need some with experience navigating and using the Internet. Knowing how to download files, attach document files to e-mail, and use word processing software are critical skills in an Online course environment. If you are uncertain about your abilities, then you may want to enroll into an introductory computer course or an introduction to the internet course to sharpen your skills. Introductory courses like LIBINF 6 would be good courses to begin with. This is a 1 unit course specific to online access to information resources. Another source for gaining experience is to visit a website called New User University at http://www.newbie-u.com/. Here you will find very short "mini-courses" at no cost where you can learn the basics of using a web browser, using e-mail and how to download files.
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What type of learner successfully completes these courses?
You should possesses a learning style that is self-directed and self-motivated. Specifically, you must avoid procrastination. Setting up your own weekly study schedule to keep abreast of your assignments are critical so that you do not fall behind. You will also need to be aggressive by using the services of your instructor who acts more like a guide and facilitator with whom you communicate on a regular basis. In this way you will make effective use of the course materials and learning tools to essentially teach yourself the content and subject matter of the course.
Take our self-assessment survey to see if you are the type of learner that would be successful in a distance education course.
Your learning style may also affect how successful you will be in a distance education couuse. Take our learning style survey to find out what your learning style is.
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Why would I want to enroll for a distance education course at Cuesta College?
If you are reading this on the Web, then you likely have everything needed to successfully complete an online course for credit here at Cuesta College. There are several reasons why you should consider taking advantage of this convenient method of learning. In most courses you can work through course material at a time and pace that meets your individual needs rather than having to show up at a classroom at a particular time.
Internet courses allow you to access the materials and assignments at a time of the day that is convenient to you and through the use of asynchronous communication technology such as e-mail, web sites, and threaded discussion lists. You are able to interact with your instructor and even collaborate with fellow online classmates at a time that is convenient from anywhere that you have access to a computer with Internet access any time of the day, night or weekend.
Online learning at the Cuesta can be as simple as sitting in a comfortable easy chair in your own home. Our online courses are convenient but no less challenging or less rigorous than the same courses taught in the classroom because, they have the same academic content. In fact, online courses will likely take more of a time commitment on your part because, you are essentially teaching yourself by using the well planned online course materials and supplemental assignments in conjunction with the standard text for the course. You must be self-motivated, self-directed and well organized in your approach to study. Remember that your instructor is always available to interact, guide and support you in your study. In fact most of these online courses require that you communicate with the instructor via e-mail on a regular basis as an integral part of the your assignments and the overall learning process. The advantage is that in most of our online courses, you are able to study the materials and proceed with assignments, communicating with your instructor, and test taking at a pace that is both flexible and convenient to you.
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How can I find out more information about the Design and Organization of the individual courses?
Before you register, review the information available from the web site for the course you are interested in. These web sites often contain the course syllabus, assignments and lecture notes. These online sources will give you an overview of how the course is organized, course learning goals and objectives, assignment and exam schedule, and generally what you will be expected to accomplish in the course. Links to course web sites can be found under Courses.
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How do I register for a distance education course?
Registration for a distance education course is no different than that for a regular classroom taught course. In the catalog distance education courses are identified by a satellite dish next to the section number.
Continuing students now have the option of resistering via the Internet with Cuesta's online registeration program "WEBReg".
If you are a new student to the college you will first need to be admitted to the college. If as a new student you do not live local to the college the easiest way to make arrangements to be admitted is to simply call the Admissions Office, at (805) 546-3140.
Once you are enrolled in the course you will in most cases be sent printed information about any special materials you need for the course and when any in person meetings are scheduled.
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When does a distance education course begin and finish?
Most internet delivered courses at Cuesta follow the same semester schedule as regular classroom taught courses. In some cases students of a distance education course are required to meet prior to the start of the regular semester. You will be notified by the instructor of a course when any meeting times are scheduled.
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What if I start the course late or go at a slower pace and find I am unable to complete the course by the end of the term?
Some instructors may allow you to receive an incomplete grade ("I" grade) at the end of the term if you have successfully been making progress in the course and completed an appropriate level of the course work to date. This decision is up to your instructor and you will need to formally request an Incomplete grade directly from your instructor. If approved, then your instructor can send by U.S. mail an Incomplete Contract detailing the remaining work to be accomplished and the time limit by which the course must be completed. A grade of "F" will be issued if the course is not completed by the date specified. Normally, one additional academic term is granted for completion. The student will need to send back to the instructor that he/she agrees to the provisions of the Incomplete Contract before the instructor can issue the incomplete grade at the end of the term. The student will need to complete these arrangements with the instructor for an Incomplete grade by the beginning of the last week of the academic term. Any student starting a course late or intending to move through the course material at a slower pace is strongly encouraged to discuss this with the instructor prior to registering.
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Is there someone I can connect if I have more general questions about internet courses?
Kevin Bontenbal is the Instructional Technology Librarian at Cuesta and is available to assist you. You can reach him by e-mail at: kbontenb@bass.cuesta.cc.ca.us
Kevin works with many of the faculty who are teaching distance education courses and if he is unable to answer your question can direct you to someone who can.
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What if I experience technical problems?
If you are having problems getting or staying connected to the Internet please contact your Internet Service Provider representative that is providing you your connection services. For example if you are an AOL user, please call their tech support number.
Once you are online and are having problems with a course web site, please contact your instructor via phone or FAX as soon as possible. It is most important that you communicate to your instructor first, so that he/she is aware that you are having problems.
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What support services are available to me as a distance education student?
Check out the Tech Support section of this web site to see what services are available to distance education students.
