FAQ's


Q. What's my Blackboard WebCT ID?
Your Blackboard WebCT ID is the same as your PiratesNet or ConnectColumbia ID. This is always the "w" number. You should have established this # the first time you logged into PiratesNet or ConnectColumbia. It's also printed on your schedule. If you have more questions about, please call the hotline at 209.575.7900 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M - F. If you have any questions about Online Courses, call 209.575.6412, 8 to 5 - M through F. If you are calling from Columbia College, use 209.588.5282. Note: it will forward to a Modesto number, 209.575.6412.

Q. What's my Blackboard WebCT password? Has this changed also?
All Blackboard WebCT students MUST now use their 6 digit date of birth as their password when logging into Blackboard WebCT. For example a birthday of August 24, 1979 would be: 082479. The student will be prompted to change the password once they are logged in.

Q. How come I don't see my Blackboard WebCT classes in the MyWebCT screen?
Students are not added to courses until approximately 3 to 5 days before the start of each new semester. Check back on the first day of the semester. If your course or courses still don't appear by the first "official" day of the semester, contact the Online Help Desk at 209.575.6412 or 209.575.7900. If you are calling from Columbia College, use 209.588.5282. Note: it will forward to a Modesto number, 209.575.6412.

Q. I'm having trouble uploading files to WebCT. What's wrong?
Most of these problems are caused because users do not have the JAVA Runtime program installed on their machine. The first step is to download and install JAVA. We are currently recommending that users install JAVA 1.6_01. If you are running the Windows Vista operating system, you MUST use JAVA version 1.6 in order to have WebCT work correctly. Earlier versions will not work when using Vista, particularly when using IE 7.

Once the correct version of JAVA is installed, re-start your computer and login to Blackboard WebCT again. You should now be able to upload files. NOTE: If the problem continues, you may have a program like Norton Internet Security that is running in the background and preventing JAVA from running properly. It is generally possible to disable these Security programs or configure them to allow JAVA to run. Check your computer's list of programs and related documentation. You may also call the Blackboard WebCT Help Desk and the staff there may be able to assist you.

Q. Why can't I login?
If you are unable to login to Blackboard WebCT, it may be for one of the following reasons;
1. The most common reason is incorrect use of the Blackboard WebCT ID or a wrong password. Make sure you're using the correct "w" number which can be obtained from PiratesNet or ConnectColumbia. If you need to have your password reset, contact the WebCT helpdesk at 209.575.6412. If you are calling from Columbia College, use 209.588.5282. Note: it will forward to a Modesto number, 209.575.6412.
2. Another issue relates to when you added the class. Usually there is a 4 to 6 hour delay in adding students to their Blackboard WebCT class roster after adding the class using PiratesNet or ConnectColumbia. If you just added the class, try logging-in again in a few hours.
3. There may be a number of other reasons related to the following issues:

a. Adware and Spware may be interfering with your ability to access the login location or open the login link. If you are using Internet Explorer to access WebCT, you should download and install an anti-Spyware program such as Spybot Search and Destroy. The program is free and is effective in removing most malicious spyware.
b. Your computer may not be configured correctly for WebCT. Read and the follow the directions on the Browser Check.

Q. I get a JAVA error. What should I do?
If you are running Windows XP; 2000 or 98 you will need to be sure to have the following JAVA Runtime installed;
The new JAVA Release 6 (sometimes called 1.6) will work with our current Blackboard WebCT CE system when running Windows XP; 2000 or 98! If you are using the new Windows Vista operating system, you MUST use version 1.6 with Blackboard WebCT as earlier editions will not work with this new operating system.

Q. How do I contact my instructor if I'm having a problem with my class?
The first step is to use the email tools found in Blackboard WebCT to ask your instructor course-related questions. If you are unable to login to Blackboard WebCT, contact the Online Help Desk at 209.575.6412. If you are calling from Columbia College, use 209.588.5282. Note: it will forward to a Modesto number, 209.575.6412. The Online Help Desk staff will also be able to provide with your instructor's telephone # if you need to talk to them directly.

Q. How do I add an online class?
Students MUST request an online add card for the class they would like to add. Add cards are NOT available until the first day of the semester. This is true for students who are already on the official Wait List for an online class as well. Once the semester has started, follow the steps below to send an online add card request to the instructor for the class you would like to add:

• Go to PiratesNet or Connect Columbia and click on the link entitled: E-Add Card Request (For Online Classes)
• Near the bottom of the page is the add card form. Select the class you would like to add from the drop-down list, fill out the form carefully and click on the Submit button. Be sure to fill-in the email address field correctly!
NOTE: If the class you would like to add is NOT shown, it means the instructor is NOT adding additional students. Also, be aware that students who are on the official Wait List will receive preference.
• The instructor of the class will contact you via email within 24 hours to let you know if they are able to add you to the class. If they are able to add you to the class, they will give you an add code which can then be used on PiratesNet or ConnectColumbia to add the class.
• Once you have completed the add process on PiratesNet or ConnectColumbia and paid all fees, you will be added to your WebCT class within 6 hours.

