After Registering for an Online Class

If you are new to online learning, you may have concerns about how these courses work and what you need to do before the semester begins. If you haven't already reviewed the Tips for Success in Distance Learning, click here to do that now. Then complete the important steps below.

Review the computer system requirements
Review the course description and instructor information
Contact your instructor
Purchase textbooks
Obtain your WebCT/Blackboard login information
Log in to the MyWebCT/BB page
Find technical support
Access the course content

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NEW AND RETURNING STUDENTS! WebCT/Blackboard is the online course management system used by CCBC. In June 2007 CCBC adopted the current version, referred to here as WebCT/Blackboard Campus Edition 6, or CE 6. There are some specific technical requirements for using CE 6. Please review the following information thoroughly, even if you have previously used WebCT.

Step 1: Review the basic hardware and software requirements for CCBC online courses.

Confirm that your system meets the basic technical requirements for taking CCBC online courses. There are specific technical requirements for WebCT/Blackboard CE 6, especially regarding Java and pop-up blockers. Contact the instructor if you have any questions about course-specific technical requirements.

Step 2: Review the course description and instructor information.

* At the top of the Online Classes page, click on the link to the appropriate class schedule.
* Scroll down the alphabetical list of courses to find your course and section. There may be several sections taught by different faculty.
* Click on the underlined 5-digit CRN number to access the catalog description and academic prerequisites for the course.
* If an instructor has been assigned to your section, you should see that person's name and an email address and/or phone number.

Step 3: Contact your instructor(s) via email.

Using the instructor's contact information, send an email informing him or her that you are registered for the course. You must do this for each online course for which you are registered. Include the following information:

* Your full name
* The college that you are attending (there may be students enrolled from other colleges)
* The online course for which you are registered (the instructor may teach several)
* Your full street address
* Your personal email address
* The phone number(s) where you can be reached most easily
* Any accommodations that you may require due to disability

Step 4: Purchase textbooks and other required materials.

Textbooks and other required materials can be purchased from the CCBC Bookstore. Most texts are available for purchase approximately one month prior to the semester or session. You can purchase texts either online or in person at any of the three main campus locations.

Whether you're shopping online or in person, be sure to:

* Have your class schedule with you when you order or shop.
* Know the campus from which you course originates. Look at the section code; Catonsville-based courses have a section code beginning with WC, Dundalk-based with WD and Essex-based with WE. Each campus bookstore stocks several copies of all texts for all online classes; however, if you're shopping in person at a campus other than where your course originates, the bookstore may have to order it for you.
* Shop early!

MOL Students: If you are a student enrolled at another community college but taking an online class from CCBC through Maryland Online (MOL), the correct text should be available in your home college bookstore. If it is not, contact your instructor, or email jmartin@ccbcmd.edu.

Step 5: Obtain your WebCT/Blackboard login information.

To log in to WebCT/Blackboard CE 6, you will need a user name and a password. Your initial password is your complete 9-digit student ID number. If your student ID number begins with a "0" replace the first "0" with a "9".

If you have previously used WebCT CE 6 (in Summer 2007 or later), the new password that you created will remain valid.

* All CCBC Users (Faculty and Students)

* All WebCT/Blackboard users can obtain their login information through the CCBC Online Information System, or SIMON.
* Click here to go to the SIMON home page. If you are new to SIMON you will first have to create a user name. Click the Log On button in the upper right corner of the SIMON home page and follow the steps on the left under Create A New User Name.
* Once you have created a SIMON user name, you can use the Log On button to access your SIMON account. On the Main Menu, scroll down and click on Student Email and Unix Account Information.
* Click the View button to find your WebCT/Blackboard ID (user name) and password.

HINT: IF SIMON DOES NOT DISPLAY YOUR WEBCT INFORMATION, your WebCT user name is the same as your Unix user name, and your WebCT password is your 9-digit CCBC ID number.

NOTE: The Reset button will only reset your Unix password, not your WebCT password!

NOTE: Any questions or concerns about SIMON should be directed to the CCBC Helpdesk at 410-455-4357.

* Students Enrolled in Fully Online Classes

* Students enrolled in fully online classes will receive a letter in the mail containing the WebCT/Blackboard login information, as well as instructions on getting started.
* If you do not receive the letter before classes begin, we recommend that you retrieve your login information through SIMON (above).
* Click here to access the start-up instructions referenced in the letter.

