Online Course Orientation

An online course offers more flexibility, but requires just as much, if not more, time and effort as a traditional course offered on campus. When taking your online course, remember:

• You can access the course work at your convenience.
• You need to be disciplined to plan your schedule for the appropriate amount of hours to take your online course. 
• Instructors may recommend specific times for online chat sessions. 
• You do not attend an actual classroom session.
• You have been given a new MATC web-based e-mail address. You will learn more about your e-mail address in "Using MATC web-based e-mail" below. 
• Completed assignments are submitted via e-mail by designated due dates. Due dates are listed in the course syllabus.
• Campus time may be required for meetings or tests.  This will be noted in the class syllabus or announcements sent via e-mail.
• You can officially log in and begin your online class on the start date that is listed on your course schedule.
• Purchase books at a campus college store or order your books online. 

Getting Started

1. View the links below for an overview of the tools needed when taking your online course.
   1. Using Blackboard
      1. A Learning Management System where students can access many of the online courses, course content (such as syllabuses, assignments and quizzes), and their MATC web-based e-mail.
      2. The Blackboard link is at the bottom of the MATC home page and at the top of most of the other web pages in the MATC website.
   2. Using MATC web-based e-mail
      1. All students are assigned a default MATC e-mail address that will be used to send your information such as registration dates, grades access dates, financial aid updates and more.
      2. The e-mail link is located on the MATC home page. Hover cursor over "Student," and "Check My E-mail" is at the bottom of the black navigation box.
   3. Using Microsoft Word
      1. You may use another word processing program that you are familiar with if you don't have or are not comfortable in using MS Word.
2. After reviewing the tools, be sure to:
   1. Access your course via Blackboard.
      1. Log on to Blackboard.
      2. Click the courses tab.
         1. You should be able to see your course(s) listed under "Courses which you are participating in."
         2. If you don't see your course(s) listed under "Courses which you are participating in," contact your instructor. Instructor contact information is in INFOnline within the course information. 
      3. Click the courses tab to preview the course.
         1. Before the course start date, you should be able to access the syllabus, instructor information, and announcements.
         2. On the course start date, you should be able to access all course content. 
      4. If you can't preview your course, contact your instructor ASAP so this can be addressed prior to the start of the course. Instructor contact information is in INFOnline within the course information.
   2. Update your e-mail address in Blackboard.
      1. All students are assigned a default MATC e-mail address within Blackboard.  If you prefer to use a different e-mail address, change it to the e-mail address you want to use.
   3. Change your password.
      1. Change your password to a more secure password, but one that you can remember.
   4. If you still can't access your course on the start date or have problems logging onto Blackboard, call 414-297-7986 or e-mail distancelearning@matc.edu.
3. On the course start date, go to Assignments within your course via Blackboard to get started.

Resources

The following resources may be helpful to you while you are enrolled in your MATC online course:

• MATC College Stores for books and supplies. 
• MATC Academic Support Center 
• INFOnline for checking your grades or getting a copy of your schedule.

For questions or more information, call 414-297-7986 or e-mail distancelearning@matc.edu.