FAQ about taking an Online Course with Professor Levi-Aland
Many people have similar questions regarding an online course. I have complied a list of the most common questions here and their answers for you to look at before you decide if you would like to register for one of my online classes. If you have a question that is not answered below, please email me, including the course name in the subject of the email. Thank you!
| General Course Information | WebCT6 Information | Computer Requirements |
| Technical Savvy | Access to Professor |
Are your courses completely online or do we have to take tests somewhere?
My courses are completely online, including exams, papers, projects, etc. There is an optional open lab time towards the start of the semester (see each course's individual Course Schedule for details), that is available to all my online students. Again, this is completely optional and just there in case you have any questions you would like me to answer face to face.
Can I do all of the work at once (beginning, middle or end of the semester)?
No, not in the courses I teach. Things are due throughout the semester (all online). Remember, online does not mean less work, it just means you can do the work at your convenience (3am in the morning in your pj's if you want!). You still have to cover 14 weeks of work, and about 3 to 4 hours of work a week (think about a face to face course, you go to class for about 1 hr and 15 minutes twice a week, and have additional outside work, same type of idea in an online course, you just do not meet face to face). You can work up to 2 weeks ahead at any point in the semester, but they are fairly structured courses. A Course Schedule is provided for you to stay on top of assignments.
When and where can I look at a syllabus or course schedule?
Syllabi and Course Schedules are available on my faculty website, on a course's individual page. The ones available on my website are not finalized but will give you a rough idea of the course. A complete copy will be available on WebCT6 the first day of class. Syllabi and Course Schedules go up roughly 1 month before the end of the previous semester.
I want to know which books we are using and which campus you are located on to buy them.
My campus is the Winter Park Campus. Your text book information is located in the syllabus (on your course's individual page). The syllabus includes the ISBN of the books so you can get the exact version I am working from.
Can I start the class earlier than the term starts?
No. On whatever date the term starts that is the start of the course. You might have access to WebCT up to 5 days before the start of the term but my courses do not start until the official start of class. People are often dropped from the class and their work is not saved when they are added back in; I might be fine tuning information, and so things will not work fully; for a variety of reasons, online courses do not start until the start of the term.
I have never taken an online course before, can I succeed in one of your courses?
Yes, of course you can! An online course does have a different set of requirements than a traditional face to face class though. Time management is a key feature of an online course. I will not be there to remind you in class if something is due or if you need to finish a project. You will have a calendar and a course schedule, but I expect that you can complete the work based on the information provided in those (for due dates, etc). I do try to check on students throughout the semester to make sure that if you have not logged in for a week that you are okay, but it is your responsibly to stay on top of assignments and information in the course. Online classes are much more self directed than a traditional face to face class. There is a great free quiz available here, that can help you decide if an online course is right for you. If you are interested to see if you like the online environment in general but are a bit nervous about not having any face to face contact with a professor, I would urge you to try a hybrid course. Hybrid courses are a nice blend of face to face time with substantial online components.
How do I login to WebCT6?
Go to http://webct6.valenciacc.edu - use the same username and password that you use for Atlas. Remember, it takes 23 hours after you have registered for a course, for the course to become available to you in WebCT6. I highly recommend doing the browser check if it is your first time using WebCT6, it does have some specific requirements as a program.
I am having technical difficulties with WebCT6, can you help me?
I can only help with content. Please contact the WebCT6 help desk for any technical difficulties that you might experience. Their email is webcthelp@valenciacc.edu or by call them at (407) 582-5600 (available 24/7). The students and staff in the Atlas lab may not be able to help you either, please contact the help desk!
What type of computer access and/or computer programs do I need to have to take your course?
You need to be able to access a computer at least once a week throughout the semester. I do use a lot of multimedia objects (movies, sounds, lots of pictures and graphics) in my courses, so a DSL or cable modem would be best. I have heard from students during the trial period of WebCT6 that Java (a program used with WebCT6) can take a long time to load, so DSL or high speed cable is more efficient.
Basic Microsoft Word, Works, etc programs are all you need for my courses. I do provide PowerPoints occasionally, and here is where you can get the PowerPoint viewer (there is also a link available through your individual course on WebCT6), and I use Adobe Acrobat. You can get the Adobe Acrobat reader here (or through the link in your course).
I am not very comfortable with computers, should I sign up to take your course?
An online course does require you to have basic technical knowledge. I am not asking you to have a degree in computers; however, I do expect you to have basic familiarity with how to use a computer, how to access the internet, how to use word processor programs. Experience using chat or discussion boards is a bonus. If you are very worried, I highly recommend taking the Student 101 orientation available to everyone through WebCT6. Click here (additionally, this document will tell you how to sign up if you are confused.)
How often do you check your email?
I check my email at least once a day Monday through Saturday. You can email me through your WebCT6 course or through Atlas. I check both email addresses at the same time, so you only need to send an email to one of the two addresses.
Can I meet with you face to face?
There is an open lab time once during the semester, in which I am available to meet with you face to face. My campus is the Winter Park Campus, and if I am teaching face to face classes I will have office hours on campus and they will be posted on your syllabus. I can try to make arrangements to meet with you face to face if necessary, but realize I will need sufficient notice.