FAQ for eLearning Students
About online classes
1. How do I get to my online courses and start a course? Answer
2. When do online courses begin? Answer
3. Will I need an access account ID and password? If so, how do I get this? Answer
4. Do online courses require that I come to campus? Answer
5. Do I need an email account to take an online course? Answer
6. Do I need high speed internet service? Answer
7. Must I know how to type and have good keyboard skills? Answer
8. Are textbooks required for online courses? Answer
9. Will my instructor know I've logged into the course site and that I've begun work on the course requirements? Answer
10. If I get behind in a course, what should I do? Answer
11. Will I take exams and quizzes online? Answer
12. In my online class I've turned in my assignment and emailed my instructor, but I haven't gotten any feedback on my work or a reply to my email. What can I do? Answer
13. I don't know how to use MyNIC Courses. Where can I get help? Answer
14. Will my computer work with MyNIC Courses? Answer
15. I've logged on to MyNIC Courses, but one of my courses is not on the list. What's wrong? Answer
16. When I log in to MyNIC Courses, I get a security alert. Is something wrong? Answer
17. If I have computer trouble at home, what should I do? Answer
18. How long are course sites available after a term officially ends? Answer
19. Are course sites open on weekends, holidays, and during Thanksgiving and Spring Break? Answer
Training
20. I'd like to know more about a course before I register for it. How can I get that information? Answer
Contact Information
21. How do I contact an instructor before a course starts? Answer
22. How do I get help? Answer
Disability Accommodation
23. Can any special accommodations be made for students taking online courses? Answer
1. How do I get to my online courses and start a course?
A. The access point for online courses is referred to as the "MyNIC Courses login page" and is found at https://nic.angellearning.com/.
2. When do online courses begin?
A. Online courses officially begin on the first day of a term, unless a course is listed on the course schedule as having a different start date. Such courses are often referred to as "late start" courses. Start dates for each term are listed on the College Calendar.
3. Will I need an access account ID and password? If so, how do I get this?
A. Yes. Your ID for MyNIC Courses is your NICOnline ID.
4. Do online courses require that I come to campus?
A. Well, that depends. . .
Internet (INT) courses are conducted completely online and do not have scheduled meetings.
Hybrid (HYG) courses are conducted online AND have scheduled meeting times. Check with your instructor for meeting times, dates, and place.
Web-Enhanced (WEBE) courses are conducted face-to-face AND have some instructional components online. Check with your instructor for more information about what course content will be online.
5. Do I need an email account to take an online course?
A. Yes. A NICMail account is created for you when you are accepted to NIC.
6. Do I need high speed internet service?
A. Any internet service that allows you to turn off pop-up blockers and use Java applets will work.
7. Must I know how to type and have good keyboard skills?
A. Having good online skills, including the use of a keyboard and mouse, are important and improve the likelihood of your success as a student in any course. These skills are learned through practice, however, so don't let them deter you from taking an online course if you are strong in other skills such as reading and writing.
8. Are textbooks required for online courses?
A. Usually, yes! Check with the instructor if you have any doubts.
9. Will my instructor know I've logged into the course site and that I've begun work on the course requirements?
A. Yes. Most instructors require an initial message and some acknowledgement that you've read and understand the course syllabus.
10. If I get behind in a course, what should I do?
A. Contact your instructor(s) to explain your situation ASAP.
11. Will I take exams and quizzes online?
A. Maybe. Instructors must assess your progress toward meeting the requirements of your courses. Many instructors will have you take online assessments (quizzes or exams). Some of these assessments may need to be taken in the presence of a "proctor" or trusted supervisor.
12. In my online class I've turned in my assignment and emailed my instructor, but I haven't gotten any feedback on my work or a reply to my email. What can I do?
A. Phone your instructor or visit during office hours. If you are still unable to contact your instructor, call the instructor’s Division Office.
13. I don't know how to use MyNIC Courses. Where can I get help?
A. Take an orientation!
Click here for the face-to-face orientation schedule.
Coming soon: an online, self-paced orientation (check back June 1st).
14. Will my computer work with MyNIC Courses?
A. Most PC and Macintosh computers made in the last five years and connected to the Internet by at least a 56K dial-up service should work well. A current hardware and software tech check is available here.
15. I've logged on to MyNIC Courses, but one of my courses is not on the list. What's wrong?
A. One of three possible answers may apply:
- MyNIC Courses listings haven't been revised to reflect your registration. Wait one hour and check again.
- The "missing" course is a "late start" course and starts at a later date.
- You are not officially registered for the course. Check with the Registrar (208) 769-3320 or NICOnline.
16. When I log in to MyNIC Courses, I get a security alert. Is something wrong?
A. Usually, no, nothing is wrong. You may have your browser software security settings set to a high level, adjust your settings. If you still experience difficulty, contact the HelpDesk at (208) 769-3280.
17. If I have computer trouble at home, what should I do?
A. Coursework must still be completed on time. Always have a "B Plan" for internet access in case of emergencies. The most reliable alternatives are at libraries or outreach centers, but friends and relatives may be able to provide you with online access as well.
18. How long are course sites available after a term officially ends?
A. Usually two week after grades are posted on NICOnline.
19. Are course sites open on weekends, holidays, and during Thanksgiving and Spring Break?
A. Yes.
20. I'd like to know more about a course before I register for it. How can I get that information?
A. In at least one of two ways:
- Contact the instructor listed on the Course Schedule for the particular course and section that most interests you. Then use the Faculty Finder for specific contact information.
- Get a general course description from the College Catalog.
21. How do I contact an instructor before a course starts?
A. Phone, email or stop by instructor's office during posted office hours. See Faculty Finder for current contact information for any instructor.
22. How do I get help?
A. This depends on the type of help you are seeking.
Questions about course content, assignment due dates, tests, etc?
Contact your instructor.
Questions about technical issues?
Call the HelpDesk at (208) 769-3280.
Questions about eLearning?
Call the eLearning department at (208) 769-3436.
23. Can any special accommodations be made for students taking online courses?
A. Yes! Contact the Center for Educational Access right away (208) 769-7794.