WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

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Once you have accessed your course through Blackboard, familiarize yourself with the course page to locate your syllabus and course due dates. Your course may incorporate streaming media, which contains videos where you will gain information similar to if you were listening to a lecture in a face-to-face classroom. If you do not have dependable internet access, most of the course videos are available on DVD in the Distance Learning department. In addition, the Blackboard course page will also indicate if you are required to contact the Distance Learning office to obtain any supplemental materials.

Come and see us if you need help learning how to use Blackboard, or have any questions about what is expected of you in your distance courses.

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Proctored testing is available in Dellinger Hall, room 107 on the main campus. ( View floor plan) If you need to take supervised tests at another location, please review guidelines and instructions for completion of the Proctor Form.

!!Please review the Testing link for all guidelines on proctored testing. !!

DIGGING IN…

If one of your classes does not show up in your Blackboard list, remember that it may take up to 2 days from your registration until the course will show in your class list. If in doubt, check with the instructor through email or phone to verify that the course materials are delivered via Bb. 

If you have any technical difficulties, the first thing to do is notify your instructor. In addition, contact the Distance Learning office to obtain assistance and make sure that you do not fall behind in your coursework.

*Watching video lectures does not take the place of reading assigned texts – make sure to complete assignments in both areas.

*Take notes while watching video segments, just like you would in a regular classroom.

*Get on a schedule!  It is very easy to get behind because of the flexibility of a Distance Learning course. 

*Frequent the Blackboard page for your course for announcements, study guides or other supplemental materials.

*Take advantage of the Student Resources that are available to help you.

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WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

Communicate with your instructor and/or the Distance Learning staff regularly, and at the earliest sign of trouble. access immediate help either through online chat with one of our Virtual Advisors or through the latest in posted information on the MYSouthwest Helpdesk.  If you are getting behind, or need help, let us know as soon as possible so we can work with you.  Our goal is to help you succeed in any way we can. Distance Learning at Southwest is READY WHEN YOU ARE!