picture of Terry Gleason Special Projects Manager/DL
Distance Education Office
Hours M-Th 8am to 4pm

ACADEMIC SERVICES / DISTANCE EDUCATION
Terry Gleason, Distance Education Manager, invites you to get started on your degree at a distance!

Instructor Links: | PSA | Technology |  Backup | Password |
 
Learn more about Distance Education
Home

WebCT

Courses

Help

Faculty

Accounts

FAQ's

Plugins

Tutorials

Telewebs

Broadcast
Schedule

Moodle

Student Services


 

 

Definitions

Is a Distance Education course right for you?
What is Distance Education?
What is an online course?
What is a hybrid course?
What is a teleweb?
What is Netiguette?

CE 6 (Previously WebCT CE 4)

What is CE6?
How do I log in to CE6?
I feel confused and don't understand how to use CE 6.  What should I do?

MOODLE

What is MOODLE? 
How do I login to MOODLE?  
I feel confused and don't understand how to use MOODLE.  What should I do?

Telewebs:

When and where can I view programs??
Must I have cable TV to view programs?
How do I view a teleweb course?

General Questions::

What are the requirements for taking an online or hybrid course?
Are there computers on campus I can use for my Distance Education course?
What are the advantages to taking a Distance Education course?
Do I have to come to campus for an online course?
Who teaches Distance Education courses at Fullerton College?
Are Distance Education courses transferable?
Do I have to come to campus to buy my textbook?
What Distance Education courses are available this semester?
Once I have registered for a Distance Education course, what happens next?
How does attendance work in an online/hybrid course? What is the drop policy?

Admissions & Records:

If I am not a student at Fullerton College, can I register for a Distance Education course?
How do I register for a Distance Education course?
WebStar is telling me I need an Add Authorization Code.  What do I do?
Do I have to come to campus to register for a Distance Learning class?
How are Distance Education courses recorded on my transcript?

Technical Requirements::


Why doesn't my browser work with CE 6?
Why doesn't my Internet service work with CE 6?
How can I get technical help with my computer??

Student Success:

What are the characteristics of a successful online student?
What if I get behind in my online/hybrid course??
This is a hard course.  Where can I get some help?
Familiarize yourself with the course requirements.
Create a study schedule and stick to it.
Identify your motivators.
Establish good study skills.
Ask for help when you need it.


Is a Distance Education course right for you?
Click on one of the links below and complete a self-evaluation to help you determine your readiness for enrolling in a distance education course.

Petersons Education Resource
Oregon Institute of Technology

What is Distance Education?  Distance Education is an instructional method solely or partially using the Internet and/or Cable Television to offer students an alternative to the traditional on-campus classroom learning environment.

What is an online course?  An online course is one that is delivered entirely or mostly online.  Students complete coursework using technology such as e-mail, multimedia, voice mail, chat rooms, message boards, and listservs. Online courses may require attendance at an orientation or taking exams on campus.

What is a hybrid course?  A hybrid course is one that combines Internet work and campus attendance with 51% of the course taught on-campus.

What is a teleweb?  A teleweb  includes the viewing of video programs on a cable channel and may also incorporate online technologies. 

What is a Course Management System (CMS)?  It is a courseware product that provides a virtual classroom in which students and instructors can meet in a virtual classroom. A CMS provides tools for supporting best teaching and learning practices such as using a discussion board instead of a whiteboard or email and/or chat rooms instead of on campus communication.

How do I log in to CE 6?   Go to ___________________ Log in using the same username and password as your campus email account.  If you do not have a campus email account and need to set one up, go to http://fcnet.fullcoll.edu/accounts.htm.

I feel confused and don't understand how to use CE 6.   What should I do?  Carefully and thoroughly review the directions provided by your instructor and ask him/her for help if you still have questions. Read through the Frequently Asked Questions sections that may help you answer any questions you may have.  Go to fconline@fullcoll.edu or call the Distance Education office at (714) 992-7500.

Ask one of your classmates for help.

What is MOODLE?  Modular Object Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment is a License Free software package used for Distance Eduction.

How do you login to MOODLE?   Go to http://moodle.nocccd.edu/moodle  click on Create A New Account. Fill out the information and enter your classroom. Your instructor will check your name against their course roster to make sure you are registered for the course through Fullerton College.  If you are not registered you will be dropped and will not receive credit for the course.

I feel confused and don't understand how to use MOODLE.  What should I do?  Email your instructor. Check out the help section.  Read through the Frequently Asked Questions sections that may help you answer any questions you may have. You can also go to www.moodle.org to get information about MOODLE.  Send an e-mail to the Distance Education office at fconline@fullcoll.edu or call the Distance Education office at (714) 992-7500.

