Questions to ask BEFORE registering for a Distance Learning class:

What if I am a new student? How do I get started at Montgomery College?

All new students at Montgomery College, which includes distance learning students, should follow the easy steps from the page linked below: http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/admissions/easysteps/index.htm.

Should I contact anybody before signing up for a distance class?

You are not required to make contact with anyone prior to registering for an online class. If you have questions regarding a specific class, please go to the Distance Learning website ( www.montgomerycollege.edu/distance) and click on the link to the semester schedule page. There are links to the instructor’s e-mail addresses provided for you so that you may contact the faculty member with your questions and/or concerns. Should you need assistance in deciding on a semester schedule that includes online courses, please use the Online Student Success link, also found on that page. Answers to general questions regarding Distance Learning at Montgomery College, not found in our FAQ’s or elsewhere on our site, may be directed to (240) 567-6000, or e-mail dl@montgomerycollege.edu.

Can I talk to somebody before registering for a distance learning class?

Yes. If you have a faculty contact name, number, email, or web page, attempt to reach the faculty member first. Otherwise, call the Distance Learning Office at (240) 567-6000. Faculty email addresses are located on the current semester schedule page, linked from the Distance Learning Home Page.

How do I register for a distance learning class?

Credit classes: Like any other class at Montgomery College one can register by mail, fax, the Web, or by coming to any campus registration desk. Students seeking credit classes and who are new to Montgomery College need to fill out an application for admission; current students may register online if in good standing. For more details, see: Registration options. Noncredit distance learning students should register for classes by doing Step #2 on the following page: Registration for Online Noncredit Classes.

What should I do to before taking a distance learning course?

Each student or prospective student should take the Orientation for Online Students. At the end of the Orientation is a Quiz. After submitting your quiz you will get a response via email from the Office of Distance Learning. Keep this email (your instructor may require it as proof that you are ready to take the class).

What equipment do I need for distance learning at Montgomery College?

Click here for Delivery Modes & Equipment Needed.

What computer skills are needed to take an online course?

Students should be computer literate so that they can more easily negotiate the sign on, file transfers, text editor, and saving and printing procedures in Web courses. Word processing, e-mail, and web navigation skills, including searching, are especially useful in Web-based classes. Copying, cutting, and pasting text will be useful in all courses.

Are counseling and advising available to distance learning students?

Yes. To locate online counseling resources visit: Online Student Success.

Are the textbooks different for a distance learning class than for an on-campus class?

The books for online courses may not be the same as those for the same courses on-campus. Be sure to purchase the books for the course AND section # (CRN) for which you are registered. See online bookstore information at: current bookstore information.

Is technical support available for distance learning students?

Yes, technical support is available. Visit the following site for a list of technical support options: http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/distance/technical.html.

Does it matter if I am using a PC or a Macintosh?

No, the actual computer type does not matter. But the browser should be current. For a list of acceptable browser versions for WebCT, please see the WebCT Browser Tune-Up site.

Is there a set schedule, or can I work at my own pace?

Most distance learning classes require addressing content on a weekly basis. This means that the lessons and assignments are geared to be taken and completed each week. Students should keep up on a weekly basis; however, the times each week when they work on their course(s) can vary.

Do I ever have to come to campus?

In some cases there is a mandatory orientation, or exams must be taken at a Montgomery College assessment center. Please read the Note associated with your course carefully before signing up for a distance learning course. Most campus attendance requirements are listed there for each course. When you see the Credit Schedule you will see a Note with each course section that has requirements. The note describes special situations like these.

When do online courses begin?

Online courses follow the same semester schedule as all other credit courses at Montgomery College. Depending on the instructor an online class may be available for student access up to a week before the scheduled semester start date.

How do I know which courses are taught totally online and which courses require some on campus attendance?

Course sections in the schedule which bear the designators "DL" for Building, and "Web" for Room are completely online. If a portion of the class has a specific meeting time on campus, the dates and times will be listed. See the Notes in each course listing for specific meeting time requirements.

Are online courses easier than on-campus courses?

Not usually. They are typically more rigorous. For example, to be successful in an online course one must do considerable reading and writing in the communications area. Further, since the communications are not in real-time, it is expected that each student will reflect deeply or perform research to prepare their written responses. It also helps to possess most or all of the attributes of a successful online leaner (see Online Student Success).

Can I earn an entire degree through distance learning at Montgomery College?

There is no full degree officially offered at a distance at Montgomery College. However, with careful planning, you can arrange your schedule each semester to include a majority of distance learning classes. You should work with a counselor to plan your degree requirements. Then, each semester, carefully check the class schedule on the DL homepage to determine which of your requirements can be fulfilled with online classes.

Questions to ask AFTER signing up for a Distance Learning class:

What's the first thing I should do after signing up for a Web-based class?

You should go to the Distance Learning Home page on the Web and click on the link for the semester you are enrolled in. There you should find links to your instructor's email and other information. Also: Registered students in credit distance learning classes will receive a post card in the mail, advising them of their next steps.

What library facilities can I use as a distance student, and how do I access them?

Anyone can get to the MC Library online catalog, WebVoyage, both on and off campus; students can also access all of MC Library databases from off campus by authentication. The interlibrary loan ( ILL) system can be accessed from off campus. This is a network of institutions in the world (mostly the U.S. and Canada) that shares materials with each other upon request. There is also an e-mail reference called Talk to a Librarian if students have a question or need assistance. See MC's library page for details.

Can I access my online courses through MyMC?

Yes. After logging in to MyMc, click the MyCourses tab at the top of the screen; then click the online course on that list you wish to access. Students taking classes on the WebCT system can also click on the WebCT icon in the upper right hand corner of the MyMC main page.

For a Web-based class, how often should I sign on?

Each instructor has different standards for this. Unless stated otherwise by the instructor, you should sign on at least two or three times a week.

How do I take tests in a distance learning class?

Test delivery methods are determined by individual instructors. In some classes, all tests are administered online. In some classes, instructors require students to go to a Montgomery College Assessment Center on one of the three campuses (visit the Assessment Centers to get more information). In other classes instructors devise assessments which can be done fully online.