FAQ

Online Education Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I access my course?
Online, brick and click and some companion course are available on the Internet in Moodle. Go to
https://holyokecc.mrooms3.net. There you will find a Moodle 101 Orientation course available for your
review. Log in instructions can also be found at this site.

2. How can I get help with my questions or technical problems?
If you have questions about an assignment, course content, or software unique to your course(s) then you
should immediately contact your instructor. If you cannot connect to the Internet at all, you should check
with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you have computer hardware issues, you may need to contact
a computer technician.

If you need Moodle support or technical assistance, please contact helpdesk at 413-552-2075 or
helpdesk@hcc.edu. Be sure to indicate your full name, course number and the problem. Email assistance
is preferred.

3. Are online classes self-paced?
No. Depending on the instructor, you will have assignments that require you to communicate with other
students just as you would in a face-to-face course. Most online courses require you to adhere to due
dates for assignments, quizzes, tests, etc. If you register for an online course, expect to finish the course on
the instructor's timeline, not yours.

4. How do online classes work?
Online courses are structured so that the course content traditionally delivered in the classroom is delivered
online. Course materials may be accessed through the World Wide Web and discussion boards; CD's
provided with textbooks; video and audio lessons delivered over the Internet; and through many other
online means. Some classes may require an on-campus exam. The course syllabus will show the
schedule and requirements of the course.


5. How will I communicate in an online class?
Most online classes use a threaded discussion forum or bulletin board for class discussions. Students have
differing reactions to this form of communication. Some students like online discussion because it allows
them time to think before they write, unlike face-to-face classroom discussions, which "tend to be blurts of
raw, not necessarily throughout ideas." Students who are shy or don't speak up in class may like this
format: "I felt I was more inclined to participate and express myself in the online format, as opposed to the
classroom situation where I feel self-conscious about raising my hand."

Because shy students have an equal opportunity to contribute, some students like the fact that they hear
from all of their classmates, not just the most vocal. Communicating with your classmates and instructor is
an important part of online learning, and your course will have a discussion board area where this
communication takes place. Because online courses are designed to offer flexibility and students log in at
different times, you will rarely engage in live chats with your classmates. Instead, you will answer
questions posed by the instructor each week, then return to the discussion board a day or two later to read
and respond to your classmates' comments. Your instructor will be present in the discussions as well,
highlighting key points and helping the class stay on track. You will also be able to post questions of your
own - for instance, if you are confused about an assignment or have technical problems with the course,
you can often get a quick answer from your classmates without having to wait for the instructor to respond.

6. Are online classes easier than on-campus classes?
Absolutely not! Unfortunately, some students often have the misperception that online courses will be
easier than on-campus courses, and this is simply not true. While in an online course you have greater
flexibility in terms of when you complete your coursework, the amount and nature of that coursework will be
comparable to that assigned in an on-campus course. Additionally, the amount of reading and writing
online students are required to do is quite extensive. Remember, one of the biggest challenges faced by
online students is managing their time, so it is important that you are able to manage your time wisely and
maintain self-motivation. Also COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY! Students need to remember to stay in
constant contact with his/her instructor during the term. The instructor won't know what the student is
thinking if the student doesn't stay in communication with him/her.

7. What are assignments like?
The content of online assignments is similar to face-to-face interaction. You will need to download some
assignments from your course. For others, you will refer to your textbook or other offline materials. In
either case, the best way to complete your assignment is to do the work offline - that is, while not logged
into the course. Save a backup copy of your work on your computer, then log into the course and submit
your answers according to the directions in the assignment. In most cases, you will be asked to submit
assignments in an area of the course designated for file uploads.

Tests and quizzes in your online course will be similar to those you are accustomed to in face-to-face
courses. Questions may be objective (matching, multiple choice) or subjective (short answer, essay) in
nature, with some assessments consisting of only one type, while others contain both types. Sometimes,
you will download assessment files and complete and submit them like assignments (described above),
while at other times you will use the course's online assessment area, which will record your answers
automatically (and can provide you with immediate feedback if the instructor chooses).

8. What about course expectations and class attendance?
Faculty will expect students to be active learners and engaged in the class. Most online faculty expect you
to log on and participate in learning activities at least three different days a week to read and reply to
discussion postings, submit assignments, participate in small group activities, etc. Any college course (face
to face or online) will require you to spend 9 -12 hours a week in a 3 credit course over a 14 week
semester, including attendance, readings and assignments. You will also be expected to meet deadline
dates set by the professor. While you can decide what days and what time to 'attend class', it is not self
paced or independent study.

9. What student services are available to online students?
Academic advising for online students is available at online@hcc.edu.
Free online tutoring 24 hours a day in accounting, writing, mathematics, information literacy and research methods, and sciences.

The HCC Library works to ensure that online students have access to resources and services that mirror those available to students enrolled in on-campus classes.
Access to traditional resources and services, including magazine articles, books, course reserves and research assistance, are available through the Library's homepage.

For personalized Library assistance, check out Ask the Librarian.

10. How do I drop a class?
Sometimes it is necessary for a student to withdraw from an online course. If that happens,
be sure to complete the withdrawal form here (you will find forms at the green bar at the top,
under Enrollment Information; Forms). If you do not withdraw from your class, you can receive a failing
grade on your transcript.