Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The following responses to frequently asked questions address many of the concerns students have about distance learning at NMJC. If you need additional assistance, please contact:
Charles Adams – Distance Learning Bb Administrator (for additional information)
New Mexico Junior College
1 Thunderbird Circle
Hobbs, NM 88240
575.492.2647
CAdams@nmjc.edu
Distance Learning
Online Learning
WebCT
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Distance Learning
What is distance learning?
A distance learning class is one in which the students are geographically separated from the instructor. The distance learning referred to in this guide pertains to courses that are taught by NMJC faculty using the Internet instead of face-to-face meetings. Online courses present instruction in a variety of ways including course notes and assignments on the World Wide Web and communication with the instructor and other students. This communication involves using e-mail, chat sessions, bulletin boards, or a combination of methods. Textbooks will be required for most courses.
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Is distance learning for me?
Many students find distance learning a challenging and rewarding educational experience. However, distance learning is not for everyone. Depending on their learning styles and work habits, some students may need the face-to-face contact of a traditional class.
While not conclusive, the following questions can be used as an indicator to determine if distance learning is for you:
- Do I have a computer that fits the requirements and consider myself computer literate?
- Am I self-motivated?
- Do I work well independently? (I don't need frequent prodding.)
- Do I manage my time wisely without a lot of procrastination?
- Will I communicate frequently with my instructor by e-mail or the class bulletin board?
- Can I establish a regular weekly schedule for class work and assignments?
- Do I have enough time to take an online course? (Online courses often require the same amount of time as a face-to-face course.)
- Am I willing to work with other students on group projects?
- Am I goal-oriented?
- Am I voluntarily seeking higher education?
- Am I serious about completing college coursework?
If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you may be ready for a distance learning course.
NMJC's Distance Education Success page provides specific links with additional information.
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Are NMJC's distance learning courses accredited?
New Mexico Junior College is fully accredited by the The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools . Furthermore, specific programs offered by NMJC are also certified by additional organizations. Please see individual program descriptions for further details.
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Online Learning
Does online delivery provide the same quality of education as traditional face-to-face delivery?
The results of numerous studies indicate there is no significant difference in the performance of online learners when compared to in-class learners. In fact, the differences that do exist suggest that online learners perform better in some areas.
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How much time is required to take an online course?
The time required to take an online course will depend on the specific nature of the course. However, it is best to assume that during the standard 16-week semester, an online course will require 9 hours or more per week, much like regular face-to-face courses. Also, during the Summer Semester, when the semester may be compressed into 5 weeks, the time required for the course each week can increase significantly.
Students must endeavor to manage their time well when they are studying, as well as meeting all other life commitments.
A good, free course in Time Management is available from Mind Tools.
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Can I earn an entire degree as a distance student?
Yes, the Criminal Justice Department is currently offering degrees online. Other than these, NMJC does not offer an entire degree via distance at this time. However, each semester more courses are added to our online listings and we plan to have an online AA degree in the near future.
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Will I still need textbooks?
Yes. For most courses, you will still need a textbook. The coursework over the Internet directs your readings and offers an opportunity to discuss them. You are likely to have readings assigned in your textbook, in books or periodicals (many of which are available online through the Pannell Library), and on the Internet.
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What is the attendance policy in an online course?
Faculty members will describe their course's attendance policy in their online syllabus. Normally, attendance is defined as regular participation in certain online activities (chat rooms, bulletin boards, e-mail). Depending on the instructor's policy, you may receive a failing grade if your absences or lack of activity exceed the limits.
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Can I discuss course details with the instructor before registering for a course?
Yes, you can contact the instructor via email at your convenience.
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What are the technical requirements?
NMJC has adopted WebCT course management software as the official delivery system for online courses. Students in online courses must have access to computers and software that meet certain minimum technical specifications to use WebCT.
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Why take an online course?
Online courses provide flexible scheduling and the convenience of not having to travel to campus. This can be ideal for those who must travel frequently for work, those with family responsibilities, or those who cannot travel physically to campus due to transportation and scheduling difficulties.
