Frequently asked questions

What is a FULLY ONLINE Course?
A FULLY ONLINE (asynchronous) course is an instructor-designed course that makes maximum use of the Internet. It is neither time nor place bound. You may work at any time of the day or night. Keep in mind that you need to pay attention to course deadlines in order to complete the course successfully. The mechanism for receiving assignments, for turning in assignments, for discussion with your instructor and your fellow students is built into the software (called Blackboard) and is integrated with the course content itself. You may, however, need to come on-campus for an orientation and exams.

What is a PARTLY ONLINE Course?
In a PARTLY ONLINE (hybrid) course, some class meetings, anywhere from 30% - 75% of the regularly scheduled class time, are held on-campus. The remainder of the class is conducted online as described above.

Students who wish to participate in a QCC Online Course must meet several requirements:

• Meet all course pre-requisites.
• Register for the on-line course as you would for any QCC course. 
• Have access to Computer Equipment* with Internet connection. (NOTE: Computers with Internet access may be found on the QCC campus in selected Department Labs.)
• Have several computer skills including the ability to cut and paste, place attachments onto E-mail and conduct Internet Searches.
• Be a disciplined, independent student.
• Allow sufficient time to complete the work requirements/assignments for the course (approximately 15 to 20 hours per week.)
• Attend an on campus orientation and possibly take some exams on campus.

*Equipment Required to take an Online Course

What technical skills must I have to effectively participate in an online course?

• Browsing the Web
• Using a word processor
• Copying and pasting in a word processor
• Storing and retrieving computer files
• Using Email
• Sending and receiving attachments via Email

Do you have the proper skills to do well in an online class?
Take the "Suitability Self-Test" to determine if online study is right for you.

Those who succeed as distance learners

• are highly motivated
• are independent 
• are active learners 
• have good organizational and time management skills 
• have the discipline to study without external reminders 
• can adapt to new learning environments

These are precisely the qualities needed to succeed in any learning environment, but the online context puts special pressures on learners to be independent and self-disciplined. 

A "Suitability Self-Test" is available at this Web site, which can provide you with an analysis of how good a candidate you might be for taking a distant education course.

Who should register in an online course?
As with any college course, you should register only if you are serious about studying college-level material each week. Online courses require the same amount of work, as do all other traditional courses. If you're not sure, taking the "Suitability Self-Test" may help you decide.

Is there any difference in tuition or fees? 
No. Tuition and fees are the same as for other courses.

How do I register for an online course?
Register as usual using either eSIMS or Phone (212-372-0027) Registration System. After you have registered for an online course, you MUST send an Email to your instructor, prior to the start of classes, for needed information.

See http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/qcconline/classes.asp for instructor Email addresses.

Once you are registered in the course, you will be enrolled into the appropriate section of Blackboard where you can access online course materials.

What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is an online course delivery environment that allows your instructor to post written and visual course materials, topics for discussion, calendar events, tests, and your grades. Course material is generally available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The CUNY/QCC Blackboard server can be accessed at: http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/QCCOnline/Blackboard.asp

Once enrolled into Blackboard, how do I log in to my course?
View the log-in instructions or view the Flash tutorial. Please follow these instructions carefully. If there is a problem, the instructions will provide you with steps on getting your problem resolved.

What courses are being offered online?
View the available courses online.

What’s the difference between online and on-campus courses?

• In an online course you either meet with your teacher less (Hybrid), or not at all (Asynchronous).
• In an online course you interact with fellow students via Email, Discussion list, or Chat room.
• You must be more disciplined to stay on top of class work
• Registration is the same

What could an instructor ask me to do in an online course?

• Send an Email to the teacher or a fellow student.
• Attach a file to an Email before sending it.
• Take quizzes or exams online.
• Take quizzes or exams on-campus
• Participate in an online threaded discussion list
• Meet in a chat room for online class discussions

Are there different kinds of online courses? Yes

• Partly Online (Hybrid) – the class meets with the instructor (on-campus) 30%-70% of the time, in a regular classroom or lab. The other 30%-70% of the time you learn online.
• Fully Online (Asynchronous) – the class is taught 90%-100% online.
  In either case you may be required to attend an orientation meeting, and take tests on-campus.

What is a Partly Online (Hybrid) course?
In a partly online (hybrid) course, the class meets with the instructor (face-to-face) 30%-70% of the time, in a regular classroom or lab. The other 30%-70% of the time you learn online. You may be required to attend an orientation meeting, and take tests on campus...check with the instructor.

What is an Fully Online (Asynchronous) course?
In a fully online (asynchronous) course, the class is taught 90%-100% online. You may be required to attend an orientation meeting, and take tests on-campus...check with the instructor.

What programs must I have installed on my computer to take an online course?

• For the most part, QCC uses Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

• There could be a need for special software in certain courses.

• Other software such as viewers or plug-ins might be needed to properly view online course content.

Always check with the instructor prior to registration.

What do I do if I can't log into my course?
Always tell your instructor if you are having problems. Technical support is available via Email at BBSupport@qcc.cuny.edu

Can I access Blackboard if I am using AOL?
Yes, you can use AOL as your Internet service provider.  However, we recommend that you do not use AOL's integrated browser.  We suggest signing onto AOL, minimizing AOL, opening Internet Explorer and then accessing Blackboard at http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/QCCOnline/Blackboard.asp.

Who do I contact if I have trouble with my online course?

• First, if you can log-in to your course, look for “Alerts!” on the opening announcements page of your online course.

• For instructional issues, contact your instructor.

• For technical issues contact BBSupport@qcc.cuny.edu

When is Blackboard available?
Normally Blackboard is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  However, there may be times when maintenance is being performed resulting in occasional loss of Blackboard course access.

How do I obtain books and supplies?
All textbooks and supplies required for online courses are available through the bookstore on the campus.

Is there a limit to the number of online courses I can take? 
There is no limit to the number of online courses one can apply toward a degree. At this time QCC, does not offer enough online courses to earn a degree, so you will have to take a mix of online and traditional, on-campus courses.

Will the online course credits apply to a degree? 
Yes. The content of online courses is equivalent to that of on-campus courses, and credits can be applied to QCC degree programs.

Can I transfer credits earned from online courses? 
Yes. All of the policies and agreements pertaining to the transfer of credits to other institutions that are in place here at Queensborough apply equally to online and on-campus courses.

Should I have my own computer when taking an online course? 
Yes, but you can also use any computer with an Internet connection, including those in the Academic Computing Center.

What is a threaded discussion list?
For online courses at QCC, the threaded discussion list is the area called "Discussion Board" within the Communication section of Blackboard. There you can join-in on course-related discussions at a time that is convenient to you. Only some online courses use the threaded discussion list...check with your instructor.

 What is a chat room?
For online courses at QCC, the chat room is the area called "Virtual Classroom" within the Communication section of Blackboard. There you will meet with your instructor and fellow students at times defined by your instructor. Only some online courses use the chat room...check with your instructor.

Can I Audit an Online Course?
Yes, by following the usual rules for auditing courses at QCC. Please be aware that:

• You must register and pay for the course you are auditing

• Students must request an audit grade within the first three weeks of the semester from the instructor.

• You may not retake a course to gain credit once you have audited that course.

What if I don't have an Email account?
You must have an Email account to take an online course. Queensborough provides a Student Email (Tigermail) account to all full-time students.