This document provides answers to frequently asked questions about taking an online class. It discusses that successful online students are self-motivated, organized, have good time management skills and are familiar with computers. It provides tips on online etiquette, accessing course information from the syllabus, using student resources like the course hub, doc sharing, and online tutoring. The document answers questions about attendance, communication methods, workload, computer and internet skills needed, and expectations for online students.

1. *Frequently
Asked
Questions
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2.  Hello, I'm Lora Benson-Pezzell, faculty
member at Carrington College
California. I am very excited to be
here and share my knowledge and
expertise with you! This presentation
will answer some questions you may
have about taking an online class.
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3. Research shows that most
successful online students are:
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• Self-motivated and self-starters
• Have good organizational skills
• Have good time-management
skills
• Are familiar with computers and
the Internet
• Are resourceful and actively seek
answers and solutions to
questions and problems.

4. Do You Know Online Etiquette?
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• Identify yourself by name in each
email or postings.
• Be supportive and constructive in
your comments to each other.
• Everyone will benefit from a
positive online learning
environment.
• Here is a helpful link on the core
rules of netiquette:
• http://www.albion.com/netiquette/
corerules.html

5. Be sure to get the following course
information from your Syllabus:
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Go to Course Home, then click on
Syllabus:
Course objectives and Assignments
How to submit assignments
How to label files
Discussion Board Guidelines
Grading Policies
Late Assignment Policy
Attendance Policy
Grading Rubrics
Student Learning Outcomes
Course Schedule
Due Dates for Assignments and Exams

6. Student Resources: Where Can I find
them?
• What is the hub? It is a student
resource centrally located source for all
of our interactive course materials. In
THE HUB, you will find a technology
enhanced experience specifically
designed for this course.
• It’s the one spot where you can quickly
navigate between all of the resources
that will assist you throughout our
course. As you navigate around THE
HUB, you’ll see that it contains several
different ports, such as the Library.
• Please take some time to familiarize
yourself with what is available in THE
HUB for this course.
• If you have questions about any of this
material or THE HUB itself, please post a
note for me in the Q&A Forum or send
me an e-mail.
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7. Use Doc Sharing and Webliography
To get more help with computer training and microsoft
office, internet help, APA format and more, go to:
At Course Home, see the tabs on the upper right hand
side:
Click on Doc Sharing:
Doc Sharing contains short, condensed versions of
your chapters,
Powerpoint presentations on Computer Hardware and
The Internet, and some PDF files on APA format.
Click on Webliography:
Here you will find a variety of links on Computer
Training, Internet Help, Microsoft Office, and a link to
our weekly Adobe Live Training meetings.
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8. What if I need a Tutor?
• Tutor.com, 24/7 online tutoring that connects
you with a one-to-one subject expert tutor.
• It is accessible from any internet-enabled
computer or mobile browser through your
course under Home, then select Student
Resources.
• Tutoring is available in the following subject
areas:
• Math – Science – Business – English and
History
• Additionally, the program offers resources
such as study tools, lessons, test prep
materials, and instructional videos.
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9. What if I cannot access my e-
book? • For this class, we will be using an
eBook through VitalSource.
• Please make sure you can access
your book and review the
VitalSource materials and
references on our syllabus.
• VitalSource allows you to view your
book three different ways; Online,
Desktop, Mobile App for iPhone,
iPod Touch, or iPad! Sweet!
• If you have trouble with accessing
VitalSource, please contact the
HelpDesk at (866) 933-8661.
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10. Academic Honesty:
You must not:
•Take others’ thoughts or words without appropriate acknowledgment.
•Submit work that has been written or revised in part or in whole by another
person.
•Submit work that you have submitted for another class.
•Follow the guidelines for APA format: Before logging onto your class, scroll
down to APA tutorial.
•There is also a campus APA guide in Doc Sharing.
•Do some research on the website: http://plagiarism.org/
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It is a violation of college policy to plagiarize or to
recycle work.

11. • Usually homework, other activities, and
online class participation must be
completed by deadline.
• Many Instructors set the deadline for
midnight on Saturday to assist those who
work Monday-Friday.
• Use a calendar for deadlines.
• Set aside time each week to login.
Answer: NO
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Question: Is an online class the same
as a self-paced class?

12. Question: How much time do I have to
spend online?
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• You should plan to spend at least the
same amount of time you would spend
on a face-to-face class, at least 7 to 8
hours per week to complete reading and
writing assignments and take your
quizzes or exams.

13. Question: Do you have to log on at any
particular time?
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• In online classes, attendance and
participation are not the same. Please
note that attendance is tracked by
Online Administration, whereas
participation is graded by your instructor.
• Attendance is monitored daily and is
reviewed weekly. Remember that the
online week begins on Monday and
ends on Sunday. To be in attendance
during a week, you must log in to your
online class and post at least one
message on at least one day during
each week. Deadlines for attendance
are based on mountain time (MT).

14. Online Attendance: How is it recorded?
 Attendance is not a graded activity,
unlike participation.
 Any message you post in any course
will count toward the attendance
requirement, regardless of its content
or quality.
 Meeting the attendance requirements
does not ensure a good participation
grade.
 Missing a total of 2 weeks of
attendance in any online course will
result in automatic withdrawal from
the course, and you will not be
eligible to earn a grade.
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15. Question: How will we communicate?
Answer: In many ways.
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• We'll communicate with each other using
web-based discussion boards, Q & A tab
and email at lpezzell@carrington.edu.
• My office hours are also available by
appointment Monday to Thursday 9 to 1
pm at 916-684-9605 PST.

16. Question: Is taking an online class
easier than a “regular” class?
Answer: No
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• Some students think an online class is
even more demanding than a face-to-
face class.
• You have to stay motivated and stay
on top of your work for the class. Be
sure not to procrastinate.
• The workload in an online class is
usually identical to an on-site class on
the same topic.

17. Question: Do I have to have a computer
at home?
Answer: Yes
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• Access to a computer at home makes it
easier and helps you complete
assignments on time.
• Have a back up plan in case your
computer breaks or your internet access
is down.
• Students can access computers on the
campus in the Learning Resource
Center.
• Some students complete online classes
from work (with permission from their
employer, of course).
• Have a friend or relative in mind that will
let you use your computer in case yours
is down for a day or two.

18. Question: What Internet skills would be
helpful in an online class?
Answer:
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• Know how to use a web browser.
• Know how to use an email program.
• Know how to make and organize bookmarks in your
browser software.
• Some familiarity with web-based interactions bulletin
boards, chat and mailing lists will also be useful.
• Some familiarity with word processing.
• Experience in successful Internet searches using a
variety of search engines.

19. Question: What is expected of students?
Answer:
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• As in a regular face-to-face class, your
instructor expects that you will adhere to
standards of:
Courtesy
Professionalism
Academic honesty
• Participate with appropriate consideration for
each other and for the instructor.
• Your emails and web postings should:
On the topic at hand
Be appropriate
Should reflect a professional demeanor

20. Getting Started Online
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Enjoy the Learning!