Frequently Asked Questions

Your online learning follows the JCC semester timeline, with courses kicking off on the semester's official start day. Keep in mind, that our courses aren't self-paced; your instructor will provide a syllabus outlining key dates and deadlines. Ensure you're logged into Blackboard by 8 am on the first day, and regularly thereafter.

Important: Prompt engagement is crucial! Failure to complete the Enrollment Verification quiz within the first 72 hours may lock you out of the course. Check your syllabus for all essential dates.

Online courses require a similar commitment to their in-person counterparts. For every 3-credit course, anticipate dedicating 6-9 hours weekly to coursework, with potentially more for accelerated courses. Manage your time effectively and stay engaged with the course materials to succeed!

Registering for an online course follows the same procedure as for on-campus courses. You must first be admitted to the college. For more guidance, please visit the 'Future Students' section on our website.

In today's fast-paced digital world, keeping up-to-date with technology is not just beneficial—it's essential. For those feeling less confident in their technical abilities, strengthening their foundational knowledge is advisable before embarking on online courses. The resources listed below offer comprehensive, free tutorials designed to enhance your comfort and proficiency with various technologies. Each is tailored to address different aspects of the digital experience, ensuring a well-rounded approach to learning.

• Computers: Begin with the basics by exploring tutorials focused on computer fundamentals. From understanding different components to mastering the use of a mouse, these guides are your first step towards tech-savviness. (GCF)
• Exploring Windows Basics: Dive into the essentials of Windows with this comprehensive tutorial. From navigating the interface to finding, managing, and sharing files, and mastering keyboard shortcuts, this guide covers everything you need to know to become proficient with Windows. It's an invaluable resource for users of all levels seeking to enhance their familiarity with Windows operations. 
• macOS Fundamentals: This tutorial offers a deep dive into the basics of macOS, catering to users across various versions, including Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, and Yosemite. Gain a solid understanding of navigating the macOS environment, managing files, utilizing system features, and more. Regardless of your macOS version, this guide is designed to elevate your comfort and efficiency with Apple's operating system. 
• Internet Navigation and Safety: Learn to navigate the web with confidence. These tutorials cover essential topics such as safe browsing practices, protecting your personal information online, and understanding social networking. Internet safety is paramount; thus, a dedicated section on this topic provides crucial tips to safeguard yourself and your family against digital threats. (GCF)
• Internet Safety and Privacy: Emphasizing the critical importance of security in the digital age, this tutorial offers invaluable tips on maintaining online safety. Learn strategies to protect your personal information and ensure the well-being of yourself and your family in the vast online world.
• Digital Literacy: In the digital age, being able to effectively manage, interpret, and communicate information is key. Utilize these tutorials to enhance your digital literacy, covering everything from information evaluation to the proficient use of digital tools. (GCF)
• Getting Started with Office: This lesson is your key to unlocking the full potential of Office 2019 and 365. It covers the essential skills needed to proficiently use Microsoft Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Whether you're preparing for academic, personal, or professional projects, this tutorial provides a thorough understanding of how to leverage these powerful tools for data management, analysis, presentation creation, and document preparation. Discover the features that make Office 2019 and 365 indispensable for efficient and effective work in any setting.
• OneDrive and Office Online: Microsoft's OneDrive and Office Online are pivotal in today's collaborative and remote work environments. A dedicated tutorial offers insights into making the most of these platforms, enhancing your productivity and collaboration skills. (GCF)
• Technology Buying Guide: Making informed decisions when purchasing technology is vital. This free guide provides tips on what to consider when buying computers, smartphones, tablets, or other tech devices, helping you choose the right tools to meet your needs and preferences. (GCF)
• Microsoft 365 Training: Microsoft offers an array of tutorials for its Office suite, including Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, SharePoint, Teams, and Access. These resources are invaluable for mastering the basics and beyond. (Microsoft)
• Microsoft EDU: Discover the potential of Microsoft EDU with tutorials designed to maximize your use of Microsoft's educational tools and platforms.(Microsoft)

By leveraging these free resources, you can significantly enhance your technological proficiency, ensuring you're well-prepared to tackle online courses.

