WCJC provides students with the opportunity to enhance their educational experience through the Distance Education Department. Many classes are offered through the internet, ITV, or blended formats.
- Online (WWW) Course - Internet courses are conducted almost, if not entirely (85-100%) online. Some instructors may require that students come to campus for orientations, field trips, or require exams be taken in an approved testing location. Students must have access to the internet and be familiar with email, the web, creating and saving documents, and uploading files.
- Online on a Schedule (WWS) Course - Students take classes online at the scheduled class time that was selected when enrolling. Students never come to class, but log in to Brightspace to access their courses via Zoom at the scheduled dates and times. Students must have access to the internet and be familiar with email, the web, creating and saving documents, and uploading files.
- Hybrid (HYB) Course - Hybrid courses combine online learning and face-toface instruction. These courses provide 50-85% of class instruction in an online setting. The remainder of the instruction (15-50%) takes place in the traditional face-to-face setting. Students must have access to the internet and be familiar with email, the web, creating and saving documents, and uploading files.
- Interactive Television (ITV) Course - ITV provides instructional content via the Zoom web-conferencing platform inside of the college’s Brightspace Learning Management System. It provides realtime face-to-face instruction between the instructor and students at multiple locations. In most instances, ITV courses are also web-supplemented, requiring students to actively engage in an online component. This may include elements such as the submission of assignments, online testing and/or participation in discussion boards. Students should have access to the internet and be familiar with email, the web, creating and saving documents, and uploading files.
Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor
All WCJC online, online on a schedule, some hybrid, and ITV courses require the use of Respondus LockDown Browser (RLDB) and Respondus Monitor on all major exams. RLDB is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within Brightspace. Students are unable to copy, print, access other applications, or visit other websites during an online exam while in the LockDown Browser. Respondus Monitor is a companion application for RLDB that uses webcam and video technology to prevent cheating during online exams. Students must verify their identity via a valid picture ID at the start of the exam and then Respondus Monitor makes a video recording of the exam session that the instructor can view. In short, Respondus Monitor deters cheating and helps protect the integrity of online tests.
Students are required to download Respondus Monitor on a computer running Windows 10 or higher (10/11 SE and S Mode are not compatible), a Mac running OS 10.13 to 13+, or a Chromebook that has the version of ChromeOS that is available via the Google Long Term Support (LTS) Channel (https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/search/label/LTS).
Additionally computers should have a minimum of 4GB of RAM to run exams that utilize a webcam and 200 MB free hard disk space.
RLDB cannot be used on an iPhone, Android devices, other mobile devices, or a virtual machine. Administrative rights are required for any computer on which RLDB will be installed. An external webcam and a reliable internet connection are also required.
Respondus LockDown Browser must be initially downloaded using a link inside of your course the first time you access an exam through Brightspace. After the initial install, RLBD will automatically launch as soon as you click on the exam, not matter what browser you initially use to access the course.
Students may also take an exam requiring Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor at any of the campus open labs. Multiple stations have been equipped with external webcams for this purpose. The computers in the open labs are available on a first come first serve basis so students should plan accordingly.
More information is available on the Help section of the Brightspace homepage.
Is Online Education Right for Me?
Students should be confident about their computer and study skills. Review the following list of requirements to assess your readiness to take online classes.
- I know how to connect to the Internet using a browser.
- I can navigate around the internet and know how to use search engines.
- I know how to send and receive e-mail.
- I know how to do basic word processing, including cutting and pasting.
- I know how to open, save, and manage files.
- I have access to a computer with an internet connection at least 5 days a week.
- I have 9-12 hours a week to work on each online class.
- I am motivated to log in to the virtual classroom at least 5 days a week.
- I am a self-starter and can manage my time and course workload efficiently.
- I have good reading comprehension and written communication skills, and I enjoy communicating in writing.
- I am able to ask for help when I need it.
- I have good time management skills.
- I am self-disciplined.
- I have a quiet place to study and work on assignments.
Being successful in an online learning environment requires that a student have strong time-management skills. To meet the unique advisement needs of online students, all college students are recommended to visit with an academic advisor. Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine if they are a good candidate for distance learning courses. Students can also take the Online Learning Assessment to gain insight as to their learning style and level of technical expertise by clicking the “Online Learning Assessment” link under “Programs” > “Online Classes” > “Are Online Classes Right for You?” on the WCJC website.
Support for Online Students
Students having technical issues with online courses can get assistance by completing the Request for IT Support form located on the WCJC website or by calling (979) 532-6568. IT Support Help Desk hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. during the school year. Students also have access to 24/7/365 basic online support via email and chat for the Brightspace Learning Management System by utilizing the “Get Help” support link on the Brightspace homepage.
Minimum System Requirements
Students who enroll in an Internet or Hybrid course do not have to own a computer but must have access to a computer with the following requirements:
Computer - As a general guideline, a computer three years old or less is best. It should be running at least Windows 10, Mac OS 10.13 or a version of ChromeOS that is available via the Google Long Term Support (LTS) Channel (https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/search/label/LTS).
Internet Access - A satellite, DSL, or cable connection or higher is best. Dial-up connections are not recommended and will be problematic. If relying on an employer’s Internet connection, be aware that firewall restrictions and policies may exist that prevent access to all or part of the course, using the college’s online tools.
Web Browser - For an optimal experience that offers better performance, accessibility, and security, Brightspace recommends that all users access the Brightspace Learning Environment with the latest version of a supported browser.
Tip: By default, most browsers automatically update to the latest version. To ensure you are running the latest browser version, set your browser to auto-update.
Students should perform a basic system check by going to the Brightspace System Check (https://community.desire2learn.com/d2l/syste mCheck).
It is also recommended that students install multiple browsers when possible. Chrome browser is the recommended browser of the college on all computers and operating systems.
A current list of supported browsers can be found on the Brightspace Documentation Page (https://documentation.brightspace.com/EN/brightspace/requirements/all/browser_support.htm).
Cookies and JavaScript - Regardless of the browser being used, Brightspace requires the use of session cookies and JavaScript enabled in the user’s browser to provide the right experience for teaching and learning.
Pop-up Blockers - While using Brightspace, if you are unable to view discussion postings, quiz windows, and download links, then you may need to disable pop-up blocking for the WCJC Brightspace site.
Administrative Rights - If you are not using a computer provided by WCJC, you must have the administrative rights necessary to download and install required programs and plug-ins on the computer you use to access your online courses.
Online Student Responsibilities
Attendance: Distance Education courses require the same time commitment as traditional courses. WCJC expects all students registered in an online section to log into the course on the first day of the semester. Best practice is to log in a minimum of twice each week. Check with your instructor as they may have additional attendance requirements.
Security of Login Credentials: Students should take care to exit the Brightspace learning managements system using the logout link which will end the session properly. Never end a session by only closing the browser. It is the responsibility of the student to secure his/her login credentials.
Prohibited Technologies: Students may not upload content into the D2L Brightspace system which originates from a prohibited technology source, including content which originated on TikTok or other banned hardware/software.
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