Distance & Online Education: Frequently Asked Questions - Hybrid Classes

Computer Requirements:
Internet courses have specific requirements for computer skills and equipment. The minimum system requirements for Columbia State Community College Internet courses are listed below.

Pentium 166 or better
64 Megabytes of RAM or better
Windows 98 (or higher, if required by course requirements)
A CD-Rom Drive
A modem 56k minimum (Cable or DSL will give you best performance)
A dependable Internet Service Provider (ISP)
See your course syllabus for specifics about required software.
Browser Recommendations:

Netscape 4.76, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, and 6.2.3 (PC & Mac)
Internet Explorer 5.0 to 6.0, except 5.5 Service Pack 1 (PC)
Internet Explorer 5.0 and 5.1 (Mac OS 9.x)
Internet Explorer 5.1 (Mac OS 10.1)
AOL 7.0 (PC & Mac)
JavaScript must be enabled.
Cookies must be enabled.
Java must be enabled in courses which use the Whiteboard and/or Chat tools.

Note: Personal computer hardware, connection problems, and software problems are the responsibility of the student (not the school or the instructor). Instructors will not be able to provide technical help for your computer problems. Computer breakdowns will not excuse a student from completing course requirements on time or from paying fees to drop a class. Students should have a back-up plan or use computers available at any Columbia State campus.

Q: How much computer and Internet experience do I need to succeed in a Hybrid course?
A: You need some experience navigating and using the Internet. Important skills include knowing how to download files, attach document files to e-mail, and use word processing software. Your instructor will provide you with an orientation to the class on the first scheduled class meeting and an online orientation is available to learn to use Online Campus for your online your class.

Q: What if I don't have equipment needed at home to access a Hybrid course?
A: All of Columbia State campuses have computer labs and resource centers with open lab hours where the courses may be accessed.

Q: Do students get the same information and content in a Hybrid course as they would in an on-campus course?
A: The education you receive from a Hybrid class is the same; however, due to the nature of online learning you may experience the course in a different format. A format that best transmits the learning experience through online media.

Q: Will the face-to-face class always meet on the same day?
A: Yes. The day the class meets on campus will be posted in the course schedule and these dates and times will remain the same throughout the semester.

Q: How is attendance taken in a hybrid course?
A: Attendance for the class meeting on campus will follow the same policy as a traditional class. 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.

Q: Is there an orientation for Hybrid courses?
A: Orientation is required for Hybrid courses. The Instructor will provide an orientation on the first scheduled day of class.

Q: Where do I buy textbooks that are required for a Hybrid course?
A: Books may be purchased at any of the college's campuses or may be ordered online from the college bookstore at www.bkstore.com/coscc. Textbooks for Columbia State Hybrid Courses are the same textbooks used in traditional courses.

Q: Who do I contact if I need technical assistance in my online course

A: For course related issues, you should contact your course instructor.
For all other issues you can email helpdesk@columbiastate.edu
To provide the best services possible, please provide the information outlined below when contacting technical support:
First and last name.
Course name and number for which you require assistance.
A complete description of the problem for which you require assistance.

Q: Will I have an opportunity to evaluate the course and the instructor?
A: It is very important that you complete a course evaluation at the end of each semester. Your instructor will provide you with a link to an online evaluation. When you submit the evaluation, it goes to a database in the Distance Education office and your evaluation is anonymous.

Q: If I have a question or complaint about my instructor, who do I contact.
A: You should first talk to your instructor directly. If you still have unresolved issues, you should feel free to speak to the Division Chair.

Distance Education Links