Frequently Asked Questions

They take place wherever your computer is: at home, at work, on the road--anywhere you can connect to the Internet. Online courses are conducted asynchronously, which means that you can log onto the system whenever it is convenient for you, at any time, day or night, to receive and/or send course information. Technically, there are no specific class meeting times. However, you are expected to work on course assignments regularly throughout the week, to participate regularly in the online discussions, and to complete your assignments by the posted deadlines.

Does this online course have an instructor?

Yes, just like a traditional class, your online course has an instructor. She develops the curriculum, gives the assignments, answers your questions, participates in online discussions, and evaluates your work. If you ever have a problem with the course material or you don't understand some procedure, don't hesitate to contact your instructor for help.

Do I have to buy the textbook?

Yes, you do have to buy the textbook and novel. They are available in the Shasta College Bookstore. Because this class is over the internet you will get most of your instruction from the book and the online tutorials rather than lectures.

What kind of computer or other hardware do I need?

Almost any recent PC or Macintosh computer will be fine. You will also need a connection to the Internet that will provide dependable access to the web and email. Students using AOL will likely have difficulties using WebCT, and are advised to seek another ISP. If the web pages do not look right or the graphics are distorted, go to "Why don't the course web pages look right on my computer?".

An inexpensive webcam installed on your computer would make netmeetings with your instructor and your fellow students more enjoyable, but is not required.

I have MS Works. Do I have to buy MS Word?

No, you don't have to buy MS Word, but you must send your Works documents as Word files. I use Word to grade your papers and make comments, and Word will not open Works files. Ironically, Works will save files as Word documents, which I can view, grade, and send back to you. Your Works program will then open these documents so you can see grades and view comments. But the entire key here is to SAVE AS a Word document.

To do so, in your "File" menu, select "Save AS." You will be given a choice of file types, and you may choose "MS Word." When saved, your file with then have a ".doc" file extender. This is the only file I will be able to read. If you send your assignments in an improper format, they may be considered late.

What if I don't have Works or Word?

If your current word processing program allows you to save your files as "rich text format" files, it is possible I can view and grade them. However, MS Word is the optimal program to use for this course, and I'm unable to spend extra time trying to deal with unreadable files.

How do I send file attachments?

Create your document and save it as a file as usual. Make note of the pathname (i.e. where you saved the file. Go into your mailer and address an email to your instructor.

If you are in Outlook, you may find a paperclip on the menu bar. If not, click "Insert" and then "file" in the pull down menu which appears.

If you are in Hotmail or another mailer, you will find an "Attachments" button to click.

A window showing your file directory will appear. Go through your directory to the place where you saved your assignment, and click on the file name of the assignment. Click the "insert" or "attach" button. The file will be attached to your email, which you now may send.

May I send my files in a zipped format?

Please do not send zipped files. Grading online papers is a very complicated process that requires several time-consuming steps. Zipping and unzipping files adds too much time to an already lengthy task!

Does Shasta College provide technical assistance?

No, Shasta College and your instructor can not provide technical assistance regarding your personal Internet connection or your email service. Please contact your Internet provider if there is a problem. If you think that there is a problem with the Shasta College server, please email or call MzHighet. Sometimes, the server crashes over the weekend or in the middle of the night when there isn't a technician present to reset it. In this situation, be patient and try again after 8:00 AM the next day.

What is "Netiquette"?

Please visit these Web sites to learn about utilizing etiquette on the Net:
http://www.fau.edu/netiquette/net/index.html or http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/09netiqt.htm.
Since we don’t see each other’s facial expressions, it is important to monitor your written words so that they don’t come across too strongly or aggressively. You could use “emoticons” to communicate. Examples of emoticons are shown at this web site: http://www.chirpingbird.com/netpets/html/computer/emoticon.html.

Will millions of other people be taking this class?

No, enrollment is limited to 25 students per class. This relatively small class size will allow for more one-on-one attention from your instructor.

I worry that I will miss the face-to-face contact of a classroom. Will I be able to communicate with the instructor and other students?

Many people mistakenly assume that they will be isolated in an online course. To their surprise, most find that online courses can provide a high degree of personal contact. The key is active participation on your part. Not only will you and your instructor communicate directly, but everyone in the class will be involved in weekly online asynchronous discussions. Far from being an impediment to communication, the online format can facilitate and enhance it in ways that would be impossible in other situations.

I can't figure out how to use WebCT. Is there online help?

Yes, there is extensive help. If you have difficulty figuring out the WebCT program, go to the student tour. It makes learning WebCT easy. You will discover that this program has many useful capabilities. Also, don't hesitate to ask your instructor for assistance.

How do we take quizzes?

All quizzes will be taken online in WebCT. The question format will be essay and multiple-choice.

What is MzHighet's background?

I have a B.A. degree and an M.A with distinction from C.S.U. Chico. I have taught English for 7 years, and have been working with and teaching writers for the last 20 years. During that time I also worked as a free-lance writer and editor, publishing newsletters and small magazines. Click here if you want to know a little more about me.

Why don't the course web pages look right on my computer?

It is likely that your computer is OK, but that you are using an old version of your Internet browser program and your computer settings are different than recommended. The web pages for this course have been optimized for Internet Explorer 5 (v5.5 is not recommended). Netscape Navigator may not display these pages properly. For more information on browser settings, click here. If the web pages still do not look right after making these changes, the problem is very likely that your computer has a nonstandard graphics card and you won't be able to correct the problem. These web pages were created for PC's but they should look OK on a Macintosh as well.

Why don't the sounds and videos in the tutorials work?

In order for you to be able to hear the sounds and see the videos in the tutorials, you need to have a functioning sound card, speakers or ear phones, and the correct software. Links to some programs you may need are on the right. These may be downloaded for free. (Don't let them install other programs on your computer that you have no use for.)

Microsoft PowerPoint Reader

Microsoft Excel Reader

MSN Messenger

Why don't the online quizzes work right?

If the online quizzes in the tutorials do not show responses to your answers, it is likely that you have the "allow JavaScript" capability turned off on your browser program. The usual Internet Explorer and Netscape default is to permit JavaScript to work.

What if I find mistakes on the websites?

If you find a broken link, spelling, grammar, or content error in any of the web pages for the course, report them to MzHighet so that she can make corrections. You will get extra credit if you are the first person to report any particular mistake.

This page was last updated on Wednesday, April 03, 2002 03:48:33 PM.
Hit Counter visitors since 6/25/2001

Center for Language Arts and Social Sciences (LASS), Shasta College

Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Joint Community College

Post Office Box 496006 Redding, CA 96049-6006 USA