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FAQ
Using WebCT
The following is a checklist of the minimum hardware and software you will need to have access to and be familiar with, in order to successfully complete an on-line class.
- An IBM compatible (or equivalent Macintosh) computer with at least the following: Windows 95 or newer, 32 Mb of RAM (64 Mb or more preferred)
- 28.8 modem (56K preferred)
- Sound card and speakers (a microphone might also be useful)
- 133 MHz CPU (Pentium II or higher preferred)
- A color monitor that can display at least the following: 256 color (16 bit preferred) ? 800 x 600 resolution
- Access to the Internet
- A graphic Web Browser that is Java capable (preferably Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.x or higher - both can be downloaded for free by visiting either http://www.netscape.com or http://www.microsoft.com)
- An e-mail program/account that can send and receive attachments (your MyPima student email account will allow you to do this)
- Word processing software that has a spell checker (such as Microsoft Word or Word Perfect)
- Virus Control Software (Such as Norton or McAfee)
You may register for an online class at at any PCC Campus or Center just as you would for a traditional class.
Beginning January 2007, you will access WebCT classes through MyPima. Click on the MyPima icon on the College home page to access the login page. If this is the first time that you are accessing MyPima, click on the "Activate My Account" link to discover your username and set your password.
To find your WebCT class home pages and homepages for all of your other credit classes:
- log into MyPima,
- click on the "Academics" tab
- click on the link in the "My Courses" channel
- click on your course title.
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- Most of the classes require you to purchase textbooks. The PCC bookstore can be accessed at http://www.pima.bkstr.com/.
- Some of the classes also require software, lab kits, study aides, or audio tapes.
- The cost of supplemental materials is an additional cost; it is not part of the cost of class.
- Your instructor's on-line syllabus will explain what you need and how to get it.
- The content of the classes is identical to an identical face-to-face class. It is only the mode of delivery and activities that may vary.
The majority of communication will take place via e-mail.
- When sending an e-mail message, make sure to place an appropriate phrase in the subject area so that your instructor will have some idea what the body of the message will contain.
- There is no guarantee that every e-mail message sent to your instructor will receive a response. If, however, you type the word "urgent" in the subject line, you will get a response within two business days. Please make sure that a message marked urgent really is; be careful not to "cry wolf."
- Because e-mail is the main method of communication between you, the instructor, and the other students, be sure to check your e-mail at least one to two times a week.
- Additionally, some classes are using threaded discussions and chat rooms.
- Some instructors have phone policies and/or office hours. Please see your instructor's syllabus for further details.
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You can communicate with the other students just as you will with the teacher, through e-mail, threaded discussion, and/or on-line chat rooms.
- Let your instructor know if you do not wish your e-mail address to be given out to the other students.
- Your class may also have a LISTSERVE. This is an email address where any message sent to that address is automatically forwarded to everyone on the list. Your instructor may use this to send you class announcements and to facilitate classroom discussions.
- Check your class syllabus to find the email address for you class listserve.
- This varies by class; most assignments will be submitted over the Internet, through the use of forms, while many others will be handled via e-mail. A few may be mailed or faxed.
- Each class will provide specific directions on how to submit particular assignments.
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- Yes, there will be deadlines, just as in traditional classes. Timelines will vary according to each class; see the assignment schedule for your class for specific due dates.
Some instructors will be giving quizzes and exams while others will be using other modes of assessment. See the syllabus for your class for further information.
- For those classes that do have quizzes and exams, some of the assessments are done on-line (on the Internet) while a few will be in person. Look at the syllabus and/or assigmnent schedule for more specific information for your class.
- If is impossible for you to come to campus to take an exam, inform your instructor and he or she will work with you to make other arrangements having similar security.
- On-line classes cost exactly the same as a face-to-face class. Check the college catalog or semester schedule for a list of fees.
- Additionally, you will need to pay for an Internet Service Provider (if you are accessing the class from your home computer) and any necessary supplemental materials, which varies by class.
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- The College provides online advising to assist distance learners. Through online advising, you can readily contact an advisor and quickly find much of the information regarding PCC that you will need as a student.
- You will be responsible for obtaining your own Internet Service Provider (ISP) but remember, once you have a provider you will be able to access many things on the Web, not just the class! The ISP cost (usually around $20/month); it is not included in the cost of the class. Have your credit card ready when you call - often this is the only allowable payment method.
- Be sure that when you call you tell them you are a student (sometimes there are special discount rates for students).
- WEB TV will not be usable for the purposes of these on-line classes.
- If you are having trouble locating a local ISP, try asking friends and neighbors, check the phone book, or you can visit the Internet site http://thelist.internet.com/ (if you can obtain access to a computer that is connected to the Internet) which may be of help to you in your search.
