Do I need special hardware and software?
Hardware
Computer: Any computer that is less than 4 years old should work. Pentium 3 or 4 or better. With 256 megabytes of RAM running Windows 98 or better. Any Macintosh with 128 megabytes of RAM running OS 8.0 or newer
Phone Modem: The minimal speed is 56.6k. Any slower and you will suffer timeout issues.
Broadband: Any DSL, Cable, or Satellite internet setup will work.
Internet Service Provider (ISP): You must be connected to the Internet by an Internet Service Provider that offers a reliable direct PPP connection. Frequent shut downs at critical points in the quarter could be very frustrating.
E-mail: All currently enrolled students have a Cuesta e-mail account as part of myCuesta (my.cuesta.edu). Your e-mail address is your first name underscore your lastname @ my.cuesta.edu (e.g. firstname_lastname@my.cuesta.edu). You should have received notification of myCuesta with your username and password from admissions and records.
Software
Browser: We recommend using either Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer for your browser. Both of the recommended browsers may be downloaded at no cost. For MAC users, Safari can also be used.
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Where can I get an e-mail account?
All currently enrolled students have a Cuesta e-mail account as part of myCuesta (my.cuesta.edu). Your e-mail address is your first name underscore your lastname @ my.cuesta.edu (e.g. firstname_lastname@my.cuesta.edu). You should have received notification of myCuesta with your username and password from admissions and records.
If you do not want to use this e-mail, you can login to myCuesta and set this e-mail to be forwarded to another e-mail address.
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How much computer and Internet experience do I need?
You need some with experience navigating and using the Internet. Knowing how to download files, attach document files to e-mail, and use word processing software are critical skills in an online course environment. If you are uncertain about your abilities, then you may want to enroll in DIST 101: Introduction to Online. DIST 101 is a half unit, 3-week course that will introduce you to some of the basic technologies that are used in online courses. This course will not cover every possible aspect that you may encounter in other online courses, but it will leave you with a better sense of whether distance education is right for you, and give you the competencies you need to be technologically successful in other online courses
If you have little or no experience with computers at all then a good "on campus" class is CAOA 266.
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What type of learner successfully completes these courses?
You should possesses a learning style that is self-directed and self-motivated. Specifically, you must avoid procrastination. Setting up your own weekly study schedule to keep abreast of your assignments is critical so that you do not fall behind. You will also need to be proactive by asking questions and communicating with your instructor on a regular basis.
Take our self-assessment survey to see if you are the type of learner that would be successful in a distance education course.
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Why would I want to enroll for a distance education course at Cuesta College?
If you are reading this on the Web, then you likely have everything needed to successfully complete an online course for credit here at Cuesta College. There are several reasons why you should consider taking advantage of this convenient method of learning. In most courses you can work through course material at a time and pace that meets your individual needs rather than having to show up at a classroom on a particular day(s) at a particular time.
Distance education courses allow you to access the materials and assignments at a time of the day that is convenient to you and through the use of asynchronous communication technology such as e-mail, web sites, threaded discussion, and listservs. You are able to interact with your instructor and even collaborate with fellow classmates from anywhere that you have access to a computer with Internet access any time of the day, night, or weekend.
Even though distance education courses are convenient, they are no less challenging or less rigorous than the same courses taught in the classroom because, they have the same academic content. In fact, distance education courses will likely take more of a time commitment on your part because, you have to be self-motivated, self-directed and well organized in your approach to study. Remember that your instructor is always available to interact, guide and support you in your study. In fact most distance education courses require that you communicate with the instructor via e-mail on a regular basis as an integral part of the your assignments and the overall learning process. The advantage is that in most of distance education courses, you are able to study the materials and proceed with assignments, communicating with your instructor, and test taking at a pace that is both flexible and convenient to you.
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How do I register for a distance education course?
Registration for a distance education course is no different than that for a regular classroom taught course and is done through my.cuesta.edu.
If you are a new student to the college you will first need to complete an application: http://academic.cuesta.edu/admrreg/appl.htm
Once you are enrolled in the course you will be sent information on how to access myCuesta and register for classes.
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When does a distance education course begin and finish?
Most distance education courses at Cuesta follow the same semester schedule as regular classroom taught courses. In some cases students of a distance education course are required to meet prior to the start of the course or regular semester. The class schedule list required meeting days (if any) for all distance education courses.
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What if I start the course late or go at a slower pace and find I am unable to complete the course by the end of the term?
This would be no different than in a regular classroom taught course. Some instructors may allow you to receive an incomplete grade ("I" grade) at the end of the term if you have successfully been making progress in the course and completed an appropriate level of the course work to date. This decision is up to your instructor and you will need to formally request an incomplete grade directly from your instructor. The incomplete contract details the remaining work to be accomplished and the time limit by which the course must be completed. A grade of "F" will be issued if the course is not completed by the date specified. Any student starting a course late or intending to move through the course material at a slower pace is strongly encouraged to discuss this with the instructor prior to registering.
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Is there someone I can contact if I have questions about distance education courses?
Your best contact is the instructor of the course you are interested in taking, since that individual is most familiar with the course content, assignments, technologies required, etc.
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What if I experience technical problems?
Check out the Tech Support section of this web site to see what services are available to distance education students.
My Class isn't showing up?
Your class will only appear on the date of the opening day of classes. Unless you make special arrangements with your instructor.
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I keep getting a "Login or password" incorrect error?
Check the web URL your browser is going to. If there isn't a green banner, with "Cuesta" on it at the top of the page, you are at the wrong web address. If you are at the correct address, your password is incorrect. Passwords are "case" sensitive, check that you are using the correct "case".
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