Answer:
JSCC provides Internet courses that are conducted online by a JSCC faculty member using the online course delivery program WebCT.  You can access your Internet classes anywhere an Internet connection is available.  Online access to your class is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Depending on the course, instructors may require some on campus time for orientation, presentations, assignments or testing.  Check the Class Schedule (http://www.jeffstateonline.com/courses_available/) for any specific time requirements.

Answer:
JSCC's goal is to provide flexible learning opportunities tailored to meet the needs of students who are balancing education with jobs and family as well as for anyone who may have difficulty accessing the campus for a variety of reasons including childcare, transportation, and physical disabilities.

Answer:

• Online courses allow a more flexible schedule.
• Students may review online lessons more than once.
• There is little or no commuting time, expense, traffic, or parking.
• Students can email the instructor as questions arise.
• Students are usually able to take more time to think about and compose meaningful responses to discussions.
• Students have convenient access to course materials and resources from home or on the road.

Answer:
Online courses may be more convenient than having to go to a campus to take classes; however, they are not any easier and they require just as much study time. Additionally, you'll be learning on your own. No one will be around to remind you to take part in online discussions, to hand in assignments on time, or to study for a test instead of going out with your family or friends.

You may want to ask yourself the following questions to help determine if online courses are a good fit for your learning preferences, study habits, and lifestyle. 

• Are you self-motivated?
• Do you possess a high level of self-discipline?
• Do you enjoy working independently with minimal supervision and social contact?
• Are you comfortable using Microsoft Word? Do you know how to create, save, and attach files? Do you know how to open attached files? 
• Can you follow written directions easily?
• Do you have convenient access to a computer with an Internet connection, a browser, and Microsoft Word?

Question:
How much time is involved?

Answer:
While JSCC Online courses allow a more flexible schedule it does not mean less time is required versus an on campus traditional course.  Online courses are comparable with traditional classes in that the instructor will cover the same material, assignments, and tests. 

Question:
Do I need to speak to a special advisor for JSCC Online courses?

 Answer:
You may use any of the advisors in Enrollment Services.

Question:
Who is the instructor and should I contact the instructor before registering?

Answer:
Consult the Class Schedule (http://www.jeffstateonline.com/courses_available/) for the instructor listing of JSCC Online courses.  If you have questions concerning the course, you may contact the instructor.  If the instructor’s contact information is not available in the Class Schedule, you may contact the department for the instructor’s name and contact information.

Question:
What are the technology requirements?

Answer:
WebCT is JSCC's online course system for delivering online education. Students must have convenient access to a computer with a reliable Internet account. (Note: Computer labs are available on campus for student use in LWH 204, RSH 206, RC 120, and the Shelby-Hoover Campus LRC.)

Minimal hardware and software requirements are as follows:

  Software:

• Internet Explorer 5 or higher or Netscape 4.7 or higher.
• Java Runtime Environment (version 1.4.2 or newer), including Java Web Start.
  Free download is available at http://java.sun.com/products/javawebstart/.
• Applications (MS Word, PowerPoint, etc.) depending on course requirements.
  (Note: Students may purchase Microsoft Office at a discount through the Bookstore.)
• Downloadable Browser Plugins (Adobe Acrobat Reader, Windows Media Player, Real Media Player, QuickTime, Flash, etc).

   Hardware:

• Pentium PC or Mac OS9 with 32 Mb RAM or higher
• Internet Connection (28.8 Kbps, 56 Kbps, or higher)

Question:
I do not have Microsoft Word. Can I still take English without 
buying new software?  

Answer:
Check with your instructor.  You may be able to use another application and save work/assignments in another format (i.e. rich text format/rtf). Microsoft offers a version of MS Office for students and teachers that includes Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, priced at around $149.

Question:
Is there any available information or orientation for students about WebCT? How do I get started?

 Answer:
JSCC has developed an online student orientation course in WebCT at http://virtual.jeffstateonline.com.

You may use your JSCC login name to view the WebCT Student Orientation Course. You can self-register for this course (free) if you are currently enrolled at JSCC.

Note: Your username is the first part of your Jeff State email address. You may also access your username from the WebCT log in page.  Your password is your student number with no dashes.

