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To help you locate information quickly, this area is organized by fields, including:
- Contacting Staff
- MSVCC and Blackboard Software
- Online Course Structure
- Online vs. Classroom
- Schedules
- Technical Support
Contacting Staff:
How do I contact the instructor?
Within the course site, you will have a direct link to the instructor. Most instructors provide email, fax, and telephone numbers, as well as posted office hours. Most students find faster and easier access to their online instructors, as compared to classroom instructors.
Who do I contact if my instructor is not responding to my emails?
Contact the EMCC Distance Learning Coordinator (see below).
How do I contact the EMCC Distance Learning Coordinator in charge of online classes?
The Distance Learning Coordinator is James McMullan. he is located at Meridian Naval Air Station:
By Email
By voice mail, (601) 679-3570
For Scooba campus, the distance learning office contact person is Joyce Coleman:
By Email
By voice mail: (662) 476-5347
For Golden Triangle campus, the distance learning office contact person is Kim Hunt and Catina Stokes:
By Email
By voice mail: (662) 243-2604
For Columbus Center, the distance learning office contact person is Jackie Newton:
By Email
By voice mail: (662) 434-2660
For Scooba, the distance learning office contact person is Loretta Boswell:
By Email
By voice mail: (662) 476-5386
MSVCC and Blackboard Software:
How does the instructor know I'm accessing the course site?
Instructors can access instant log-in records. The Blackboard software also allows the teacher to track use of site pages. While your instructor will have specific requirements, you should plan on accessing the course at least twice a week.
Online Course Structure:
Are EMCC's online courses self-paced?
No, EMCC online courses fit within the overall MSVCC schedule, with specific beginning, add/drop, and final exam dates. Within each course, instructors may have specific due dates for assignments.
Do I need to purchase textbooks for the classes?
All courses have assigned textbooks, and obtaining the textbooks should be your first priority. The course listing on the MSVCC site includes textbook assignments.The EMCC bookstores will have your textbook in stock and reasonably priced. You can access the EMCC bookstores from this website.
What are the tests like?
It depends on the instructor and the specific course, because the instructor has a variety of test formats to choose from. For tests within the course, many instructors use tests you can take directly from your home computer. These tests can be set for specific time completion, and can include true/false, multiple choice, ordering, matching, short order, and essay questions. The instructor may also ask to you submit written exams via email.
The instructor also may specify proctored exams to ensure the registered student is completing the assignments. The proctored exams are mandatory for the final exam.
What are "proctored exams"?
You will complete a test or assignment at a registered MCVCC site close to your home. The general procedure is to make an appointment (to ensure computer access), show up on time, show a picture I.D., and establish your connection to the course while at the provided computer. The proctor will have the necessary password (the software will prompt you for it) so you can access the test. Most instructors only employ the final proctored exam during the course, although some may employ� more than one proctored exam.
How do I schedule a proctored exam?
A list of the MSVCC proctors is available through the http://sbcjcweb.sbcjc.cc.ms.us/msvccvisitor/proctor_listing.asp website. You will need to call or email your specific contact for an appointment. If you have difficulty reaching the listed proctors, arrangements may be arranged by you and approved by EMCC. Proctors have included: high school counselors, public librarians, high school principals and counselors, and military education offices.
If I need extra help, where should I start?
You should always begin by emailing the instructor, who can steer you to the correct resource. You can also contact other students in the class and access the EMCC Library.
Online vs. Classroom:
What is the difference between EMCC online courses and the MSVCC?
East Mississippi Community College is an active participant within the Mississippi Virtual Community College network. MSVCC, composed of the 15 public community colleges, provides the platform for the courses, as well as advertising. As an online student you become part of EMCC's participation in MSVCC.
What type of learner successfully completes online courses?
You should be a self-directed and self-motivated learner. Specifically, you must establish and follow a study schedule so you can keep to the class schedule. Take our self-assessment test to determine your online readiness - go to the "Distance Learning Page" and self-test link in this website.
Do these classes count for college credit?
Yes! Your transcript will show the courses you complete with no distinction between classroom and online classes.
How do I sign up for online courses at EMCC?
Go to the Student Services page at the EMCC website (www.eastms.edu). You will apply for admission to EMCC at http://www.eastms.edu/students/onlineadmission.php. After you apply to EMCC, you can register for classes. If you have questions call your campus distance learning office.
