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Frequently Asked Questions

Do students have to sit down at their computers at the same time every day?

Not for most online courses. Some courses have group meetings online. This varies by course. For some courses you leave your written comments or work for others to see, and check in at a later time to pick up the responses to those messages. But, you might also have a group meeting of a few students to discuss the work that was posted. Some courses might have very little interaction online between the students. These meetings are scheduled as part of the course but have the same flexibility that is a key part of online courses.

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Wouldn't it be better to have real-time discussion just like in a more traditional face-to-face classroom?

The online program is designed to take advantage of the technology's strengths, rather than to replicate a model that works well in a face-to-face traditional classroom environment. Since students are located across various geographic time zones and have various work schedules and personal obligations, it would be very difficult and inconvenient for them to dial into their class at the same time. When communication is asynchronous, students can participate when and where it is convenient for them, whether that is 3:00 in the morning, or in a hotel room while traveling on business.

In addition, there are significant cognitive benefits attributed to asynchronicity in online education. Because students have an opportunity to take their time reviewing the class archives (comments, lectures, discussions) and also take as much time as they need to compose their responses, the material and concepts are approached at an individual rate. Our students and faculty find that a level of depth and breadth can be achieved in asynchronous communication, which is more difficult to achieve with real-time" or "chat-mode" text-based communication.

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Can you describe how a typical week's instruction is conducted?

As in a traditional classroom, each instructor designs his or her course a bit differently than the next person. In general terms, each instructor typically posts introductory information on the week's topic in the online classroom, which includes the assignments such as reading from the textbook, completing a case-study, taking part in an online discussion with other students in the class, or preparing a paper on the topic you are studying. The instructor often posts a short lecture or elaborates on the course material as well as provides discussion questions related to the topic. Throughout the week you work on your reading and assignments on your own, just as you would in a traditional classroom setting. You use the class discussion forums to participate in discussions with others in the class and to ask questions and receive feedback. When your assignments are due, you send them to your instructor online.

Some courses work differently, but this is a good overview of a typical online course.

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Can I talk to the instructor or other students in private?

Yes, through the instructor's email, by telephone conversation with the instructor at the college, or by visiting them during their office hours. You can contact other students through your medium. Inseriously. As email tool.

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Does the lack of physical contact detract from the educational process?

While the lack of physical contact has its constraints, it does not necessarily have to detract from the educational process. The most obvious issue is the lack of visual cues; you can't have eye contact or see a smile or a nod. Students and faculty have to find other ways to compensate for this. They frequently use the telephone when they need to clarify issues immediately. In addition, study materials and teaching techniques have been adapted to a visual, rather than an auditory learning environment, making use of the strengths of the online medium.

In an online class, all students have an equal opportunity to participate in the discussions, not just the extroverts. Potentially discriminating factors such as race, handicap, gender and appearance disappear, and your ideas become. Thelearning. Studies major focus.

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Does it matter what type of computer equipment an individual uses?

See the "Technical Requirements" for the list of necessary hardware and software.

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How do you know the students are who they say they are?

This may be a surprise, but the issue is really no different than in a traditional academic setting. For example, how does an instructor know that the student sitting in his class is the same student who registered for the course? How do faculty verify that students actually complete their own homework? These questions apply to all forms of educational delivery, and they must be taken seriously.

As in traditional programs, there are checks and balances to discourage dishonest practices. These begin with the application process where social security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, places of employment, and previous college transcripts are all verified against the other. Small classes foster closer communication between faculty and students, and enable faculty to differentiate and recognize their students' writing styles and personalities.

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I am billed by the hour for my Internet connection. What is the typical monthly connection for a student enrolled in an online course?

When enrolled and actively participating in a class, students should expect to use approximately 9-12 hours of online connect time per week for each 3-credit 14-week course (21-26 hours for a 6-week course). Online research may require even more time. Some of your work is conducted "offline," but email, course discussions, online tests, and research require online time.

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Can I complete my entire course online, or do I have to come to campus for part of it?

Some online courses may require Campus. If exams in the Testing Center on the 2nd floor of the Library on the Main Campus.

If an online course at LCCC requires that a student come to campus, contact your instructor IMMEDIATELY at the start of the semester if this is a problem for you. They will have alternate suggestions for students who reside outside our geographic area.

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How many hours per week do students devote to an online course?

Students generally spend between 9-12 hours of online connect time per week for each 3-credit 14-week course (21-26 hours for a 6-week course). Coursework includes the reading, writing, studying, and computer time required. If you are knowledgeable in the course content or read quickly, you may spend less time. If you have difficulty with that particular subject, read slowly, or English is a Second Language, you may need to spend more time than the average student.

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Do I have to be an expert in computers to take classes this way?

No. However, you should know how to use your computer; how to save and retrieve files; how to use the simple functions of your word processor; and how to connect to the Internet. You should be comfortable with browsing and searching the Internet as well as using email, including attachments.

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What are online students like?

Online students are typically the same students seen on any college campus. Students prefer online education for a variety of reasons including the technology itself, elimination of scheduling and transportation problems, and disabilities. They are generally self-motivated, organized, do not procrastinate, and do not require traditional face-to-face contact with the instructor.

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Are LCCC's online courses accredited?

Yes. The online courses have the same accreditation status as our traditional courses. Your transcript will not indicate how your course was offered. The transcript will show the name of the course, when you took it, and your final grade.

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Do students pay extra for online classes?