An online course is your digital gateway to learning, offering complete access to course materials, discussions, tests, and assignments in a virtual setting. No physical classroom attendance is required; all you need is a computer and a reliable internet connection to embark on your academic journey from anywhere!

Hybrid courses blend online learning with traditional classroom experiences. They require some in-person sessions, but more than half of the content is delivered online. Please refer to your course syllabus for specific meeting times and locations.

Blended courses are quite similar to hybrid courses but with less than half of the course content delivered online. They mix face-to-face classroom sessions with online learning activities for a diverse educational experience. Your course syllabus will detail the specific breakdown of online and in-person content.

Synchronous online courses are those that require students and instructors to be online at the same time. Lectures, discussions, and presentations occur at a specific hour. All attendees must be online and available to engage at that specific time, similar to a traditional on-site class.

Asynchronous online courses, on the other hand, allow students to complete their work on their own time. Students are given a timeframe – usually a one-week window – during which they need to connect to their class at least once or twice. However, there are no "real-time" interactions; students complete assignments at their own pace, and interaction with the instructor and other students takes place at one's convenience through online forums or email correspondence.

Both methods have their unique advantages and cater to different learning styles and schedules. Be sure to consider these factors when selecting courses to match your personal learning preferences, availability, and commitments.

Everything happens through Blackboard! Whether you're submitting assignments, initiating discussions with peers, or communicating with your instructor, it's your one-stop digital campus. Check your syllabus for specifics on instructor availability and course tools.

Begin by logging into Blackboard and selecting your course. You'll gain access to all necessary materials, including your syllabus, on the first official day of the course. For a smooth start, also consider visiting the 'Getting Started' and 'Ready for Online Learning' pages on our site.

Absolutely, we want you to feel confident in your online learning journey, which is why we offer a comprehensive JCC Blackboard Student Orientation. This online tutorial is designed to familiarize you with Blackboard's layout and tools.

Your instructor is your primary guide. For any course-related inquiries, refer to your syllabus for their contact information. They're there to assist you on your academic journey!

For technical questions, like how to reset your password or access Microsoft applications, please contact JOLT by calling 919-464-2260 or emailing JOLT@mail.johnstoncc.edu.

When you set up your password in PortalGuard, you must abide by the password requirements. 

Password Complexity Rules

Your new password must always satisfy the following rules:

1. Must not contain your name (first, middle, or last)
2. Must be at least 8 characters long
3. Must not include the following characters: @#$%^&

It must also satisfy at least 3 of the 4 rules below:

1. Must have at least 1 lowercase character
2. Must have at least 1 uppercase character
3. Must have at least 1 numeric character
4. Must have at least 1 special character

If you used any part of your name in your password, you will not be able to access Self-Service. To correct this, go into PortalGuard and create a new password that follows the criteria above.

Upon joining our community, you'll automatically be provided with a JCC student email account, which should be used for all college-related communications. This email is essential for staying informed and connected, so ensure you have access as soon as you're enrolled.

Your Blackboard account becomes active when your course starts. Use your PortalGuard credentials to log in. Remember, even if you're registered, you might not be able to access Blackboard until the official start date of your classes. Prior to the start date, you may have access to Blackboard, but your course(s) won't appear until that morning.

Please refer to the Hardware/Software requirements page on our website for comprehensive information on the technology and systems you'll need to successfully participate in online courses.

In addition to hardware and software, a stable internet connection is crucial. Consider having a backup plan, like knowing the location of nearby Wi-Fi hotspots, to avoid disruptions.

Our online courses are conducted through the secure, password-protected Blackboard LMS. Access to course content is restricted to enrolled students, your instructor, and course administrators. You'll only see your grades and won't have access to other students' grades. Remember, your login credentials are for your use only and should be kept confidential.