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Frequently Asked Questions - General Questions
These questions were compiled from online help requests and evaluations received. If you have a question that is not addressed here or on the rest of our web site, please contact our office.
How do I begin my course?
Visit our Steps to Begin web pages (Internet, Blended, Interactive Video). This will give you an overview of what you need to do for your course. For supplemental courses, you will attend class on the first day. Your instructor will give you further information (if your instructor uses eCampus).
How do I login to my course?
Detailed login information is located on the Tutorial Web page. You will not be able to login until the first day of the semester.
1. Go to the Blinn College eCampus home page. Clicking this link opens a new window.
2. Type in your username and password and click Log On.
Username: 6-digit Blinn ID
Password: Your birthday, written YYYYMMDD
Example: If you were born on April 28, 1990, your password would be 19900428.
3. You are now logged into eCampus and should see your course(s) Click on the course name to begin.
Is there a certain time I should log on to take my class?
There is no specific time you should log on to take the class. You can sign on at whatever time of the day or night as long as you turn in your assignments by the due date the instructor sets.
The course I need is full. Can I be forced into the course?
The Distance Education Department cannot force students into courses. You will need to contact the division chair for that particular course to determine if that division allows students to be forced into courses.
When does my course meet? Do I ever have to come to campus?
With a few exceptions, internet courses do not require face-to-face meetings. For blended, interactive video, or supplemental courses, attend class at the time printed on your schedule. Blinn College does have an attendance policy that applies to all courses. Please refer to the Student Handbook*, section Attendance Policy, for more information.
Typically, you will need to come to campus to take your tests. Several natural science courses are offered online, but have labs that you must come to. Contact the course instructor for more information.
What is a student information form and why do I need to fill it out?
We ask that you fill out the form so that you will receive an introductory email from our office. The introductory email tells you about the distance education program, how to begin your course, and additional information. We ask that all
How do I get in contact with my instructor?
Go to the Blinn College Directory*. Type in your instructor's first or last name. Your instructor's information should appear.
Can you tell me the office hours for my instructor?
You will need to contact your instructor for their office hours. See the above question for information about contacting your instructor.
Does the Distance Education office provide orientations?
Yes. You can do the online orientation yourself or you can check the orientation schedule to come by for an overview of eCampus. You may also make an appointment to come in on an individual basis.
'These orientations are not mandatory.
What Distance Education support services are available to me?
The distance education technical support staff is here to assist you with any technical difficulties you may have. Our contact information and office hours are listed on the left side bar of each page. Our office is closed during all observed Blinn holidays. Please visit the Blinn College calendar* for these holiday postings.
If you are having technical difficulties with a course or with eCampus, you may call our office or set up an appointment with one of our technical support specialists. In addition, at the beginning of each semester, we have on campus orientations. We have a online orientation that you can log into at anytime to get a preview of eCampus. In addition, we have numerous tutorials available for you to read or print.
Please remember--before you get frustrated and drop the course due to technical problems, contact our office or look at our web site. We are here to assist you.
Where do I find out what books I need?
Contact the bookstore for information on the books you need. We recommend that you purchase your books at one of the Blinn College Bookstores to ensure that you are purchasing the correct book. Some internet courses require an access code to enter the course; this access code is sold with your book.
Where can I take my tests?
Visit our testing procedures page for more information.
Only a few instructors test online, so you should be prepared to come to campus to take your tests. If you are far away from one of the campuses, you can find a remote testing center close to your location. It is your responsibility to make arrangements and work with your instructor on these arrangements.
How do I know if I have the right technical skills to take a Distance Education Course?
The READI assessment can help you determine if you have the right technical skills to take a Distance Education course. It is a web-based tool which assesses your level of readiness for enrolling in distance education courses. It assesses important attributes in online learning, such as self-motivation, time-management skills, self-discipline, persistence, availability of time, and ability to use a laptop, printer, software, and the Internet.
At a minimum, you should be able to:
- Navigate your computer to open programs and find files
- Create, save, open, and print word processing and PDF files
- Create and reply to emails using the email program of your choice
- Search the internet appropriately and accurately
You do not have to own a computer to take a Distance Education course, but you must have regular access to a computer in order to keep up with daily and weekly assignments in your course.
Where can I get more information about eCampus and technical requirements?
Troubleshooting issues are addressed at the eCampus/ANGEL Support page.
Page Last Updated:
October 23, 2009
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