When and where can I view  programs?  Fullerton College Distance Education programs are broadcast through cable channels to the cities of Anaheim, Cypress, Fullerton, Garden Grove, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Placentia, Yorba Linda and Villa Park.  To learn more about availability, go to Viewing Options.

Must I have cable TV programs?  No.  Programs can be viewed or checked out at the Fullerton College library. 

How do I view Teleweb courses?  For viewing information, including cable company and city listing, visit http://online.fullcoll.edu , click on Viewing Options.

Do teleweb transfer to other colleges?  Transferability of a course has to do with the course itself and in some cases where you intend to transfer and/or what major you declare.  It is highly recommended that all students consult with a counselor and/or contact the university they intend to transfer to directly.

What are the requirements for taking an online or hybrid course?
 
1.  Have access to a computer that meets the technical requirements (see Technical Requirements below).
  2.  Be able to access and use email.
  3.  Be comfortable navigating the Internet.
  4.  Be prepared to attend on-campus orientations (when applicable).
  5.  Review course syllabus or contact instructor for specific course details.

Are there computers on campus I can use for my Distance Education course?  Yes.  Computers are available for student use in the following locations on campus:  -For a list of open labs and the most current lab hours go to http://support.fullcolol.edu/hours.htm.

What are the advantages to taking a Distance Eudcation course?  Distance Education courses provide the same high quality instruction for students who want to take a class or earn their college degree with scheduling that is generally more accommodating and accessible.  They provide an alternative to students who are physically challenged or unable to come to the campus for a variety of reasons.

Do I have to come to campus for an online course? Some instructors require on-campus orientations and some require on-campus exams. Other instructors conduct their entire course online. It is best to review the course syllabus and/or check with your instructor for specific course requirements.

Who teaches Distance Education courses at Fullerton College? A complete list of online instructors is available at FC Online; then click on Online Instructors

Are Distance Education courses transferable? Transferable courses that are taught through Distance Education are generally accepted by most transfer institutions. However, students wishing to use a Distance Education course for a specific transfer requirement should consult with a counselor.

Do I have to come to campus to buy my textbook?  No, the Bookstore is now online and will ship your purchase for a nominal charge.

What Distance Education courses are available this semester?  For a complete list of Distance Education courses visit http://fullcoll.edu and click on class schedule in the left column and then look for the link to Distance Education classes usually listed in the right column on the next page.  For course specific questions, contact the instructor of record.

Once I have registered for a Distance Education course, what happens next? For classes that require an on campus meeting or orientation, the schedule of classes will list dates and times and locations.  At that time you will meet your instructor, get your syllabus and learn more about the class. If you have questions you would like answered about the class before the first meeting date, you may always call or e-mail your instructor directly.

For classes that do not meet on campus, information is available in the class schedule and some instructors will email you before the course begins, letting you know how to access the course. If you have questions about the class before you register or before the class begins, you may always call or e-mail the instructor directly see
Online Faculty Contact Information

How does attendance work in an online/hybrid course? What is the drop policy? When an instructor requires an on campus orientation or when an on campus meeting is listed in the class schedule, it is very important that you attend or contact your instructor prior to that meeting if you are unable to attend. Instructors may drop students who do not attend in order to make room for others who are present and want to take the class.  The Fullerton College attendance and drop policy are listed in the Catalog.

In the case where a class is taught entirely online, instructors may drop students who have not been in contact with the instructor by the date specified in the course syllabus.

An online class absence may be identified as a missed assignment or inactivity in the course site, which the instructor is able to track.

It is up to the instructor to determine their specific grading and attendance standards, which should be listed in their syllabus. 

If I am not a student at Fullerton College, can I register for a Distance Education course? You must first complete and submit an application to become a student, and then you will be given a Permit to Register. Contact Admissions for more information.
(link to  
http://admissions.fullcoll.edu )

How do I register for a Distance Education course? To register for a Distance Education course the process is the same as it is for traditional on-campus classes and fees and academic credit for Distance Education courses are the same as traditional on-campus classes. To register for classes visit http://www.fullcoll.edu and click on MyGateway, then click on WebStar.  NOTE:  If you have not already done so, before you can register, you must complete an application.

WebStar is telling me I need an Add Authorization Code.  What do I do?  Once classes have started or is closed students must contact the instructor and of the course they are interested in taking and ask if they are adding students and issuing authorization codes.

Do I have to come to campus to register for a Distance Education class?  No.  To register for a Distance Education course the process is the same as it is for traditional on-campus classes.  To register for a class go to http://www.fullcoll.edu and click on MyGateway then click on WebStar

Do Distance Education courses cost more than on-campus courses?  No. The fees and cost per unit are the same as that of on-campus courses.

