In Order to Succeed in Your Southern WebCT Vista On-line class, You will need to have these skills…

• Familiarity with basic computer file management and terminologies.
• Be comfortable using the Internet, Web browsers (and making basic browser adjustments e.g., turning off/on pop-up blockers, “bookmarking,” etc.), Search Engines (http://www.Google.com) and E-mail.
• Be able to navigate through directories, folders, and files on your computer and work with them (e.g., creating, copying, moving, locating, deleting, renaming, and organizing folders and files).
• Be able to upload and download files.
• Be able to download and install software applications or plug-ins. (“Java,” www.java.com which is critical for WebCT Vista functions, Adobe Acrobat Reader http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html , etc.)
• Comprehend basic concepts of web-page design (i.e., how hyperlinks work and how to include images).
• Be able to use a word processing program in order to complete assignments and save them in different file formats (e.g., “.rtf” or, “.txt”).  A very good and FREE word processor & office package can be downloaded at Open Office http://www.OpenOffice.org
• Be able to use programs like Adobe Acrobat Reader, PrimoPDF http://www.PrimoPDF.com
  (a FREE tool to create Portable Document Format documents), and any of the Microsoft File Converters and Viewers http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/downloads/HA010449811033.aspx

AND to PAY heed this advice & Keys…

Taking an on-line class is not an “Easy A.”  An “A” is earned through hard work and, without fail, keeping up with your work!
  
On-line classes are just as challenging as “in person” classes and, in fact, they can be even more so for a lot of reasons including very strict due dates for assignments, limited time frames for taking quizzes and tests and you must have proficient basic computer-user skills.  Also, IF your attitude toward on-line learning is, “I’ll do the work when I get around to it” or, “It’ll keep,” grade misfortune will, without question, find you.

The Keys to On-line Class Success are:

• Having easy and reliable access to a computer with an Internet connection and have a personal e-mail account.
• Having respect for the work and time demands of your on-line class(es) as you would any of your “in-person” classes.
• Keep up with your work!  Its very easy to fall desperately behind.  On-line classes are run on a tight schedule.
• Having respect for the challenges of managing your time and then MAKING time to do your on-line class work.
• Accepting that excuses for not getting work turned in on time are no more acceptable than in “in person” classes.
• Being familiar with the WebCT Vista Learning Management System using the practice link listed below.
• Knowing that IF you are having technical difficulties, you must seek help immediately as personal computer “glitches” are not accepted as being valid toward turning in work late since there are computers at the college that may be used until your home system is working again.  If there is a rare WebCT system problem, allowances will be made, but the system is very stable and dependable.
• DOING the “Check Browser” link on the WebCT Username/Password page…this is as serious as breathing…since WebCT uses Java technology to make critical functions (such as, giving you the ability to attach assignment documents to turn them in for grading) work properly for you along with your Pop-Up Blocker turned OFF.  If your Java is “Red X’d” in the “Check Browser,” follow the instructions beside that X immediately or, not and start losing ground in your class(es).

…AND TO ASK FOR HELP & USE THESE  resources!

 ASK QUESTIONS, if, and when, you need help!  You can e-mail questions to VistaSOS@southern.wvnet.edu

A free tutorial may be found at http://www.ctdlc.org/remediation/ (Courtesy of the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium, Dr. Walter Stone) for Basic Online Skills that includes Computer Skills, E-mail Skills, Word Processing Skills and Web Skills.

Most of Southern’s On-line Class Students will need to acquire their course access information from their instructors.

Please use the following list of instructor e-mail accounts to contact your instructor(s).

Southern On-line Class Students are RESPONSIBLE for acquiring their course access information from their instructors using the following list of instructor e-mail accounts:

Moh Afzalirad:  moa@southern.wvnet.edu
Brenda Baksh: brendab@southern.wvnet.edu
Riley Browning: rbrownin@access.k12.wv.us
Helen Curry:  hcurry@access.k12.wv.us
Larry D’Angelo:  larryd@southern.wvnet.edu
Jennifer Godby:  jenniferg@southern.wvnet.edu
Eva Hallis:  evah@southern.wvnet.edu
Mary Hamilton: marymh@southern.wvnet.edu
Therasa Hanshaw: regionalheadmaster@yahoo.com
Kim Hensley:  kimkh@southern.wvnet.edu
Steven Lacek:  stevenl@southern.wvnet.edu
Rosa Lea McNeal:  rosaleam@southern.wvnet.edu
Pat Poole:  patp@southern.wvnet.edu
Beverly Slone:  bevs@southern.wvnet.edu
Russell Saunders:  russells@southern.wvnet.edu
Rick Thompson:  rickt@southern.wvnet.edu
Tim Weaver:  timw@southern.wvnet.edu
Connie White:  conniew@southern.wvnet.edu

Any instructors not listed here, please contact VistaSOS@southern.wvnet.edu

Nursing Students:  Contact information will be distributed in class by your instructor