Q. Who do I contact in case I am having technical difficulties?
Make sure you have checked the technical requirements for your computer in order to successfully enter the Blackboard WebCT classroom. Perform the Web Browser Test before entering into the Blackboard WebCT classroom. Make sure you have read all the guidelines if there is a red check mark on one of the areas of the Browser Check. The Online Help Desk may be able to help if this is a Blackboard WebCT issue. Times and days are posted on your Blackboard WebCT Log-in page. If it is still unclear, then contact your Instructor, they may have experience in some of the difficulties that you are having and can guide or recommend the next steps.

Q. Where can I find plug-ins?
Required plug-ins will usually be listed as a requirement to your classroom. There may be times that you computer will require an upgrade to the version of a plug-in. Please go to this site to check your plug-ins on your home system - https://behind.blackboard.com/s/faculty/as/browser_plugins.Bb

Q. What if I don't understand the class assignments?
Sometimes it can be difficult to understand just what is expected of you in an online class. To ensure that you are going to get the optimum learning experience you may want to print out and read over everything. In developing a sense of community with your classmates you may find clarifying some of the assignments in your online discussions or Emailing a classmate is helpful. If you find that you are still unclear, be sure to let your Instructor know as soon as possible that you are having difficulties. You may find that you are not alone.

Q. What if I haven't heard from my Instructor for a while?
This is rare, but it can happen. Always attempt to contact the Instructor with your concerns first, giving them an opportunity to respond. If this still does not solicit a response contact the host school. Online communities mirror real life and just as in real life there may be something wrong with your Instructor such as an unforeseen illness or technical difficulty.

Q. Where can I go if I need assistance due to disabilities?
There is quite a bit of assistance for those of us with disabilities. Each of colleges will have a Student Services Department that can assist your needs. As an online student it is your responsibility to notify the school that you have special needs. This can be done either via registration or a phone call or Email to the Student Services Department. Here are some online resources that might interest you:

• New Technology for converting Text to Audio files.  http://www.premier-programming.com/TTA/texttoaudio.htm
• Website Free Plug-in for Text to Speech Conversion http://www.speaksforitself.com/speaksforitself/
• A Tool that allows blind and visually impaired users to read any document in Adobe PDF form. http://access.adobe.com/
• National Center for Accessible Media: http://ncam.wgbh.org/cdrom/

Q. How many times should I go to my online class a week?
This is largely dependent upon your Instructor and yourself. Your Instructor will usually give you guidelines as to how many posting are necessary and how many times a week you will be required to go online. Some courses will have student-monitoring reports and your time may count as part of your grade. Again, please check with you Instructor to confirm what is expected of you. As time goes on, you may encounter more connectivity with your online class since you have more time and flexibility to participate.

Q. Who do I contact if I am having problems with my Internet Connection?
If you are having difficulties with your Internet Connection you will need to contact your Internet Service Provider. Document what has been happening so when you do talk with them you can review step by step the problems you have been experiencing. When the school site's server is down/being serviced or your online classroom is experiencing problems you will be notified most likely from the Instructor of the host college. This can help you rule out possible reasons for access difficulty.

Q. What can I do if my quizzes and threaded discussions are being blocked by my Pop-Up Blocker?
Pop-ups are all those annoying pop-up windows that appear as you surf the Web. Pop-up stoppers usually have support for both pop-ups and pop-under ads and will kill them even before they appear on the screen.

To allow pop-up windows you can temporarily disable the pop-up killer by holding Control, Shift or 'a'. If you are in Blackboard WebCT and you want to take a Quiz, Email, post in Threaded Discussions or view these Internet Tips a Pop-Up Blocker may interpret this as a pop-up and block it. You will have to disable the Pop-up Blocker Program until you are done with your task.

Q. Should I be worried about downloading a virus?
A virus is a worrisome annoyance and to ensure yourself that you will not be exposing your computer system follow the basic rules: after downloading a file run your antivirus software, do not open file attachments from people you do not know and update your virus software frequently. Here's free antitvirus software called Housecall, suggested by the Rio Hondo Community College District, http://housecall.antivirus.com.  Note: Downloading a file will not activate the virus, running it will, only if it is infected.

Q. Do you have a question about online teaching and learning with Blackboard WebCT?
Your first choice is to always call the Online Help Desk at 575-6412.    However, if the Online Help Desk is closed, Blackboard has a question-and-answer service moderated by a dedicated, international community of experienced Blackboard users.   Here you can ask any question at:  https://behind.blackboard.com/s/student/ Inside your online classroom you will also have a HELP menu on the right hand corner of the screen.

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 Last Updated 8/28/09