Will I interact with the professor and other students in the class?
You will definitely interact with the professor through email messages. Depending on how the particular course is structured, you may have online discussions and possibly group assignments. The Blackboard software provides "asynchronous" communications through discussion boards, email messages; it also provides "synchronous" communication through course chat room. While most EMCC instructors do not specify specific chat room meetings, they encourage you to participate on a voluntary basis.
I'm a part time student. What resources are available to me?
Online courses were created with you in mind! Please see the "Advising" link in this website for specific information.
How expensive are these courses?
EMCC charges the same price for online courses as we do for traditional classes.
Fees are shown on our Distance Learning Tuition and Fees page.
Will I be able to set up study groups with the other students?
This is possible through the Blackboard software Virtual Classroom or Discussion Board.
Schedules:
I need specific courses for graduation. Does EMCC have a variety of online courses?
Yes, EMCC offers one of the largest and most varied schedules in the state. To view and make your selections, visit the EMCC website (www.eastms.edu), access the Schedules link, and select the desired semester.
When do courses begin?
The EMCC website (www.eastms.edu) includes calendar information for the upcoming CAMPUS classes. You can also examine the online class calendar at schedule at http://www.msvcc.org/PortalSite/Calendar.htm. EMCC's online course schedule fits within the MSVCC schedule and the traditional classes schedule.
How do I find out when my assignments are due?
All courses provide calendars in the syllabus; you should contact the professor for the course syllabus if it isn't provided in the course site.
Course Selection?
When selecting courses, be aware that the career technical courses are not generally designed for transfer to academic programs.
Technical Support:
What kind of computer hardware and software do I need for online courses?
Please refer to the technical requirements link in this website for a PC and Macintosh information.
Can I use the computers on the EMCC campuses?
Many of our computers are used for classroom instruction, and the classrooms are closed on some nights and on weekends. Therefore, you may find it difficult to access EMCC computers at your convenience, and you are highly discouraged from taking online courses. We suggest you obtain your own home computer, and use our resources as emergency backup.
Is technical assistance available?
If you are a registered EMCC student taking MSVCC courses, you can call or email the EMCC DLC (James McMullan ) for questions. EMCC does not provide diagnostic or repair services for your computer.
What if I need help while I'm working?
Begin by determining your particular problem. If you are experiencing Internet connection problems, you will need to contact your Service Provider. If it lies within the course information, then you should start with the instructor and the course itself. You may post questions on the discussion board or contact the instructor via email or telephone. If your problem is with navigating the Blackboard course software, an online help feature will probably answer your questions. If you have questions or concerns about the MSVCC platform or about EMCC guidelines, please contact your Distance Learning Coordinator. If you are not exactly sure what your particular problem is, try with your course instructor first; EMCC wants you to be a happy and successful student. Be sure to let your instructor know you are experiencing problems so that you alleviate attendance problems.
Can any browser work for online classes?
We strongly recommend the most current version of Internet Explorer because it consistently works well with the Blackboard software. It is also a free download.
Can I use AOL for my email?
Yes! However, we strongly recommend you download their latest version to ensure you can receive your instructor's emails.
I would like to speak to a real person about online courses. Who is the best EMCC resource?
James McMullan is the EMCC Distance Learning Coordinator. He serves as the main point of contact for issues relating to technology assisted distance learning areas. She also serves as a resource for the MSVCC. Andrea Scott Mayfield also works with the EMCC online instructors and is the Dean of Distance learning; if she is unable to answer your questions, she will refer you to the correct specialist.
Contact Andrea Scott Mayfield:
Telephone: (662) 476-5025
Email
Do I need an email account to take online courses?
Yes, you will need an email account. WE RECOMMEND ALL EMCC STUDENTS USE THEIR EMCC EMAIL ADDRESS!
This account can be through your Internet provider, or it can be through the major websites that offer free email (such as Yahoo, Excite, or Netscape). AT THIS TIME, WE DO NOT RECOMMEND Hotmail. Our online students experience problems in receiving emails from the course site and have also had problems sending legible documents to the instructors.
Also, we strongly recommend you choose an email name that closely resembles your own name, since if assists the instructor to associate you with your email. For instance, of two email accounts for Sue Jones, the instructor will be more likely to associate sjones@yahoo.com or suejns@excite.com with Sue, as opposed to senior2000@yahoo or myemailaddress@yahoo.com
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