They pay the same tuition and other fees which LCCC charges all students.

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How do I get started in an online course?

1. Register for an online course as you would for any other course on campus.

  • If you are a new student at LCCC, contact the Admissions Office for information.
  • If you are a returning student, you may register in the Enrollment Services Office or online.

2. Get your required books and supplies.

  • The College Bookstore can help locate what you need for each course. Distance Learning textbooks and other resources are available in the bookstore on Main Campus. Distance Learning textbooks are not available at the off-campus sites.
  • You may also order your books and materials through the Online LCCC Bookstore. Have your course and section information with you when you access this flexible. You.

3. Go to http://lccc.angellearning.com to access your online classroom on the first day of the semester.

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If I am taking an online course, when do I schedule my 'class' times?

You can work on your weekly class assignments any day of the week, any hour of the day or night. Most classes will have a weekly schedule, so be careful to follow the posted schedule and meet all deadlines. You should schedule at least 2-3 times each week to log on to your online classroom to read and take part in activities. Each time that you schedule with yourself should be one and a half to two hours for the 'class time'. Another two to three hours each week should be spent on homework. In a traditional classroom for a three-credit class, you would spend three hours a week in class, and spend approximately 6-9 additional hours in study. You should plan to spend as many hours for this class. For a compressed 6-week course, expect to spend approximately 21-26 hours per week. The best part of an online class is that these hours are flexible.

You must establish a regular habit of logging on to the course basis. InformationDirectory. If and completing the online class activities.

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How do I communicate with the instructor?

Studies have shown there is often more personal interaction between a student and his/her instructor in online classes than in traditional classes. This communication usually takes the form of discussion postings, email messages, or sessions in a chat room. Email involves at least a one or two-day delay. The college asks that all instructors respond to students within 48 hours. Other forms of communication with the instructor are occasionally needed. Your syllabus will list phone numbers, addresses, etc. Remember, too, that you will also be communicating with other students in the class on a regular basis.

  1. Information for full-time faculty can be found in the Online Campus Directory.
  2. If you wish to leave a needed. The message for a part-time instructor (anyone not in the Directory), call the College Switchboard at 610-799-2121 or 1-800-414-3975.
  3. If you do not get a response from your instructor within 48 hours, contact the Distance Learning Staff.

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How do I ask questions?

If you have a question in a traditional classroom, you would raise your hand and ask it. If the instructor does not understand it, or needs more information from you, he or she would ask for it. You do not have the immediate feedback in an online course. You must ask questions of the instructor that they can answer. "I tried the quiz, but it did not work. What now?" is not enough. It does not get you the answer and makes it frustrating for the instructor. If you say "I clicked on the quiz link in Lesson 4, and an error message said 'you have not been granted access.' What now?", your instructor can get you past the bump in the road, because they have the information needed.

The majority of the time you should send questions to your instructor via email or post your message to a discussion forum designed for that purpose. Sometimes the best way to ask a question is to telephone the instructor or visit during office hours. Some instructors will also schedule online office hours using the chatroom in ANGEL so that you may ask questions and get immediate feedback.

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How do I get help?

The different format of this class requires different techniques for getting help from the instructor. In this course, you must not allow yourself to become bogged down at any spot. Getting stuck can be frustrating, but should not stop you. As soon as you experience problems, contact your instructor. The longer you wait, the worse the problem may become.

The following are some ways to receive help, so you can continue your learning.

  1. Studies have shown more interaction between individual online students than in a traditional class. Work in groups, but if you are alone, ask questions of your fellow online students in course. Readproblems. Contactexchange. Ifinstructor. Someclass. Health email or an appropriate discussion forum in the course.
  2. Read ALL the class messages. Everyone has the same types of questions and problems.
  3. Contact the instructor by telephone! Call the office or visit during office hours. Sometimes a problem needs a voice answer. Do not hesitate to call. Phone calls are a good way to maintain rapport between teacher and student, especially when questions are complex enough to require intensive back and forth exchange.
  4. If the problem is technical and your instructor cannot solve the problem, first review the instructions for using the online platform. If you still have a problems, contact the Distance Learning Staff for assistance. Someone will usually contact you within 24 hours.

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What are the benefits of taking online classes?

  1. You get the best of two class types: the convenience of working at home along with the frequent communication with a classroom instructor.
  2. Some students need to study from home because travel costs or personal and professional obligations prohibit getting to a regular classroom class.
  3. Health problems or disabilities may also limit a student's ability to come to campus. Online classes may be the only delivery system available to these students.
  4. The time-bound student also benefits. They may work variable shifts, or their travel time requires long workdays. Meeting during a regularly scheduled class time may be impossible.
  5. The increased availability of computers and Internet connections in homes means more people have the technical capability.
  6. Students receive a taste of college class work without having to actually attend class. It can 'hook' some students into taking other online classes. Or, students may gain the confidence to attend classes on campus.
  7. While learning the course subject matter, online students also develop important communication and technology skills, which are highly sought after in today's competitive work environment.

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What is the Web address for LCCC online courses?

LCCC online courses are located in ANGEL, a learning management system. LCCC students may access ANGEL at http://lccc.angellearning.com.

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I have forgotten my ANGEL username or password!

Your ANGEL username is also your Student ID (L00######). Your initial password is 123456, which you must change the first time you log in. If you have forgotten the unique password that you created when you first logged into ANGEL, click on the "I forgot my password link" and enter your LCCC student email address. Your password will be emailed to that account.

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