Steps to Begin my Internet Course

1. Assess your decision to take an Online/Internet Course

Online/Internet courses are truly Distance Learning, as the instructor and the students typically do not meet. These courses do require self-discipline and self-motivation in order to succeed. This assessment will help you determine if a Distance Learning course is right for you.

2. Register for the course via BORIS or the telephone registration system.

BORIS is the Blinn Online Registration and Information System. [How do I register using BORIS?]

Telephone registration is also available.

3. Fill out the Student Information Form.

All students enrolled in internet courses should fill out the student information form. When you fill out this form and provide a valid email address. You will receive an introductory email from our office. This email will provide information concerning dates, tips for success, contacting your instructor, testing, and other valuable information.

4. Purchase your textbooks.

Books for Distance Learning courses may differ from those in traditional courses. Check the course information sheet and look for books labeled "Online/Internet" at the Blinn College Bookstore*.

5. Contact your instructor about testing requirements.

If you are not in the area and you are concerned about testing requirements, please contact your instructor. Please note that some instructors test online; however, many instructors require that you take exams in a proctored environment. There are two options available to you:

• If you are close to one Blinn's campuses (Brenham, Bryan, Schulenburg, or Sealy), you may take your exams at the learning or testing center on one of those campuses.
• If you are not in the area, you will need to make remote testing accommodations to take your tests at another college testing center.

6. Explore Blinn's course management system (eCampus)

There are several opportunities available for you to explore eCampus.

• You may visit the Distance Learning tutorials. These tutorials are in the form of written documents available for reading or videos available for viewing. These tutorials will provide you with a visual overview of basic features.
• You may visit our online orientation. This provides an online do-it-yourself experience, allowing you to actually work within the virtual environment.
• You may attend one of our face-to-face orientations. This provides an hands-on experience, allowing you to actually work within the virtual environment with a member of the Distance Learning office there for questions.

7. Login to your course on the first day of classes.

Courses are available for login on the first day of the semester. Visit our login instruction page if you are not sure how to login to your course.

Page Last Updated: February 11, 2010