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: What if I don't have equipment needed at home to access an Internet course?
A: All of Columbia State campuses have computer labs and resource centers with open lab hours where the courses may be accessed.
Q: Is there an orientation for Internet courses?
A: Orientation is required for Internet courses. Instructors schedule a face-to-face orientation to explain the requirements of the course and go over the online course management tools. Please check the course schedule or with your course instructor for orientation schedule.
Q: Do students get the same information and content in an Internet course as they would in an on-campus course?
A: The education you receive from an online class is the same; however, due to the nature of online learning you may experience the course in a format that best transmits the learning experience through online media.
Q: Can I work at my own pace or do I need to follow a class schedule?
A: Internet courses follow the same schedule as traditional courses. These are not self-paced courses. Students follow an outline of topics, turn in assignments and take exams on dates scheduled in the course by the instructor.
Q: How is attendance taken in an Internet course?
A: An online class absence may be identified as a missed assignment or inactivity in the course site, which the instructor is able to track. Instructors may drop students who have not been in contact with the instructor by the date specified in the course syllabus.
Q: How do I access my online class?
A: Online Campus may be accessed by going to myChargerNet, logging in with your Columbia State PVT account, and clicking the Online Campus icon. Once you are logged in, you will see your course list. Click on the course name to enter the class.
Q: Will there be any on-campus meetings?
A: Other than the face-to-face orientation, Internet course work is done completely online.
Q: Are all tests and quizzes taken online?
A: Yes, all tests and quizzes are taken online. Some instructors may require students to come to the nearest campus to take online proctored tests or quizzes.
Q: What is a test proctor and how do I find the proctors schedule at the nearest campus?
A: A test proctor is a Columbia State staff member whose primary responsibility is to ensure that the test is given to the standards and conditions outlined by the instructor. Proctor schedules for each campus are located on the Columbia State Testing Services website. http://www.columbiastate.edu/testingservices
Q: How do I complete my coursework?
A: Internet courses are taught using the Online Campus course management system. Coursework completed within the online learning environment involves lectures, email, discussion boards, testing, file sharing, and group collaboration.
Q: Are Internet courses easier than traditional courses?
A: Internet courses require at least as much effort and time as traditional courses, if not more. Since students work primarily on their own without face-to-face contact with instructors, they may not always have regular classroom reminders and clarifications available to students in traditional courses.
Q: Where do I buy textbooks that are required for an Internet 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 Internet Courses should be purchased following instructions provided on the course web pages or during the course orientation.
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:
o First and last name.
o Course name and number for which you require assistance.
o 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.