An online class is one in which 100% of the instruction is delivered through the Internet. Keep in mind, however, that on-campus meetings for an orientation session and for proctored exams may be required for your online class.

What hardware and software do I need in order to take an online class? A list of suggested skills/hardware/software can be found HERE. Although these skills and computer standards are not mandatory, it is STRONGLY recommended that you take them into careful consideration before registering for an online class. Meeting these suggestions will help make your online experience as enjoyable and stress free as possible.

How do I login to my Blackboard account?
First, go to http://www.classroom.tricountycc.edu. Click on the Login button. On the following page, in the field marked “USERNAME”, type in your username. This will be the first 4 letters of your last name followed by the last 4 digits of your Student ID number. (Note:If your last name contains fewer than 4 letters, your username will be your full last name followed by the last 4 digits of your student ID number) Your ID number can be found on your schedule printout or at the top of your student ID card. Next, enter your password, which will be changeme. You should change this password during your first login. To change the password, click on the Tools button, then click on Personal Information, and then on Change Password. Type your new password twice and click Submit.

Where can I find a Blackboard tutorial?
The online TCCC Blackboard Survival Guide will walk you through the features of Blackboard and briefly tell you how to use them. There is also an online student manual included with your Blackboard course. After you login to Blackboard and enter your course, click on the Tools button and one of the choices there is “Manual”. This is an online user guide for Blackboard. In addition, if you still have questions about using Blackboard, you can contact your instructor or the Distance Learning Coordinator/Technician by phone at (828)835-4265 or by email at wchastain@tricountycc.edu

I have forgotten my password.
There is a “Forgot Password” link on the login page in Blackboard. You can enter your username or email address and Blackboard will send a link to you where you can reset your password. If all else fails, email wchastain@tricountycc.edu requesting that your password be reset. For security reasons, the email request must originate from the email account provided to you by TCCC. Requests from other email addresses will not be honored. You will be notified by a return email when your password has been reset.

I am having trouble sending email through Blackboard. What is the problem?
If you cannot send email through the interface on Blackboard, send it from your student email account.

I sent an email to my instructor, but they haven’t responded. What do I do?
Due to the large number of emails received by your instructor each day, it may take a couple of days for them to contact you. If, after the second day, you have not received a response, contact them by phone, or contact Linda Lovingood, our Vice President for Instructional Services at llovingood@tricountycc.edu. Your instructor’s phone number and office hours should be posted in the Staff Information folder in Blackboard.

Who do I contact if something goes wrong?
Your first contact should be your instructor. If your instructor can’t solve your problem, they can usually refer you to someone who can. You can also contact Wes Chastain at wchastain@tricountycc.edu, or by phone at 828-835-4265, if your problem is related to Blackboard. We also offer 24/7 tech support, complete with FAQ's, Knowledge Base, and toll-free phone support HERE. Remember, we cannot provide technical support for your personal computer or for your Internet connection.

 My instructor wants me to use Microsoft Word to do my written assignments, but I don’t have Word on my home computer. Is there something else I can use?
You can use WordPad, which is included with Microsoft Windows. If you use WordPad, save your files in Rich Text format (.rtf) before submitting them to your instructor. If your instructor requires the use of Microsoft Word, or any other MS Office program, and you do not have it on your home computer, you have the option of using public access computers on campus. The location of these computers and open computer labs will be posted at the beginning of each semester.

My instructor uses Power Point presentations on Blackboard, but I can’t see them. What do I need to do?
You need to download and install the Power Point viewer. It is free and is available from Microsoft.com

Most online classes require proctored midterm and final exams. Where can I learn more about those?  Information about proctored exams, including what to do if you cannot be on campus during the scheduled exam times, can be found HERE.  The schedule for proctored exams will be posted on Blackboard and on the Tri-County CC website at least 3 weeks before exam time.       

Who can see my grades and other information on Blackboard? Your grades are available only to you, your instructor, and the Blackboard administrator. Neither your instructor nor the Blackboard Administrator will reveal your grades or any other course information to anyone other than yourself. Messages sent by and to you in Blackboard are viewable only by the persons to which the message is addressed. Discussion Board postings, however, are available and viewable by anyone enrolled in the class with you.

I don't see my question listed here. There is a more complete FAQ, Knowledge Base, and Help system located at our 24/7 Helpdesk. If your questions are not answered there, contact Wes Chastain at (828)835-4265 or by email at wchastain@tricountycc.edu.