Challenges

Coping with Technical Challenges

Although the on-campus environment can be challenging—finding a parking place, locating your classroom for the first time, interacting with student colleagues—technical challenges in the online classroom are often daunting. 

• Hardware and software 
• Internet Service Provider (ISP) 
• Server outages 
• Viruses and computer failures

First, remember to contact your instructor by e-mail immediately after you have registered for an Internet course. 

• You must obtain an e-mail address (although WebCT users will not use it for course work, an email address is required for all Internet students). 
• To get on-line instructions for a free e-mail address from the Alamo Community College District go to E-Mail , or Call (210) 220-1619 (8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
• The following are the minimum required of all online students: 
• Must have a working knowledge of Windows 3.1 or higher. 
• Must have a working knowledge of the Internet and e-mail. 
• PC Requirements MAC Requirements · Computer with 486SX or higher processor 
• Windows 95/98/NT or more recent
• 16 MB of RAM recommended 
• 14 MB of hard disk space 
• CD-ROM drive 
• 14.4 kbps or faster modem 
• 256 color video display recommended 
• Apple Power Macintosh computer · Mac OS software version 7.6.1 or later · 16 MB RAM · 15 MB of hard disk space · CD-ROM · 14.4 kbps or faster modem. 
• There may be other software/hardware requirements. 
• Students are strongly encouraged to check their individual course site for additional information and other requirements

• HelpDesk at (210) 220-1616 for technical assistance. 
• The hours of operation are as follows: Monday through Friday: 8 AM to 12 midnight. 
• Saturday and Sunday 12:00 (noon) - 5:00 PM 
• (210) 220-1616

Palo Alto College (PAC) Academic Computing Center 

St. Philip's College Center for Distance Learning

SAC Help Desk numbers and e-mail. 

• Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 8:00 am - 7:00 PM 
• Tuesday, Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 am - 1:00 PM Ph: (210) 785-6330 Fax: (210) 785-6333 
• E-mail: sachelp@accd.edu 

There are numerous ISPs. High speed connections such as RoadRunner (high speed cable provided by TimeWarner) and DSL (provided by Southwestern Bell) are preferred. Check online, using your favorite search engine, or the phone book for contact information and cost.

You may purchase IDEA through the ACCD college district for the semester by calling (210) 220-1619 during working hours (8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.). 
 

Server Outages

• Report server outages to the ACCD help desk: (210) 220-1616
• Note any special messages and be specific when leaving a voice mail.
• You may also consult the The Monitoring System for Internet Course Servers and Systems - located at ACCD this system will inform you when servers which support online learning are down. For example, WebCT courses have a designated server. It is often important to know the status of that server if you are attempting to meet a course deadline. 

Work with your computer support folks to resolve problems specific to your computer. The ACCD help desk may be able to help you identify and correct a virus: (210) 220-1616, see also the ACCD Virus Information Center.

Finally, remember you do not have to work at home (although it is more convenient).

• If your computer crashes or your ISP is interrupted the SLAC (or open labs on other ACCD campuses) has very friendly hours. 
• You can go to any ACCD campus open lab - call first to make sure of hours. 
• Realize that your instructor is not going to accept lack of access as an excuse for late work. 
• As an Internet student you are committed to have regular access or if your service is interrupted to have an alternate available. Online active learners are proactive. 
• Complete and submit your work early. Don't wait until the deadline to submit your work in case you do have a problem (technical or other). 

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Please send any questions or comments to Carol A. Keller, email, ckeller@accd.edu
Last update August, 2002