How are Distance Education courses recorded on my transcript?  Distance Education courses are identified on your Fullerton College transcripts with course number and title only, the same as on-campus courses.  There is no distinction.

What are the minimum computer (hardware and software) requirements need in an online/hybrid course?
Requirements may vary depending on the course.  Check with your instructor to see if any additional hardware (e.g. a graphics card, a CD-drive, a sound card and speakers, a disk drive or USB port, a microphone, a digital camera, a scanner,  printer, etc.) and/or software (e.g. QuickTime, PowerPoint, etc.) is needed for your specific course. 

Minimum hardware requirements for all online/hybrid courses are:
1. 486 MHz computer
2. A PC, running Windows 95, 98, 2000 or XP (Windows ME is NOT compatible) Note a Mac running System 7.5 or above may be adequate; however, some users have experienced difficulties.
3. 64MB Ram
4. 56kb modem
5. Cable or DSL connection (Preferred)
6. A method to save and back-up your work.

Free Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator downloads are available on the Internet at Plugins


Minimum software requirements for all online/hybrid courses are:
1. A browser such as Internet Explorer 4.x and above or Netscape Navigator 4.x and above but not 6.x.  Free Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator downloads are available on the internet at Plugins.
2. A word processing program for writing papers, preferably Microsoft Word.
3. E-mail program capable of sending files as attachments.  Warning:  most papers composed in WordPad and MS Works may not be accessible by your instructor .

Why doesn't my browser work with CE 6?  Certain features in the AOL browser may interfere with the commands that CE 6 use to create the tools you see in your course.  What should they do???  Close your browser and use Explorer or Netscape be sure that Java is enable see browser information here

Why doesn't my Internet service work with CE 6?  Certain free or low cost Internet Services have advertisements that may interfere with CE 6.   If you are unable to pay for Internet services, computers are available on campus.  For a list of open labs and the most current campus lab hours go to http://support.fullcoll.edu/hours.htm

  How can I get technical help with my computer?

1. Contact your instructor to see if they can assist you.
2. Ask a knowledgeable friend, classmate, relative or neighbor if they can assist you.
3. Click on the ? or help link for your software or read the manual that came with your computer.
4. Contact a computer repair service
5. Do a search for free technical help on the Internet  

What are the characteristics of a successful online student? Successful online students are generally characterized as being independent, self-motivated, willing to learn in isolation and comfortable with technology.

How much time can I expect to spend on a Distance Education course? Distance Education courses require the same amount of study time as on-campus courses. For a three-unit class full semester course, a student should expect to spend six to nine hours a week studying, reading, researching and/or working on assignments.

What if I get behind in my online/hybrid course? Technical problems can be frustrating but they are not an excuse for doing poorly in a Distance Education course. Computers are available on campus where you can do your work if you are having problems. Always let your instructor know when you are having problems and always make every effort to find a computer to finish your work on time.

This is a hard course. Where can I get some help?

1. Contact your instructor
2.  Contact the Fullerton College
Academic Support Center for tutoring services
3. Contact
Disability Support Services to see if you qualify for services
4. Email on of your classmates
5. Ask your classmates if they would be willing to form a study group

Familiarize yourself with the course requirements. Spend time looking over the course syllabus and other important course materials. Make sure you understand the course objectives, the scope of the material you will cover and when assignments are due.

Create a study schedule and stick to it. Set aside study time each day when your mind is fresh and you will not be interrupted. As an online learner you don't have to attend traditional classes, but you do have to do work on a regular schedule to succeed.

Identify your motivators. Identify the strategies that will keep you on task until you achieve your goal, and complete each task to the best of your ability.  Establish rewards along the way to keep you motivated.  Stay focused on the ultimate goal; successfully completing the course. 

Establish good study skills. Take notes. Ask yourself questions. Go over the material more than once. Teach someone else the concepts and skills you are learning.

Ask for help when you need it. Your instructor and the Distance Education staff is there to help you, but you need to initiate the contact.


 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Students will have access to courses using CE 6 on the first day of class.
Many classes require mandatory orientations. 
For specific course information, check the current semester Schedule of Classes

There may be a 12 - 24 hour delay after registering before you can log in to a CE 6 course - please be patient. If, however, you're  unable to access beyond this, for step-by-step log in assistance, visit the FAQ's or email  fconline@fullcoll.edu.


Notice:  Full Time and Part Time Distance Learning Faculty
Information pertaining to distance learning courses will be posted on this site, and/or
e-mailed to all faculty via their official district/campus
email account (xxxxxxx@fullcoll.edu).

FC Home | Admissions | Departments | Library | Student Life | Student Services | Search | Site Map | DL Home

Fullerton College is part of the
North Orange County Community College District LogoNorth Orange County Community College District
Disclaimer © Fullerton College, Copyright 2004