When can I access my online course? Is there a time I need to be online?
Student enrollments are loaded into WorldClassRoom the Friday prior to the start of each term. You will have access to your course on this day; exact login days by term are listed here. Remember, your course will not appear in WorldClassRoom until then.
Webster’s online courses are asynchronous, so you can generally login whenever is convenient for you, but they are structured in a week-by-week format, meaning there are weekly activities to complete and deadlines that go along with them of which you should be aware. Some courses include learning teams which may require you to work together synchronously on an activity or assignment.
Where do I get textbook information if I can’t get the course syllabus until the day I can login?
You do not need your syllabus to find out about your books! Textbook information is available through the MBS Direct online bookstore about 4-6 weeks ahead of the start of the term. You can view information about and order your books at this time. View a tutorial on textbook ordering here.
What do I need to know about online courses in order to be successful?
It is not difficult to use WorldClassRoom your online course. You should:
- Have access to a personal computer with Internet capability. Also have a back up method of access in case your regular computer or internet access is down.
- Be comfortable using a computer to save, retrieve, and download files.
- Have basic capabilities with Microsoft Office programs.
- Know how to do an effective search on the Internet.
More importantly, online courses require self-motivation, dedication, and the ability to access your course regularly and frequently. You are free to login on your schedule, but do need to meet the weekly deadlines set by your instructor. Online courses also place a strong emphasis on reading and writing, so you should be comfortable with these forms of communication.
How do I navigate my online course?
While each course is setup a bit differently, you will generally see a Course Homepage when you first login, containing links to course information, textbook eReserves, and the weekly learning modules. In addition, course tools such as Syllabus, Assignments, Assessments, Mail, and Discussions are accessible from anywhere in your course through the Course Tools menu, located on the left side of the page. Be sure to view our course tour for more detailed information about navigating your course.
How can I connect with other online students and get support outside of my courses?
There are a number of ways online students can connect! The Online Student Center provides a number of different discussion boards and forums. Access the Online Student Center from your course list when you login to WorldClassRoom. You can also connect via our social media sites – Facebook, Twitter, the OLC Blog and YouTube.
Key Points to Know
- All times given (such as due dates and deadlines) are in Central Time. Please note the time difference for your area and plan accordingly.
- Plan to access your course regularly and frequently. Due to the emphasis on reading and writing, it is easy to fall behind. We recommend doing a portion of your coursework each day, rather than leaving it all until just before the due date.
- Contact your instructor if you need assistance or clarification about your course, and allow them 24-48 hours to respond.
- Pay attention to details! Each course and each instructor’s requirements will be a bit different.