Student Resources

Checklists

We recommend that you work through the following lists at least a week prior to the official class start. Early preparation saves time for concentrating on class.

Technology Checklist

Update your computer with the necessary hardware and software requirements. If needed, update the hardware and install the software.
Activate your UNCG computing accounts.Activate your Novell/Blackboard, and eSpartan Email to access Blackboard, the course learning platform. We highly recommend that you change your password immediately after you activate your accounts because the first password you receive is temporary and only lasts for 20 logins.
Check if you can access Blackboard . Log into Blackboard at http://blackboard.uncg.edu/ to make sure every username and password works well. Contact (336) 256-TECH if something goes wrong.
Learn Blackboard. Work through our Blackboard online orientation in Unit 3 at http://www.uncg.edu/tlc/bborient/.
Set up your email account properly.In UNCG online classes, you will receive all course-related information via UNCG email. You must use it for class-related communication. To set up your UNCG email account, visit UNCG email account .
Prepare Web broswer. You may experience trouble with your online course if you don't prepare your Web broswer properly. First be sure that your browser meets our minimum requirements, e.g., Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher for PC, Safari 1.2 for Mac. Next, turn off pop-up stopping technology. Blackboard will not function as it should with pop-up stoppers turned on. Finally set your browser to accept all cookies. Find out how to perform these tasks at http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/icampus/techsupport/browser.asp.
Refine your word processing skills. If you are unfamiliar with Microsoft Word, the standard word processing program in education, purchase and practice with it before your online class starts. Such software will help you write papers and prepare emails. Get tips on how to use word processing software . To purchase Microsoft Word (as part of Microsoft Office) at an educational discount, visit the UNCG bookstore in person. You also can search for an authorized education reseller at http://www.microsoft.com/education.
Fine tune your email skills.Explore UNCG email features, such as how to send and receive email. It's also important to know how to attach documents and how to open attached files from incoming emails.

Self-management Checklist

Read all introductory information sent to your UNCG email address.Instructors, as well as DCL staff, will send you important course-related information via email. Please check your email on a regular basis and follow the preparation steps.
Read your class syllabus. Get informed about the class objectives, types of readings, assignment requirements, and more in your class syllabus.
Buy your course books online or in a bookstore.To make sure that you have your course books available when the course starts, buy your books early. Click here to get tips on buying books.
Set goals and priorities for the class.Goals lead you to success because they give you direction and energy to overcome barriers, such as time constraints. Learn more about goals and priorities.
Plan out your personal learning schedule.Effective time management is a key factor for success. Creating a study schedule will ensure that you reach your course goals. Click here to learn more about time management.
Get help.We offer resources to ensure that you will have a good start with your online classes. If you have any trouble with the steps above, browse through iCampus to find answers to your questions. If you do not find what you are looking for on iCampus, visit our help directory to find out who to contact.
Typical week as an online student.Last but not least, tour DCL's demonstration of a typical week as an online student to get a feeling for the activities that you will perform in online learning.

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