Question:
I took the JSCC WebCT Student Orientation Course and/or my instructor course orientation, but I am still "lost."  What should I do?I don't know where to begin.

Answer:
If you are having problems with how to use the course tools/icons in WebCT, there is online help through the WebCT login portal.  Select the “Help” link (in the upper right side of the screen) to view online documentation about student “MyWebCT” assistance.

If you are having problems with an assignment, discussion board, or tests you will need to contact your instructor.

If you are having technical difficulties (i.e. computer accessibility), you will need to contact your Internet provider if you are using a home computer. 

Jefferson State provides Internet connections in the Computer Labs located on Campus:

• The open lab is RC 110 (Jefferson Campus) and RSH Library (Shelby Campus). The instructional labs used for lab classes are RC 115, 120, 122, and 124 (Jefferson Campus) and RSH 200 and 204 (Shelby-Hoover Campus). Before using an instructional lab, check the lab hours posted outside the door to make sure a class is not meeting in the lab.
   
• Campus Lab Hours: Open lab hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday hours vary each term (see sign posted outside the lab). Instructional labs are usually open between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Labs will be closed on all holidays for which the college is closed. Labs close on the last day of regular classes for the semester.
   
• There are also computers with Internet connections available in the Allen Library on the Jefferson Campus and in the Learning Success Center (Lurleen Wallace Hall 204) on the Jefferson Campus.  Lab schedules are located online at http://www.jeffstateonline.com/learning_success_center/.

If the difficulty is with the JSCC server or software:

If the technical difficulty is with the Jefferson State server or software, usually any such problems are resolved very quickly, but should an extended problem occur, you may need to email your instructor from your regular email account if WebCT is not available. 
 

Question:
How will I submit my work?

Answer:
Policies on how work is submitted may vary slightly from instructor to instructor, so checking the instructor’s policies and/or syllabus is always a first step.  If you need to know this information before you register, however, you may need to contact the instructor.  Generally, an area is provided online where you can submit work.  If you are in an English class, for example, the assignments area allows you to submit your writing assignments as a file attachment. 

Question:
How do I take tests? 

Answer:
Some courses have online tests in WebCT while others require on-campus exams.  Instructors may have different requirements for administering quizzes or tests.  Review the information in the printed version of the class schedule concerning these requirements.

Question:
Do I have to come on campus for tests?

Answer: The number of on-campus visits required depends on the instructor.  Some instructors require one or more tests to be taken on campus.  Other instructors allow tests to be taken online.  These are usually timed tests that are only available for a certain time period.  You will need to either contact the instructor or check the instructor’s policies and/or syllabus to confirm how the instructor handles tests. 

Question:
Is online tutoring available? 

Answer:
Online tutoring is provided by Smarthinking (www.smarthinking.com) for all JSCC students enrolled in English and math courses.

Question:
Will I be required to use the library?

Answer:
Instructors may have different requirements for using the library. For more information on library hours, go to: http://www.jeffstateonline.com/library/Default.htm.

Students may also access the Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) (http://www.avl.lib.al.us/).  The Alabama Virtual Library provides all students, teachers, and citizens of the State of Alabama with online access to essential library and information resources. Students may obtain an AVL library card with username and password from the libraries on campus or from their local public libraries.

Answer:
Instructors may use WebCT to post grades on work in the class, assignments, and tests.  Currently, you can view “Final” grades for the entire course through Banner.
 

Question:
Will I get to interact with other online students?

Answer:
Instructors may use WebCT to encourage online communication using the Discussion Board and Chat.

Question:
How do Labs work?

Answer:
Some courses include lab assignments.  Instructors often use a combination of virtual labs, at-home lab kits, and on-campus labs/clinicals on location.  Contact the instructor for more information.

Question:
Who do I contact for help?

Answer:
For information concerning registration, contact Enrollment Services (help@jeffstateonline.com) or call 205-856-7704 (toll free 1-800-239-5900, extension 7704). You may also leave a message on the evening voice mail (205-856-7775) after normal business hours.  All questions during normal business hours will receive a response within 24 hours.

For Technical Assistance with WebCT, email webcthelp@jeffstateonline.com or call 205-856-7824.