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Online Orientation

Westchester Community College uses Blackboard CE for Online learning. Blackboard CE online orientation is mandatory for new Online students. The online orientation must be completed before you can start your online course.

The purpose of this orientation is for you to learn how to set up and test your computer, log in and access your class, and become familiar with Blackboard CE. The orientation consists of two parts.

  • Part I Get your computer ready for Blackboard CE
  • Part II Login to Blackboard CE and click on Student Orientation. (New Spring 2010 Online students can login starting January 6, 2010)  

PART I Get your computer ready for Blackboard CE - Click on each link for more info.
            (NOTE: If you are using our computer labs on-campus skip PART I.)

1
  Must have a Supported Browsers  
2
Install Java, enable Cookies, set Cache and Disable Pop-Up for Blackboard  
3
If you are using a windows operating system, are your critical updates current?  
4
Do you have virus protection and, if so, is it current and up-to-date?
5
In case of emergency, do you have access to another computer?  
6
Do you intend to log on from your work place?  
7
Does your course require an access code?  
8
Do you know if your course has any on campus requirements?  
9
Have you installed the proper plug-ins for your course?  
     


PART II Log on to Blackboard CE:


 1
 

Log on to Blackboard CE and click the "Student Orientation" course (New Spring 2010 Online students can login starting January 6, 2009)

For User Name and Password click here

 

If you are having problems login-on to Blackboard you must do the following:

Delete all Browsing History which includes Temporary Internet Files, Cookies and History in your Internet Explorer browser ( tools > internet options) or any browser that you are using. Close all open windows, re-open the browser (Do not use saved Blackboard pages from your Favorites or Bookmarked urls) type directly in the address bar https://sunywcc.blackboard.com and login.   

You should see the Westchester Community College Logo on the left upper corner and a yellow bar across the page on top.  

This completes the Online Orientation. You are now ready to begin your class. On the first day of the semester your course link will appear on your Blackboard CE page. Remember to enter your course as soon as possible and log on often. If you have any technical problems contact the Online Education office at online.education@sunywcc.edu or 914-606-6827. Good luck and have a great semester.


Detailed information

Part I

 
Decorative Arrow1.Must have a supported Browser: Internet Explorer 7.

Must have a supported browsers' version. Free Downloads:

Internet Explorer Version 7 - click http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/ie7/

Firefox 2 - click http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/

Safari 2 - click http://www.apple.com/safari/


Decorative Arrow2. Install Java, ebable Cookies, set Cache and Disable Pop-Up

In order for Blackboard CE to work properly you need to have the latest java version, have cookies anable, set cache and Disable Pop-Up

To install java download here http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

How to enable java, enable cookies and set Cache: Click the link of the appropriate browser
Microsoft IE / Mozilla Firefox

Disable Pop-Up Blocking for Blackboard CE

While using Blackboard CE, if you are unable to view discussion postings, quiz windows, and download links, then you need to disable pop-up blocking.

Depending on the pop-up blocking software you are using, you may be able to set Blackbord as an allowed site, or you may need to disable the pop-up blocker while using Blackboard.

Pop-up blockers work in the background while you browse the internet. When they detect a pop-up window that may be an unwanted advertisement, they automatically close the window. This can prevent Blackboard from performing properly.

To disable pop-up blockers:

(a) If the Safari browser, use the Command+k key combo to toggle the pop-up blocker on or off.

(b) In Firefox, OS X users should add the URL for their Blackboard entry page to the list of allowed sites. You can do that by selecting Preferences in the Firefox menu, selecting the Content tab, selecting the Allowed Sites button and pasting in the URL of the course entry page.

(c) Search your hard drive for any software with "pop-up" in the name. Disable it or set your Blackboard server as an allowed site. Examples of popular pop-up blocking applications include:

  • Pop-Up Stopper (not for Mac)
  • Pop-Up Defender (not for Mac)
  • Pop-Up Zapper
  • Popup Eliminator

(d) Pop-up blocking functions are included in some anti-virus, internet security, personal firewall, and browser programs. Disable the relevant setting in the program or set your Blackboard server as an allowed site. Examples of programs that include pop-up blocking functions include the following.

