Internet-based Courses

The College offers a variety of courses that are computer-based and use the Internet as the main method of delivery. Students enrolled in Internet-based courses communicate with their instructor(s) and other students through our Blackboard Course Management System and by e-mail, provided by JCC.

Instructors use a variety of resources including textbooks, study guides, internet sites, and personally designed materials that supplement their instruction.

Students who wish to take an Internet-based/online course at Johnston Community College should have a basic knowledge of specific skills applicable to the delivery method.

Before enrolling in an Internet-based or online course, the student should be very comfortable demonstrating the following competencies:

• Computer operation and start-up.
• Setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting through technical assistance resources from your Internet Service Provider.
• Understand and have knowledge of basic word processing.
• Basic Internet skills.
• Knowledge of using e-mail.

What is an online course?

Online or web-based courses provide access to college courses via the Internet anywhere at anytime using a computer or mobile device. It is an interactive class with an instructor and students. By utilizing the Internet, the course provides access to instructional materials and an instructor creating an electronic "classroom environment." The course is built around the instructor, who guides the course, monitors student progress, and advises students. The combination of instructional learning materials and a highly qualified instructor provides an effective, and flexible educational opportunity for students and professionals.

Instructors use Blackboard as the course management system for online classes.  You will be provided a JCC e-mail account for your class use.  These will be available the first day of class.

Are online courses for you?

In a traditional classroom, you would spend three hours a week in class and six additional hours in study. You should plan to spend as many hours for distance classes. The best part of an online class is that the hours are flexible. You will find it much easier if you establish a regular habit of studying the online class activities. This includes learning the software and interacting online with the instructor and in some cases, the other students.

Even though online courses are self-directed and different from traditional courses, an attendance policy is strictly adhered to. Please check your class syllabus to find out the policy for your class.

Suggested Computer/Software Requirements

• USB port (minimum of 2)
• 1GB or higher processor, Pentium II
• 512 MB or more RAM
• 150 MB available on hard drive
• CD-RW drive or CD-RW/DVD combo
• Cable modem or Broadband internet connections
• Sound card with speakers or headset
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7
• Web Browsers:
  • Internet Explorer 7.0 or above
  • MAC OS 10.5 or above
  • Firefox 3.5 or above
  • Safari 4 or above
• Productivity: Microsoft Office 2007 or 2010 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook)
• Documentation: Adobe Reader
• AntiVirus: Symantec Norton Antivirus

  Network Connection

• Broadband (DSL or cable modem) connection is strongly recommended for wired connection. Large size files may take considerable time to download through dial-up. Therefore, dial-up is NOT recommended for internet courses. If you have America Online (AOL), minimize the AOL browser. Use Internet Explorer to access Blackboard.