Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Student Guide for using WebCT.

Where do I get computer help logging into WebCt and help with computer issues?

The Educational Technology Resource Center (ETRC) supports the college curriculum and encourages effective learning by distributing and processing material to support all distance learning education.

For contact please call (708) 456-0300 x 3265 or 3409.

Which Edition Ricki Lewis Humans Genetics Needs to be used for this course? 7th edition.

How much time will I need to spend on this course?

This is a 4 credit course and as such a typical amount of time is between 11-12 hours per week atleast for a 16 week course.This includes doing assignments, readings and labs. Some students will need more and some less amount of time--this is because different people study at different rates.

Where do I get technical help for problems to class online?

As an online student, you have several sources of technical support available to you, including:

1. ETRC 708-456-0300 x3265 and 3409

 

1. Online Support System Link is found under Triton Virtual Campus tab underneath the "Current Student" link from the main page. There you can type in our questions and frustrations about the technical difficulties you are having with the course. Someone should be able to respond to you answer within 24 hours.
   

What do I need to access the course ?
You will need access to a computer, which has a connection to the Internet. The computer can be a PC or a Macintosh. Your Internet connection can be a modem or cable. Finally, you will need an Internet browser: Internet Explorer or Netscape.

When can I start accessing the course ?
.Access into your course management system (WebCT) will be on the first day of class. Be sure you know how to form your password---the instructions are on Triton's website--under "current students."

The course URL can be found in my faculty web page :http://academics.triton.edu/faculty/ughosh/

Do I need to be online at specific times ?
Technically, there are no specific class times. Online courses are conducted "asynchronously", meaning that students communicate with the instructor and other students at different times of the day. You log into the system whenever it is convenient for you, at any time, day or night. Each student must manage their time in order to complete assignments and quizzes by the designated due dates. If the instructor elects to use WebCT's Chat Room tool, then a specific date and time would be setup for participation.

What are the advantages of online classes?
The main advantage of online classes are convenience and flexibility. Because online courses do not have set meeting times, students can choose when and where they want to complete their coursework. Online classes put students in control of their learning.

Are there any disadvantages to online classes?
Online classes are just as challenging, if not more, than on-campus classes. If you do not feel comfortable using a computer, than online classes may not be your best option.

Who can take an online class?
Prospective students may take an online class, after going through the Admissions process. Prospective students do not necessarily have to declare a major in order to take an online class. Current Triton students can take an online class, provided that they are not on probation, in danger of being put in probation.

How do I know if online classes are right for me?
Online education is not for everyone. Some learning styles are particularly well suited to the online learning environment. Students taking an online class should be self-directed, motivated, and comfortable working with computers.

Do I need to be a computer whiz to take an online class?
You need to feel fairly comfortable working with a computer. You need to be comfortable working with internet browsers (either Netscape or Internet Explorer).

Are online classes developed/taught by Triton instructors?
Our online classes are developed and taught by Triton instructors using WebCt, an interactive learning platform.

Are online classes self-paced?
No. Online classes at Triton start and finish on the same dates on-campus classes. You may not complete a class before the end of the quarter, nor may you take longer than a normal quarter to complete your class. Assignments and exams are laid out on a regular schedule by the instructor. Online students are required to login on a regular basis to complete assignments and exams.

When do online classes start and finish?
Online classes at Triton start and finish on the same dates on-campus classes. Each semester is in session for 16 or 17 weeks, and summer session is 8 weeks long. Check the Academic calendar to find out the specific dates.

How much time should I spend on my online class each week?
Triton online students reported they spent about four hour to 6 hours every day working on their online class. This amount of time will vary from person to person and from class to class. Students are required to log into their online class a minimum of once every other day, but students are strongly encouraged to log into their online class several times a week to keep up with deadlines for assignments, quizzes, etc.

Do I need to login at a set time every week?
No, you can log into your online class when it fits into your schedule throughout the week. You will have assignments, quizzes, etc., that you need to complete by certain dates each week in your class. However, you have the flexibility to complete that work at whatever time is convenient as long as you meet the deadlines.
The only time that you may have to log into your online class on a set day and time is if your instructor schedules a live chat session to give students in the class an opportunity to meet and chat with each other in realtime.

How will I communicate with the instructor and other students in my online class?
You will use the in-class WebCT discussion board ( if you want to post it to everyone in the class) or e-mail directly to Urbi Ghosh on Web CT to communicate with the instructor. Also can email to other students in your online classon WebCT. Students taking an online class are required to use their Triton e-mail account for communication. No special software is required, only an internet connection and a web browser. You should make an effort to check your Triton e-mail address at least once a week, as your instructor will be using this mode of communication to send important information to you.

How will I access my online class?
Goto Triton Homepage, click on current students on top of page, then click on link that says online/telecourse(second link down on the line). Next page that you go to click on the Credit Course, under the navigation bar on the left-hand side. Find the course number for the summer semester (BIS102) and click on course URL. Your password for course will be the first letter of your name, then the first three letters of your last name followed by the last four digits of your social security. Fro example, Sandy Smith 123-45-6789 would have a password of : ssmi6789.

What if I don't like my online class and I want to withdraw?
If you decide to withdraw from a class, a partial refund may be issued. The amount of the refund depends on the date of withdrawal. Any student planning to withdraw from a class should contact the Accounting Office to find out if you will be eligible for a partial refund. Withdrawal from a class before the end of the eighth week of a quarter will result in a grade of "W" for that subject. Withdrawal after the eighth week will result in an automatic "F" grade. Students who would like to withdraw from a class should contact their Academic Advisor. Ceasing to participate in a class does not constitute an official withdrawal.

Do I need a textbook? How do I get my textbook?

• All students taking online classes are required to purchase textbooks.
  After receiving your schedule, you may purchase your books at the Triton Bookstore or online.
• The textbook for the course is Human Genetics:Concepts and Applications 6th edition, by Ricki Lewis. There is also a Case Study book that is required with the textbook. I will be placing both the textbook and case study book on reserve at the library if you should need to take a look at them.
• The lab manual is Biology Labs On-line:Genetics Version and this can be purchased through the bookstore or online as well. The manual has access codes for getting into the website for doing the lab assignments.

What kind of reference resources are available?

You have access to Triton's library online. See under Current Students tab of the main menu.