Before enrolling in a eLearning course you should review the minimum hardware and software requirements listed in the FAQ section of this site.
Tips for Being a Successful Online Student
Review these tips for students provided by the Indiana College Network
Readiness Indicators
Smarter Measure is an assessment tool that is used to determine a student's readiness for online course work. The survey asks questions on topics in the areas of how well you can use a computer; how motivated, organized, and self-directed you are; and how you prefer to learn new information. In addition, your typing and on-screen reading speed and comprehension will be measured.
This readiness quiz is hosted by Bellevue Community College in Washington and is a good indicator for student success in online courses..
In addition, take the following self-assessment to see if you understand what it takes to be a successful online student. Choose the answers that most realistically describe you.
1. Do I keep up with my reading assignments in my face-to-face courses?
Yes, I enjoy reading. I use my college textbooks almost like study guides.
No, I do not like reading at all!
NOTE: Online courses are heavily text-based besides having the usual textbook reading assignments .
2. Do I complete my assignments on time for my face-to-face courses?
Yes, I follow my teacher's instructions for completing course assignments.
No, I try to complete my assignments by the end of the semester. I have other more important schedules to follow.
NOTE : Students who cannot meet assignment schedules for online courses should NOT enroll. Online courses are NOT open entry/open exit. Schedules are important!
3. Is my computer equipment reliable?
Yes, my computer equipment is up-to-date and I have a good backup plan if my computer does break down.
No, however, my mother-in-law will let me use hers when it comes back from the shop.
NOTE : Technical problems are not acceptable excuses for missing assignments or test completion dates. Having an alternative plan just in case your computer breaks down is a very good idea!
4. Do I have a reliable Internet provider?
Yes, I have internet service through a reliable provider..
No, but I will get reliable internet service before the course starts.
NOTE: MGCCC requires that students activate and use the email account provided by the college.
5. Do I enjoy emailing my friends and responding to my friends' email?
Yes, my friends and I often share what is happening in our lives through email.
No, I would rather telephone my friends or meet them somewhere to talk face-to-face. I am frustrated by the wait for email.
NOTE: The primary means of communicating between an online student and an online instructor is through email. To be successful, the online student must be very comfortable with email, including the delays that may occur with email.
6. Can I afford to take an online course?
Yes, I understand that there is an extra non-refundable fee of $10 per credit hour for each course that I take. If my course is not on MGCCC book service, I may have to purchase my textbook from a source outside the College.
No, I cannot afford $30 to $40 for each online course that I take.
NOTE: Students enrolling in online courses pay the same tuition and fees as face-to-face students; however, there is an additional NON-REFUNDABLE online course fee. Textbooks that are not on MGCCC book service can be VERY expensive. One hundred dollars per course for course materials is not unusual.
7. Can I perform basic computer functions such as create, save, and manage files on a computer, navigate the Internet, download files, attach files to an email message, and save and open attached files from incoming email?
Yes, I consider myself to be proficient using a computer. I am proficient with word processing.
No, I am not a confident computer user, but I have a friend who can do these things for me.
Note: On a proctored test, only you will be allowed to complete the test. Your friend, parent, colleague or any other relation should not have access to your user ID or password. Only students registered in a specific class are to have access to the password and user ID to enter that class.
8. Do I understand College attendance policy for online courses?
Yes, I know that I probably will have to logon to the course site several times every week.
No, How can there be an attendance policy when there is no face-to-face contact between student and instructor?
NOTE: The e-learning software used to facilitate courses keeps a record of the student's activity within the platform to include what days and time a student logs on to course site.
9. Do I understand the College Internet Acceptable Use policy?
Yes, I understand my rights and responsibilities. I understand that by sharing my logon and password with an unauthorized individual, I may be dismissed from the course and the College (The document “Student Rights and Responsibilities” is available in the Student Handbook .)
No, I do not read stuffy documents.
Note: The College's Internet policy applies to all students who enroll into an MGCCC Internet provided course.
10.Do I expect the assignments for online courses to be the same as the assignments for face-to-face courses?
Yes, Online course assignments may not be exactly the same as for face-to-face courses, but the assignments will be equivalent.
No, I expect to save a lot of time. I will not have to attend classes, have projects, or write papers. I will never have to use the library. I plan to spend one hour per week online at the course site. I will not have to take my kids to daycare.
NOTE : The usual standard for time required for a College course is three hours per every one-hour of credit received. The time required for a three-hour course may be nine hours of reading and assignments and three hours on the class site per week. Just as with face-to-face courses, students may have assignments that require library use. Learning Resources can be accessed through the MGCCC home page.
11.Do I understand that the Internet courses may be taught by an instructor from another Mississippi community college?
Yes, I understand that my course instructor may not be employed by Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and may not have an office at an MGCCC college site.
No, I expected to see my instructor.
NOTE: The online courses may be offered through any of the participating 15 Mississippi community colleges .
12.When I have a choice, do I sit in the front half of an on campus classroom?
Yes, I sit on the front row if I can, and I enjoy classroom discussion.
No , I feel more comfortable along the back wall of a classroom. I want to be able to see everything that happens, but I am there to absorb, not talk.
Note: The most successful online students frequently participate in the course through the asynchronous electronic discussion board. Online instructors have observed that students who do not participate and interact with the instructor and other classmates tend to drop the course more frequently than students who participate in the course do. Successful online students cannot be “lurkers” who stand on the sidelines “observing” what is going on.
If you answered "yes" to most of the above questions, then eLearning may be the right option for you!
If your answers differ greatly to any of these questions, you may wish to contact the eLearning Department before registering for any eLearning course. It is very important that you have a clear understanding of the requirements for any eLearning course before registering.
The successful online student must be an independent, self-motivated learner. Online courses are not suited for the student who learns best by having frequent interaction with the instructor and other students.
