Letter to Online Students

Dear Online Student:

Welcome to Mid-Plains Community College.  Our college uses WebCT/Blackboard for our online course delivery system.  It is a world renown delivery system and I would like to share a few things about it with you

WebCT / Blackboard

Online Course Environment

What is WebCT/Blackboard?

WebCT is a leading provider of e-learning (online learning) systems for educational institutions. Thousands of colleges and universities in more than 70 countries worldwide are expanding the boundaries of teaching and learning with WebCT.  Recently WebCT and Blackboard joined forces to create WebCt/Blackboard.

On Campus - Who Uses WebCt?

Faculty:  Faculty use WebCt to structure their online courses.   WebCT

provides a shell or framework into which the faculty member can put their syllabus, assignments, chapter materials, mailboxes, discussions rooms, exams and support instructions and support materials.  Much like any on-campus class, an instructor may include pictures, animation, educational games, audio segments, video segments, or any variety of tools to enhance the presentation of the course materials. 

Students:  Students sign up for an ONLINE class where they can expect that the class will be offered through access of the internet.  Students can access the class through several locations where they “log-on.”  Once a student reaches the course homepage, they will see a series of picture icons, and other links, that the instructor has provided to begin, and to take, their course.

                        Often the instructor will communicate with students and ask students to sign a contract for the class.  This contract simply states that the student understands that this is an ONLINE class and that the student will participate in discussions, assignments and otherwise attempt to meet the requirements of the class.

Enjoy your Class ! 

            Remember, online classes are just as demanding as an on campus class.

The student should expect to work hard, participate in discussions, and meet assignments as required.

            The results of your efforts will be a rewarding class experience in a flexible

            learning environment.

Return to the Question and Answer page to get the answers many more of your questions.    

Cordially,

Charles Osteen

Distance Learning Coordinator.