Academics

Five Steps for Getting Started in Your Online Classes

Contained is information to help you get started online.

  1. Check Your Readiness with SmarterMeasure

    SmarterMeasure is an indicator of the degree to which distance learning and/or learning in a technology rich environment will be a good fit for you. You may take this assessment at your own convenience, save it if you need to leave, and will receive results immediately after completion. Take this assessment if this is your first semester in online classes. Username= 3Rivers, PW= 3Student.

  2. Step 2: Check Your Computer Configuration

    3. Please take a look the recommended minimum personal computer configuration at http://www.commnet.edu/it/policy/pc-configuration.asp. Scroll down the list for guidelines for Macs.

    Please visit the myCommNet portal (http://my.commnet.edu). Take a look at the links under “Need Help?”

  3. Step 3: Check Your Login & NetID

    4. While waiting for your professor's return email--even before classes begin--check to make sure you can login to myCommNet. Visit the myCommNet portal (http://my.commnet.edu/).

    Your NetID is included at the beginning of this email. More information can be found at the NetID web page (www.commnet.edu/netid).

    If you are also an employee or student worker, email TR-DistanceLearning@trcc.commnet.edu for information on your NetID.

  4. Step 4: Access Blackboard Learn and Publisher Systems

    5. When you are logged into myCommNet, click the Blackboard Vista/Learn icon in the upper right hand corner of the portal.

    Access to your courses is granted two weeks before the semester begins. Blackboard Vista 8 and Learn are not the same as WebCT Vista and it is not the same as standard editions of Blackboard.

    In addition to being the entry point for your course(s), myCommNet also provides you access to all of your personal account and student records as well as college announcements, transcripts/grades and more.

    You are enrolled in a resource course named TRCC Student Orientation. It contains Blackboard how-to resources including information for discussions, assignments and quizzes. You will get a better start if you review this course.

    Some courses may require the use of publisher resources outside of Blackboard such as MyMathLab, MyITLab, MyCompLab, MyReadingLab, PsychPortal, CourseCompass, etc. You should familiarize yourself with the navigation in these products as rapidly as possible and address questions to your professor. In such cases myCommNet and on campus technical support personnel may lack the access to help you resolve issues. Technical support is provided by the publisher and the professor in each course.

  5. Step 5: Familiarize Yourself with the Online/Distance Learning Resources at TRCC

    6. You may also find it helpful to visit the DL Home web page in the Academics navigation link (http://www.trcc.commnet.edu) which contains various resources to help you throughout your course work with us.

    Books

    To obtain the required text for your course, visit the bookstore on campus between the A & B wings OR visit our online bookstore at http://www.efollett.com. You may also view books from the college website by clicking the Courses button.

    Software

    To purchase software required for your course, visit the bookstore on campus between the A & B wings OR visit our online JourneyEd Student Shop at www.journeyed.com.

    It may also be useful to visit the Tips for Online Learners page available in the Resources in the upper right hand portion of this page.