I Just Signed Up for An Online Course —Now What? What is an Online Course? An online course is a recognized college credit course delivered to the student completely over the web. By accessing a password protected web site the student receives directions for proceeding through the course and is able to communicate with the instructor and other students in the course. What do I do after I register? You should visit your instructor's web page by going to Course Info link located at distance education website.  Also visit the Students link for information about taking and succeeding a distance education course. Instructor's Web Page.  To access your instructor's web page, go to http://www.ccp.edu/de and click on the Course Info link at the top of the screen.  This will bring you to the course list.  Locate your course and your instructor's name, click on your instructor's name.  This will bring you to the course syllabus and other informational materials related to your course.   Students Link.  To visit this link, click on Students link from the distance education homepage.  Here you will find information like support services, academic calendar, library access, etc. to help students succeed in their online courses. How and when to login and start the course? Student access to their courses become available on the first day of the semester.  Login information are available in the How to Login to WebStudy link on the distance education homepage.   Books. This information is available on your instructor's syllabus in their web pages.  You can get them at the college bookstore or order online and be ready to begin the course on day one! If you are not sure, email the instructor and ask if the text they posted is current. Email your Instructor. It is best to send an email to your instructor just to introduce yourself and let them know that you have signed up for their course. In that way if they have any additional material to send you, they will now have your email address. In most cases you should look at your instructor’s web page first for introductory materials (syllabus, meeting dates, books, assignments, etc.). If you register late.  NO ONE MAY REGISTER AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS. (Some operators ignore the deadlines they have been told about. It is up to you to do the right thing. You will only make things difficult for yourself if you register late.) At the end of the first week, class lists will be swept for students who do not belong there and removed. REGISTER BEFORE CLASSES BEGIN. Is it easier than a regular course? No. In fact it may be harder in some ways. It requires the student to have the self-discipline to keep up with the work, completing assignments and turning them in on time. If you fall behind, there will be no time to catch up. A good estimate of time spent on coursework is an average of about 12 hours (nine to 14 hours is a realistic range) per week in most cases if you expect to succeed. If you do not log in and turn in assignments, your instructor may drop you from the course just like an in-class course. Do I need to be at my computer on specific days and times instead of attending a regular class? No - not usually. Most internet-based courses give students a series of assignments and deadlines that students accomplish at a flexible pace (but not self-paced -- you must meet your deadlines). How about testing? Some instructors hold meetings at scheduled times for exams while others do their testing entirely online. Check the meeting schedule online to see what your instructor does. If you cannot make a scheduled meeting, then communicate with your instructor in advance to make other arrangements. Is my home computer powerful enough to handle an online course? It depends on what supplementary software your instructor is using. What if I still have questions? You probably registered through the regular registration process. However, Academic Advising located in W1-1 is extra well-informed about distance courses if you have any questions. You can stop in or call them at 215-751-8777. For questions not answered by these web pages or Academic Advising, send an email to distance@ccp.edu with your question. You will get a response within 24 hours, usually much sooner. (Please - address all registration questions to Academic Advising.)