As a distant student, you will have many advantages in that you will be able to take courses at a place (and possibly a time) that is convenient for you. You will also have the opportunity to interact with a variety of students from a wide geographic area, and will have access to a greater number of resources and experts than you might in a traditional classroom setting. Finally, you may find that you are able to have greater control over the learning process.
Most students find that the convenience of flexible scheduling and not having to drive to school are the main benefits of distance education. Online students often find that they spend more time communicating with faculty and other students than they would in a traditional class. Experience in distance education may also be helpful if you're planning to work at a company that uses online or other forms of distance training.
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What are the drawbacks of taking an online course?
Online courses require participants to take a much more active role in the learning process. The distance nature of the courses means that students must be prepared to take on greater responsibility than those engaged in traditional learning. You will need to discipline yourself to stay actively involved with the course, and may find that you spend an even greater amount of time reading and preparing for this course than you do in a traditional course. Also, since you may not see the instructor face-to-face, you will need to communicate with him or her regularly through e-mail.
Although you can work on most assignments any time of the day, distance education courses actually require more planning than traditional courses. Furthermore, research has shown that although students who complete a distance education course learn as much as (sometimes more than) students in traditional classes, the drop-out rate for distance learners tends to be higher, perhaps because some students need face-to-face motivation.
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What are the testing requirements?
Assessment for an online course of study will vary from course to course and it will be helpful to visit the course description page for any specific requirements. Although this does not apply to all courses, you may be required to come to campus for proctored tests during the semester. Some courses have proctored midterms and finals, in addition to online quizzes.
If you are out of the area and require testing or placement tests, we will work with you to arrange proctored examinations near you, at a college or university, if possible. Any proctoring fees will be at your expense.
For additional information about the course you want to enroll in, you can contact the instructor via email at your convenience.
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What do I do if I have technical difficulties?
First, and foremost, don't panic! If you are having difficulty connecting to your course or if your computer is out of service, there are usually class related activities that you can complete while you are waiting to resolve the concern. It may also be a good idea to contact your professor, by phone, to inform him or her about your trouble. Technical support is available through NMJC by contacting Charles Adams. Also, WebCT offers technical help specific to WebCT related concerns.
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WebCT
What is WebCT?
WebCT is software that allows your instructor to organize online course content and manage assignments, quizzes, and grades. NMJC has adopted WebCT as the official delivery system for all online courses. Therefore, the sooner you become comfortable with WebCT commands and features, the more you will enjoy the class.
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What is the best way to learn how to use WebCT?
WebCT has a guide available online. You can also access this guide by clicking on the professor icon within the WebCT interface. Students can also access an online tour and an online tutorial on the use of WebCT.
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What is a Chat Room?
A chat room allows individuals to type and view messages in real-time (as opposed to viewing messages at a later time in e-mail or on a bulletin board). If more than a few users are chatting at the same time, messages tend to scroll by very rapidly. For this reason, chat rooms are best used for lively, but general discussions, with spontaneous responses. The WebCT interface utilizes a private chat room, restricted to class members, alleviating problems associated with some Internet chat rooms.
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What is a Bulletin Board?
A bulletin board allows users to post messages to which other users can respond at any time. Bulletin boards normally thread the discussions (organize them by topic) so that replies to a message are included under that message. Unlike chat rooms, bulletin boards do not require an immediate response, allowing for more thoughtful answers.
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How do I get my log in ID and password for WebCT?
Your WebCT log in ID and password will be sent to you, via e-mail, after you have enrolled in a WebCT course. If you need additional information, contact Charles Adams.
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Additional Help
Where can I find additional help with e-mail?
Mary Houten-Kemp's Everything E-mail is a comprehensive resource for the newcomer.
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Where can I find additional help with my word processing skills?
Online word processing tutorials, covering a variety of different applications, are provided by the Faculty of Education of the University of Alberta.
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Where can I find additional help with copying and pasting procedures?
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Where can I find additional help with APA writing guidelines?
The American Psychological Association (APA) provides assistance with their online APA resource.
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Where can I find additional help with Internet Explorer?
ZD Net's Help & How-To provides an in-depth reference for Internet Explorer.
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Where can I find additional help with Netscape?
ZD Net's Help & How-To provides an in-depth reference for Netscape Browsers.
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