FAQs about Online Learning

Online (or Internet) classes have certain advantages over traditional face-to-face courses. However, fully online classes require students to be more self-motivated, technologically savvy and the ability to adjust to different learning and teaching styles. So, are online classes for you? These questions will help guide your decision.

Learning Management Systems (LMS), like Blackboard and Canvas, are user-friendly web application that allows you to navigate through course materials, send e-mails, use discussion forums, submit assignments and take tests.

Each LMS course site in Canvas has information about “Getting Help and Support” in the Modules section of the course. Also, the Help menu has links to support options like Chat, a Hotline, How-to Guides and Support Tickets (for reporting a problem in Canvas). Also, there is a free Passport to Canvas training course for all students, which is also available in Canvas Dashboard, to help students learn how to navigate Canvas. The Help link also provides you with links to numerous College resources for students.

In Blackboard, check out Blackboard Resources for Students, which is available under My Courses. It provides information about navigating Blackboard and using tools and features.  If you have trouble finding the site or have additional Blackboard-related questions, email elearning@rccc.edu.

Note: Course-specific questions (such as those about assignments, tests, grades and course content) should be directed to the faculty teaching the class.

For general questions you can review the information provided on the IS Help Desk webpage. If your questions aren’t answered on the Help Desk webpage, contact the Help Desk by submitting a ticket.

Note: Technical issues should also be reported to faculty as soon as they occur so that additional arrangements can be made, should they be necessary.

• Make sure your computer meets the minimal requirements (see above for a link to the requirements). Whenever possible, use computers that exceed these standards.
• Know the specifications of your computer. If you have to get help, knowing your computer’s operating system and browsers will help troubleshooters find solutions.
• Use Firefox, Edge, Chrome or Safari.
• Keep software updated, including system software, applications and browsers (Firefox, Edge, Chrome, Safari).
• Submit work early when possible. This way, if something goes wrong, there’s time to fix the issue before the deadline.
• Save your work frequently, including copies of papers, assignments, important email messages and anything else you wouldn’t want to retype should an accident occur.
• Have a backup plan for accessing the Internet should your access become unavailable. This might be a school, a public library or a friend’s home.
• Print contact information for your instructor, your Internet Service provider and other sources of help. Having it on your computer is not helpful if the computer won’t work.

You will be responsible for obtaining your own Internet access from an Internet service provider, such as Spectrum, AT&T, Windstream or a variety of other options depending on your location. Internet access is an additional cost; it is not included in the cost of the class.

All classes begin on the class start date and end on the class end date. Check Self-Service for class-specific start and end dates. You will have to meet the assignment and testing deadlines set by each faculty member.

Blackboard and Canvas course sites are available early in the morning on the day classes begin and will turn off 7 days after class ends. The course site will be available on the LMS after the class ends, allowing students time to review grades. Work may not be submitted after the class ends unless specific arrangements have been made with the faculty.

Course Questions: All course-related questions should first be sent to the faculty teaching the course.

Textbooks: Textbook information for each class is available in the online bookstore and in the class syllabus. There are a variety of publishers and textbook types, and the faculty teaching the class will have the most current information. Rowan-Cabarrus also provides additional information on textbook support on the online bookstore website.

Grading and Testing: Each faculty determines the grading structure and testing practices for their course, including where testing for their course takes place (online or in a campus testing center – or similarly proctored environment). Review the class syllabus carefully and contact your instructor with any questions.

Internet classes have no scheduled meetings on campus, although faculty reserve the right to require online meetings and proctored test-taking in the Testing Center or at an alternate proctoring center. Check your class syllabus for details.

Students are expected to spend an average of two hours of study each week for each semester hour credit. Please note that this is an average, and in actual practice, the amount of time depends on the student’s comfort level with the content and technology. Some courses may require many more hours of study. In such cases, the faculty will provide guidance on the amount of time required for their course.