Note: Click the links to read configuration information. If there is no link, refer to the Help in the affected program.


Decorative Arrow3. Micorsoft Windows users. Are your critical updates current?

We recommend that you have your computer up to date with the updates and/or patches. Open Internet Explorer, click Tools, then click Windows Update. Strongly recommended to install the ones in the "Critical" category. The others can be installed at your discretion.
Non-Micorsoft users please go to their respective websites for information in updates.


Decorative Arrow4. Do you have Antivirus and, if so, is it current and up-to-date?

With the use of the Internet and endless communication between computers, viruses are spreading faster than ever. The only way to avoid them is through safe computing.
  1. Get a good virus protection program. (For example, Norton Antivirus and McAffee Virus Scan.)
  2. Install the software; set it to run in the background and keep it on.
  3. Update your anti-virus software on a regular basis.
How To Update your Anti-Virus Software, by Sandy Berger
URL: http://www.aarp.org/computers-howto/Articles/a2002-07-18-upgradevirus.html


Decorative Arrow5. In case of emergency, do you have access to another computer?

You are solely responsible for having a working computer. Computer crashes and internet server problems do not excuse you from completing your course work. We highly recommend that you make arrangements to have access to a second computer to complete your course work in case of an emergency; either at a friends house, a local library or in our computer labs on campus.


Decorative Arrow6. Do you intend to log on from your work place? - why this is important?

Some companies have firewalls that block access to the Blackboard CE server. If you have permission from your supervisor you may want to ask your computer department at work if they can open port 2304. This will allow you to access Blackboard CE through the firewall.


Decorative Arrow7. Does your course require an access code?

Some online courses require an Access Code, which is packaged with the textbook or distributed by your instructor or the Online Education Office. As soon as you have access to your Online course you should login and review the course requirements.


Decorative Arrow8. Do you know if your course has any on campus requirements?

Although you are enrolled in an on-line course, you may be required to take one or more proctored exams Westchester Community College's Valhalla campus on a specific day and time. If that isn't feasible for you, for example, if you live out of state or if you are traveling through another region or country at the time scheduled for your exam, you may arrange with your instructor to take your test in the presence of an approved proctor at an alternate and more convenient location.


Decorative Arrow9. Have you installed the proper plug-ins for your course?

Each course might require additional plug-ins (e.g. Adobe Reader) installed on your computer. Plug-ins are freely downloadable from the internet. Please check for potential plug-ins.


Detailed information

Part II

Decorative Arrow1. Part II - Login to Blackboard at https://sunywcc.blackboard.com

User Name and Password ( Your Password and Username are the same the first time you log-in)

  1. the first 4 letters of your last name, followed by...
  2. first letter of your first name, followed by...
  3. last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.

For example, Mary Smith SS# 123-45-6789 would logon using smitm6789 as her Username and Password (note: all lowercase - no spaces)

For people whose last names are less than 4 letters or contain characters other than letters:
use entire last name+first initial+last 4 digits
Non-alpha characters: omit spaces, periods, apostrophes etc. in counting the 4 letters

For example:
Richard Ho = hor####
Paul Van Gogh = vangp####
Carol O'Connor = oconc####

If you are having issues login-on to Blackboard you must do the following:

Delete all Browsing History which includes Temporary Internet Files, Cookies and History in your Internet Explorer browser ( tools > internet options) or any browser that you are using. Close all open windows, re-open the browser (Do not use saved Blackboard pages from your Favorites or Bookmarked urls) type directly in the address bar https://sunywcc.blackboard.com and login.   

You should see the Westchester Community College Logo on the left upper corner and a yellow bar across the page on top.

 



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Please email any comments, corrections or questions to:online.education@sunywcc.edu

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