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E-Learning   >>   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This page provides answers to common questions about online courses.
 

  1.        What are online courses?
  2.        What do online courses cover?
  3.        How do online courses work?
  4.        What skills do I need to be successful in an online course?
  5.        What computer hardware and software do I need to take an online course?
  6.        Do I have to come to campus?
  7.        Do I have to be online at a certain time each day (or week)?
  8.        How do I register for an online course?
  9.        How much do online courses cost?
  10.        Can I "visit" an online class?
  11.        What computer labs are available on campus?
  12.        What student services and resources are available?
  13.        How do I get technical help?
  14.        What are my username and password for Blackboard going to be?

  1. What are online courses?
    An online course is one delivered over the Internet using web pages, e-mail, online discussion forums, etc. Athens Technical College offers a selection of full-credit college courses over the Internet as a flexible alternative to traditional, on-campus classes. ATC uses the Blackboard learning platform to deliver online, hybrid and web-enhanced courses.
     
  2. What do online courses cover?
    Online courses cover the same content as their traditional counterparts on campus. Class sizes are limited so that instructors can provide the same level of personal interactions as they do in the traditional classroom. This personal interaction is accomplished using e-mail, online discussion forums and other technologies available to instructors and students.
     
  3. How do online courses work?
    Students "attend" online courses by accessing the class web pages and completing assignments according to the class schedule. Students communicate regularly with the instructor and classmates via e-mail and online discussion forums.

    Athens Technical College's online courses are not self-paced, independent study courses. Students are required to complete assignments according to the class schedule, to maintain regular contact with the instructor, and to participate in online class discussions.
     
  4. What skills should I possess to be successful in an online course?
    Taking a course over the Internet requires the ability to work independently and to devise your own regular schedule for "attending" class and completing assignments.

    Students learning online have a greater responsibility for their own success than students in traditional classroom settings. It is important that you have the self-discipline and motivation to work on a flexible schedule without getting behind. Students must be prepared to dedicate about 10-15 hours per week, every week to each online or hybrid course if they wish to be successful.
     
  5. What computer hardware and software do I need to take an online course?
    Please go to the E-Learning – Hardware/Software Requirements page for taking online courses.

    Note: Some courses may have additional hardware/software requirements. Please contact the instructors of each course listing for special requirements.
     
  6. Do I have to come to campus?
    Generally, NO. Some courses may require the student to take the final on-campus or provide the school with the name of an off-campus proctor. Your instructor will inform you of any required campus meetings.

    You may also make an appointment to see an on-campus instructor (if available) or drop by during his/her posted office hours. You may find it more convenient to use e-mail or telephone.
     
  7. Do I have to be online at a certain time each day (or week)?
    Some instructors require students to be online at specific times to complete exams or participate in group work. However, you are generally required to keep up with the class schedule and to complete assignments before specified due dates. Some classes may have several due dates each week; others may require work once per week. You can choose the time of day or night you want to log on to the Internet to work on an assignment, but you must complete it and submit it by the specified date and time.
     
  8. How do I register for an online course?
    See detailed information at Registration Process for Online Classes.
     
  9. How much do online courses cost?
    Online courses cost the same as traditional Athens Technical College courses -- they are priced according to the number of credit hours. Credit hours are listed in the syllabus for each online class.

    10. NOTICE: Some online/hybrid courses use books that require an "Access Key." This Access Key is ONLY available with new books, or purchased directly from the publisher. It is your responsibility to check with the instructor of your online course to determine if the course will require an Access Key. Please do this before you purchase your books for online/hybrid classes.

    Financial aid may be available. Contact the Financial Aid Office in Student Services at 706-355-5009 for more information.

  10. Can I "visit" an online class?
    No. You may get more information about an online class by contacting the instructor.
     
  11. How do I get technical help?
    Below are some instructions and links to tips for online learners.
    (Athens Technical College does not provide technical support for your home computer or assistance with your Internet problems.)

    Step One:
    Make sure you are aware of the hardware/software requirements.

    12. Step Two:
    If your computer meets all requirements, has pop-ups enabled, and has all media downloads; but you are still having trouble accessing areas of your Blackboard course, contact your instructor.

    Step Three:
    If your computer meets all requirements and your instructor has not been able to solve your technical support issues, submit a support request.

    •         Tips for communicating online
    •         Tips for sending e-mail attachments
    •         E-mail for students: You must use your @student.athenstech.edu email address for all communication with your instructor(s). All ATC students are provided an email account. For more information visit the Student Email page.
       
  12. What computer labs are available on campus?
    Computer are available in libraries of the Athens, Walton, Elbert, and Greene campuses for student use.
  13. What student services and resources are available?
    All student services and student resources are available to online students.
    Please visit the Athens Technical College home page about resources available to students.
     
  14. What are my username and password for Blackboard going to be?
    You will not be able to log in to the credit course until the first day of class. Your username is "22_" + your nine digit student id number.

    Example: An ATC student whose student id number is 910XXXXXX

          Username: 22_910XXXXXX
          Password: 22_910XXXXXX

    The first time a student logs into Blackboard, the password is the same as the username "22_"plus the nine-digit student id number. Students will be prompted to change passwords the first time they login.