To access an online course, login to the Campus Portal and click the tab labeled Blackboard.See below for additional information, particularly course communication and textbook requirements.

Overview

Online courses are college-level courses taught over the Internet. Delaware Valley College offers a number of online courses each semester. The courses are instructor led with a beginning and end to each semester, just like a conventional class.

Although every online course is organized and conducted slightly different depending on the instructor, every course uses the Blackboard Learning System for course delivery and ongoing communication. You'll need to login to Blackboard to check announcements, obtain the course syllabus and review due dates.

Every online course requires both online and offline work. For example, sometimes you'll go online to read course content, watch multimedia presentations, complete computer-graded online exercises and/or participate in online discussions. Other times, you might go online to obtain an assignment and review deadlines, and read the textbook, study for a test or draft an essay. Once you complete the required work, you'll go back online and submit your work electronically or review grades and feedback from previous assignments.

You will interact with your instructor and other students primarily through email and online discussion boards. However, some instructors will also offer synchronous learning sessions using chat and web-conferencing software that allow members of the class to get together to discuss content and exchange ideas simultaneously.

Support is available. Instructors are readily available to clarify content, review assignments and answer questions during the length of the course. Technical Support is also available during regular college business hours by phone at 215-489-(4357)HELP or by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Online Student Requirements

• Be a disciplined, self-motivated student
• Have access to your own personal computer that meets the system requirements
• Pay a mandatory distance education fee per course

Registration/Costs

Register for an online course as you would a conventional course. If you're a returning student, you may register through WebAdvisor; in-person at the registrar?s counter; by phone at 215-489-2973; by fax at 215-230-2962 or mail your registration to: Office of Registrar, Delaware Valley College, 700 East Butler Avenue, Doylestown, PA 18901. Online courses always end in section -276 and list their location as OL.

The tuition cost to enroll in an online course is the same as it would be for an on-campus Continuing Education course plus a distance education fee. All of the procedures and policies governing courses offered through Delaware Valley College also apply to online courses (i.e. late fees, withdrawals, etc.)

Full-time Delaware Valley College day students (those who pay full-time tuition) who are carrying 16 or fewer credits may enroll in online courses at no additional tuition charge (the distance education fee still applies, however). Full-time students should consult with their advisors prior to registering for the online course to determine their eligibility.

A registration notice will be sent to your DelVal email address a week prior to the start of your course or up to 48 hours after you register.

Where to find your online course

All online courses use the Blackboard Learning System for course delivery. To access Blackboard, you first need to log into the Campus Portal (if you need your login information, contact Support at 215-489-4357) and then click the tab labeled Blackboard.

To access the course site, you will want to click on the course title under the My Courses section. PLEASE NOTE:Courses will be visible/available no later than the official first day of class or up to 48 hours after you register. Although every instructor organizes their course differently, your best bet is to check out the Announcements, Syllabus and Course Materials sections first.

Course Communication

IMPORTANT! Blackboard typically uses DelVal email accounts for ongoing course communication. PLEASE NOTE: If you are a new student, a DelVal email account will be created for you, and you will receive your email account instructions in the mail. Contact Support at 215-489-4357 to activate your email account sooner and/or receive email assistance.

Textbook/Course Requirements

IMPORTANT! You will need to purchase your textbook and any other required course materials prior to the start of the course. Be sure to call or visit the bookstore to determine what is required. PLEASE NOTE: Some online courses require an access code in addition to the textbook to be able to view the course materials online. If an access code is required, you can either purchase a textbook/code package in the college bookstore or buy the code directly from the publisher.

Technical Support

For technical support, questions, concerns and other general assistance, please contact Support at 215-489-HELP(4357) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Please note that, although Blackboard is available 24/7, live support is typically only available during regular college business hours.

To best assist you, we need the following information when you contact us for technical assistance:

• Personal Information
  • Your name
  • Your email address
  • Your Blackboard username
• Problem Information:
  • Type of computer (PC or MAC)
  • Internet browser
  • Description of the problem
  • The exact wording of any error message that you received (or a screen shot)
  • Step-by-step directions of what you attempted to do when you experienced the problem

If you are not familiar with Blackboard, you are encouraged to enroll in a self-practice orientation. This is essential for success in an online course. To enroll, go to the Catalog tab within Blackboard and click on the Blackboard Orientation for Students folder. Click on the Enroll button to receive confirmation of enrollment. Once confirmed, you will see the course listed on the Home tab of Blackboard (typically within 24 hours).

Click here for additional information regarding Blackboard at Delaware Valley College.