* Late Registrants

* Students who register late may request their login information through the CCBC Helpdesk (410-455-4357).
* Late registrants may also retrieve their login information through SIMON (above).

* MOL Students

* Students who are enrolled at another community college but are taking an online course offered by CCBC through Maryland Online (MOL) will receive a letter in the mail containing their login information.
* MOL students may also contact the instructor for their login information, or email jmartin@ccbcmd.edu.

Step 6: Log in to the MyWebCT/BB page.

1. Go to the CCBC Home Page at http://www.ccbcmd.edu/.

2. Look for the row of green tabs above the photographs, near the top of the page. Click on the tab labeled myCCBC.

3. From the drop-down list of academic computing systems, click on WebCT.

4. First review all of the information on the login screen. Then click on the orange oval Login button. On the Blackboard Learning System entry page, click Log In. (The Course List feature is not used at CCBC.)

5. The next page displays a box where you will enter your user name and password. But before proceeding with the login process, click on the Check Browser button on the right side of the screen. WebCT/Blackboard will run a quick check of your system to make sure it is compliant with CE 6. Also note the information regarding Pop-up Blockers and Java Security Certificate. You must accept, or run, the Java Security Certificate in order for WebCT to function properly.

6. Now enter your user name and password, and click OK. You will log in to your personal My WebCT/BB page, where you will see all of the CCBC credit classes for which you are registered, including those that are not online. In the current version of WebCT/Blackboard, a section will be created automatically for every CCBC course, even if the instructor does not use it. Inactive sections cannot be deleted from your WebCT/Blackboard account; however, you can hide them so that they do not appear on your page. Click here for more information.

7. It is no longer required that you change your password the first time you log in. However, it is recommended that you do so for security reasons. Click on the My Settings link in the top right corner of the My WebCT/BB page. Below your personal profile click the Change Password button. Enter your current password (CCBC student ID number) and a new one of your choosing (at least 6 characters; can be letters an/or numbers). Make sure it is something you will remember! In the Secret Question and Secret Answer blocks, type a question and answer that only you will know. (This will allow you to use the Forgot your password? tool to get a new password, 24/7, should you forget yours.) Click Save and return to the My Settings page. Now click the Edit Profile button and enter your preferred email address in the E-mail window. This is the address to which a new password will be sent. Click Save, and when you return to the My Settings page, click Done.

NOTE: The Forgot your password? and Forgot your login information? tools can only be used to get a new password after you have successfully logged in and completed step 7 above. They are not a means of finding your login information if you have never logged in. You can do that through SIMON.

NOTE: Changing your WebCT password will not change the way it appears on your SIMON account page. SIMON will always show your original password (your student ID number). Also, you cannot reset your WebCT password in SIMON; the Reset button there will only reset your Unix password.
SEE STEP 8 BELOW TO HAVE YOUR WEBCT/BB PASSWORD RESET.

8. If you lose/forget your new password AND you have completed step 7 above, simply click on Forgot your login information? or Forgot your password? on the login screen and enter the email address and secret answer you created. A new password will be sent to that email address. If you did not complete step 7, contact the CCBC Helpdesk or phone 410-455-4357 to have your password reset.

9. Your instructor may keep access to the course turned off, or keep most of the course material hidden until the session or semester begins. Contact your instructor if the course content is not visible by the first day of the session or semester.

10. In addition to the courses on your My WebCT/BB page you will find links to a series of WebCT/Blackboard tutorials. This material is provided to you as a resource.

Step 7: Get help with any questions or problems that arise.

Be sure to take advantage of the CE6 Online Tutorials that are linked from the Campus Bookmarks area of your My WebCT/BB page.

If you have any problems, questions or concerns about your WebCT/Blackboard account, click here to go to the CCBC Online Student Helpdesk. Here you will find solutions to most of the frequently asked questions, as well as information about various WebCT/Blackboard Orientation Options.

Use the Online Student Helpdesk resources to troubleshoot any WebCT/Blackboard problems you may encounter. If you cannot find a solution for a technical issue, such as login failure or WebCT tools that are not working properly, contact the CCBC Helpdesk at helpdesk@ccbcmd.edu or call 410-455-4357.

Step 8: On the first day of the semester or session, enter the password-protected course content.

Log in to the My WebCT/BB page. In the Course List, click on the course title to enter the actual course content.

Once you have successfully entered a course, should you have any questions or concerns about the content or how to navigate it, please contact your instructor, or use the FAQ resources of the Online Student Helpdesk.

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