7 Steps to Getting Started in an Online Course

1. Preview your Internet or hybrid course in Blackboard before class begins.

2. Participate in the Online Student Orientation. It contains step-by-step instructions for:

   • Logging into Blackboard with your username and password.

   • Sending e-mail within Blackboard.

   • Using Assignments, the Discussion Board, the Virtual Classroom, and Chats.

   • Taking an exam or quiz.

   • Participating in groups.

   • Checking your grades.

3. On the first day of the term, login to Blackboard.

   • For credit courses (curriculum students): Use your my.waketech.edu user ID and password.

   • For non-credit courses (continuing education students): Go to Technical Help for instructions.

4. Open your online course.

   • Go to the My Courses box on the right side of Blackboard’s welcome page and click on the course name.

   • Caution: Clicking on the course name in the Announcements box will not open your course.

5. Follow the instructions.

   • Read the Announcements.

   • Become familiar with the layout of the course by clicking on the links in the navigation bar.

   • Find the syllabus. Print the course schedule. Determine how the instructor takes attendance in your online class.

6. Check your Wake Tech e-mail account. Students automatically receive free Windows Live e-mail accounts through my.waketech.edu, the College’s Web portal. Your Wake Tech e-mail address is the default e-mail address for your online courses. To activate your Windows Live e-mail account, login to my.waketech.edu.

7. Don’t hesitate to contact your instructor or a classmate when you have a question or concern about your online course. If you are having problems with Blackboard, contact your instructor or distance education support.

Contact Distance Education Support

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9101 Fayetteville Road

Raleigh, North Carolina 27603

919-866-5000