Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Distance Learning?
  
• How do Distance Learning classes differ from regular classes?
  
• I live several hours away, will I have to come to campus?
  
• What is the difference between Internet, Video and Instructional TV courses?
  
• What equipment/software do I need to take a Distance Learning course?
  
• If I don't have a home computer with internet access can I still take a Distance Learning course?
  
• What if I don't have an email account?
  
• Do I need to be computer literate?
  
• I'm just signed up for a Distance Learning course, now what?
  
• Can I buy textbooks online?
  
• How to Arrange Test Proctoring
  
  
  
  What is Distance Learning?
  
  Distance learning is any learning that takes place with the instructor and student geographically remote from each other. Distance learning may occur by surface mail, video, interactive or cable TV, satellite broadcast, or any number of Internet technologies such as message boards, chat rooms, and desktop video or computer conferencing. Allan Hancock College offers Internet, TV and video, Live Video Link and Audio Tape/CD Classes
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  How do Distance Learning classes differ from regular classes?
  Distance Learning courses are equivalent to the classroom-based version in course content, textbooks, required assignments and study time. The main difference is in the delivery method.
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  I live several hours away, will I have to come to campus?
  
  1. Contact the instructor of your distance learning class and ask the following questions: Does the class require proctored examinations? If so, approximately how long are the examinations? Is Internet service required at the proctoring site?

  2. Find a proctor. Click here to find a test proctor through the National College Testing Association (NCTA). If a proctor is not available in your area through the NCTA you can try setting up a proctoring arrangement at your local college or university's testing center.This proctor must be verified by your instructor before any exam materials will be sent. Be sure to ask if they will charge you any fees for this service, as most colleges have a proctoring fee to administer tests for another institution. (Usually $20 - $30 per test or per hour) You are responsible for that fee and we will not reimburse you for any fees incurred for testing.

  3. Provide your distance learning instructor with the name of the proctor, institution name, address, and telephone number.

  4. Your distance learning instructor will contact the proctor and verify that they are able to administer the test to you. We will then send them the instructions for administering the test and the test itself.

  5. Arrange a day and time to take the test.

  
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  What is the difference between Internet, Video and Instructional TV courses?
  Internet classes are offered over the Internet and require that the student have access to a computer connected to the Internet and their own personal email account. Videos for the Video Classes can be "rented" from a commericial rental service for the entire semester or can be viewed at the Santa Maria campus and the Lompoc Valley Center Learning Resources Centers (libraries) and the Vandenberg AFB Center and the Solvang Center. Instructional TV courses can be viewed on KCET TV.
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What equipment/software do I need to take a Distance Learning course?

Recommended Computer Specifications

*Macintosh owners may not be able to make use of all capabilities of "Blackboard"; certain math courses are not accessible from Macintosh computers.

Browser, Email and Plugin Requirements

Every student needs Internet access and their own e-mail account prior to starting the class. If an email account is not provided through your Internet Provider you may sign up for a free web-based e-mail account at somewhere like Hotmail or Yahoo. A web-based email account will be necessary if you are accessing your course from a site other than your home computer. Email addresses should include your last name.

The Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center Learning Resources Centers (libraries) provide student access to the Internet on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who are using a home computer to complete an online class must have access to the required software for the class, ie., Access 2003. The college does not provide the software for home use. The student is also responsible for ensuring that the home computer is able to run the required software, ie., XP slows down a computer with only 128mb of RAM. The following is a list of browsers, Email providers, plugins, viewers, etc. that you may or may not need. Install at your own risk!
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Useful Downloads:

Blackboard

"Blackboard" is the mechanism used by most instructors for online instructional activities. To access class pages via "Blackboard", students may point their browsers to http://www.hancockcollege.edu/Default.asp?Page=825 or go to the AHC home page at http://www.hancockcollege.edu and follow the link to hancock-online. Instructors will provide more information concerning access to "Blackboard", such as login name and password, at orientations. Click here for Blackboard help.

If I don't have a home computer with internet access can I still take a Distance Learning course? Yes, computers with Internet access are available in the LRC.
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What if I don't have an email account? You need to set one up. Click here to set up a Yahoo email account.

Do I need to be computer literate? It definitely helps! You may want to take a computer class like CBIS 101. Talk to your counselor.
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I just signed up for a Distance Learning course, now what? Attend orientation session. Orientation times will be listed next to class in the Distance Learning section of the Schedule.
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Can I buy textbooks online? Yes. Click here to purchase you book online.
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Steps to Arranging Test Proctoring:

1. Contact the instructor of your distance learning class and ask the following questions: Does the class require proctored examinations? If so, approximately how long are the examinations? Is Internet service required at the proctoring site?

2. Find a proctor. Click here to find a test proctor through the National College Testing Association (NCTA). If a proctor is not available in your area through the NCTA you can try setting up a proctoring arrangement at your local college or university's testing center.This proctor must be verified by your instructor before any exam materials will be sent. Be sure to ask if they will charge you any fees for this service, as most colleges have a proctoring fee to administer tests for another institution. (Usually $20 - $30 per test or per hour) You are responsible for that fee and we will not reimburse you for any fees incurred for testing.

3. Provide your distance learning instructor with the name of the proctor, institution name, address, and telephone number.

4. Your distance learning instructor will contact the proctor and verify that they are able to administer the test to you. We will then send them the instructions for administering the test and the test itself.

5. Arrange a day and time to take the test.

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