Computer Requirements
PC:
Intel
Pentium class computer with 56.k modem speed connection. Microsoft
Windows 9x, ME, 2000 or XP operating systems.
Macintosh: G3 with 56.k modem speed connection. Mac OS 9.X
to OS X
Browsers: Netscape 6.2. or higher Internet Explorer
5.0 or higher AOL 7.0
(Note:
JavaScript must be enabled for all browsers.)
I
can't log on for the first time. What is my user name and default
password?
To login to WebCT students must use their HCC user ID -- the same User
ID that is used for Online Registration, beginning with an upper case
"W". If you don't know your HCC User ID, you can retrieve it here. The default password is
"distance" each semester. The password must be entered in
lower case characters.
All students will be required to change their password
after logging in for the first time.
Blackboard may log you out after you have changed your password. Just log back in with your newly created password.
Click to retrieve your
HCC ID
How do I change my password?
First,
log on to the Blackboard page at http://hccs.blackboard.com. Locate
and click on the "My Settings" link in the upper right corner of the
screen. Click on the "Change Password" link. You will be asked to
type in your current/old password, your new password twice, as well as
a secret question and answer. That way, if you forget your password,
it can be retrieved. I've changed my password and forgotten it.
What do I do?
It's
important to
email us your full name and briefly explain technical problem. If you
wish to have us call you back, leave a call back number.
Please contact Distance Education technical support @ 713-718-5444. Or
Email : desupport@hccs.edu.
My
password does not work. What do I do?
If you can
not log
in after the first day of class, or if you changed your password and
forgot it, a Distance Education technician will need to reset your
password. Contact any Distance Education technician immediately @
713-718-5444 or fill out an online request. Submit online request.
I missed the first day of orientation. Do I need
to complete an orientation?
Yes.
All
Distance
Education students must complete an orientation for all Distance
Education courses. Completing an orientation either online or in person
with your instructor completes the registration process for all
Distance Education courses. This updates your contact file at the
Distance education department and is a good opportunity for students to
get answers to basic yet important questions particular to each class
at the beginning of the semester.
I registered for a Distance Education class and
it does not appear on My WebCT page. What do I do?
It may be on a different server. Use start from our Course Listings page to find the entry point for your course. Also, you may have registered after
midnight of the first day of class, which means you will need to wait
for Blackboard to update your account. Updates are run approximately
every 4 hours.
Do not
attempt to
add a course yourself. Please contact Distance Education technical
support @ 713-718-5444. Email: DEsupport@hccs.edu.
I can log on to Blackboard Vista, but I do not have an
access code to my class.
If
a student
can
log onto his/her Blackboard class but is asked for an access code to
continue, the instructor is using an E-pack which requires an access
code. An E-pack is an online course developed through a publisher that
your instructor has chosen for his/her online course. If you purchased
a new book for your class, the access code should be included in it.
If you purchased a used book it is important to purchase the access
code separately. This can be done through the publisher's website, or
simply follow the steps that Blackboard gives you. Most publishers
require student's to purchase a new book. Read your syllabus or contact
your instructor to get updated information regarding the publisher.
How do I locate my online
orientation or course on the Distance Education web site?
I am using AOL or CompuServe as my
Internet Service Provider and I am experiencing problems. What do I do?
Proprietary
browsers such as America Online and CompuServe have been known to cause
problems with Blackboard. We recommend not using them. However,
students can log onto these I.S.P.'s; minimize the proprietary browser
and then use Internet Explorer or Firefox form your computer's desktop
to log on to Blackboard Vista. Be sure to use the Browser Check to
optimize your browser for accessing the DE class.
What
Internet browser is recommended for Distance Education courses?
Firefox 1.0 or
above.
Netscape 7.2 or above.
Internet Explorer 6.0 or above.
Safari 2.0 or above
Does
Distance Education have a counselor that can help with online courses
or degree plans?
Yes.
Comprehensive counseling and student services web pages can be accessed
from the Distance Education home page by visiting DE
Student Services. You may also contact them by emailing de.counseling@hccs.edu.
What if I am still having problems with Blackboard Vista?
If using
Microsoft Windows 9x, Me, 2000 or XP, download all of the Microsoft
critical updates for your computer. To get these updates, visit the Microsoft Windows update web site. If you still
have problems using WebCT after completion of all the critical updates,
you will need to test your browser for WebCT compatibility. Visit the WebCT Browser Tune-up web site. Additional problems
may occur from a Windows pop-up blocker program. The pop-up blocker
programs are convenient to have to prevent annoying pop-up ads, but the
programs may also conflict with Blackboard's performance. The Distance
Education technical support staff will be happy to assist you @
713-718-5275, option 3.
Who can advise me if I have
instructional concerns?
You
should always first contact your professor. If you need additional
assistance with instructional concerns or complaints please call DE
Faculty Liaison Mary Beth Schillaci @ 713-718-5252. Email: marybeth.schillaci@hccs.edu.
It is important to remember that DE does not make academic decisions
regarding your class but can assist in facilitating communication
between you and your professor or other academic officials.
Additional
Downloads for WebCT.
Netscape 7.2
Firefox
Adobe Reader
Windows Winzip
Java
Microsoft Office viewers
Detect Pop-up blocker.
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Computer requirements for Blackboard Vista?