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- The open-access computer labs on all of PCC's campuses and centers have computers with Internet access.
- Many local libraries also have computers with similar access.
- You may have access at your job - do not do school work during work hours, however.
- Ask your friends and neighbors if you may borrow a computer, or do your work from their home.
- You should have some experience with browsing the Internet and sending and receiving e-mail with attachments. You may otherwise experience the usual growing pains or "learning curve" that accompanies learning something new.
- You may visit the Internet sites such as http://dir.yahoo.com/Computers_and_Internet/Internet/Beginner_s_Guides/ for a list of basic tutorials about the internet.
- You may want to consider completing CSA151 (Introduction to the Internet for New Computer Users), or an equivalent Internet introductory class prior to enrolling in an on-line class if you do not already have some Internet and e-mail experience. (back to top)
- If you can't connect to the Internet at all, the problem is probably with your computer, modem or your Internet Service Provider. Call your provider's technical support phone number for assistance.
- If you can't connect to MyPima, call the MyPimaHelpDesk at 520.206.4800 Monday - Friday, 8:15-4:45. You can also send email to mypimahelpdesk@pima.edu.
- If you are able to connect to other sites, but cannot access WebCT, please contact PCC's Center for Learning Technologies at (520) 206-6400 or e-mail pimaonline@pima.edu.
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- The best time to avoid heavy Internet traffic is in the early morning. The heaviest traffic is usually between 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on weekdays.
- You will probably want to download, print or copy/paste lengthy passages to read at a later, more convenient time. This is especially true if you are not paying a fiat, unlimited usage fee, but are instead paying for access to the Internet by the hour.
- Take special note of the "Back" and "Reload" buttons found on most browsers. These buttons are useful tools. At times, you may need to go back to a site you just visited or reload the site you are attempting to access if it seems to be taking an exorbitant amount of time to load on your screen.
- Be aware that sometimes you are not connected to the Internet even though it may appear as if your are. This happens when the browser is displaying a web page that has been loaded from the computer's memory rather than from the Internet. To make sure this does not happen, simply click on any link to make sure you are truly connected.
- You will also want to consider purchasing and installing anti-virus software on your home computer. Viruses are programs that are intended to do damage to you computer and can be unintentionally downloaded to your system along with other downloaded files. Anti-virus programs are designed to try to detect these viruses before they have a chance to cause any harm. Brands such as McAfee or Norton can be purchased at almost any computer store.
- E-mail is an essential tool used to communicate with your teacher as well as the other students in your class.
- If you are using a home computer, your ISP can help you set up your e-mail program.
- If you are not using a home computer, it would probably be best to use Hotmail, or another similar free, Internet-based e-mail program. These allow you to access your e-mail from any computer that has Internet access.
- Make sure the e-mail program can send and receive attachments.
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Telephone Assistance:
(520) 206-6400
This is the number for the Center for Learning Technologies at the Community Campus of Pima Community College. It is monitored Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM Mountain Time (Arizona does not use daylight savings time).
If you do not immediately reach a staff member, your voicemail will be answered promptly within the timeframe above. We work with PimaOnline instructors to insure that you are not penalized for problems internal to PimaOnline systems. Please check the FAQ before calling to answer common questions.
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If you have registered considerably before the start of class, be patient. Class homepages will be accessible in MyPima just before the start of the semester.
You will access your WebCT class through MyPima. Click on the MyPima icon on the College home page to access the login page. If this is your first time accessing MyPima, click on the "Activate My Account" link to discover your username and set your password. You will need to know your student ID number and your birthdate.
To find your WebCT class home pages and homepages for all of your other credit classes:
- log into MyPima,
- click on the "Academics" tab
- click on the link in the "My Courses" channel
- click on your course title.
It takes up to two business days to enter your information into WebCT after you have enrolled in a class. Please be patient.
If you cannot access your WebCT homepage on the first day of class, contact us at PimaOnline@pima.edu or call us at (520) 206-6400.
Many "personal firewall" programs such as ZoneAlarm or Black Ice have features that prevent "pop-up" browser windows. This is useful in supressing advertisements but disasterous for WebCT users since pop-up windows are used in WebCT email, discussion groups and elsewhere. When using WebCT your will have to disable the pop-up window supression feature of your program. Consult the user manual or internet site for the particular program regarding instructions for doing this.
WebCT class materials may use various multimedia formats such as sound and videos. These require additional sub-programs called browser "plug-ins". Instructions for installing the most common plug-ins are given in the Browser Tune-up section of the WebCT commercial site.
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