What is a hybrid course?
"Hybrid" or "blended" are names commonly used to describe courses that combine face-to-face classroom instruction with online learning. A significant portion of the learning activities take place online and time spent on instruction that traditionally occurs in the classroom is reduced but not eliminated. This allows the student much more flexible scheduling, while maintaining the face-to-face contact with the instructor and classmates that is typical of a more traditional course.

What is an online course?

HCC online courses are regular, college-level courses delivered over the Internet. Students interact with the instructor and other students using a variety of communication tools, including email, discussion boards, and other web technologies.

Course materials are delivered completely online (may require an on campus orientation and/or proctored exams).

Is an online or hybrid course easier than a regular course?
Most students agree that online courses are very challenging. The content of the class is the same as a regular class though you are not tied down to a traditional schedule. The courses potentially require more reading on your own time and more writing, as well.

When do online courses start?
Online courses begin the first day of each semester. Be ready to log in and do work on the first day of class. You will have access to your course a few days before classes start, so use that time to become familiar with your course web site. You should email your instructor within a week prior to the start of class.

Can I work ahead in my online course?
This depends on the instructor, and they have arranged the course material.. In general, online courses at Highland follow a schedule, just like traditional classes.

How do I log into my class?
Go to the Highland home page and click the silver, LOGIN button on the far right side of the screen. Afterwords, you will be directed to our single sign-in access page, where you can type in your user name and password, to gain access to your Course page via Moodle, your email via Groupwise as well as other options.

How do I find out which system my class uses?
Look up your class in Online Courses to find out if you should use All HCC online courses will be administered through Moodle, However, if you are taking classes via some of our ILLCO partners, some classes may use other course management systems such as Blackboard.

Can I create my own Moodle username? 
No. Your Moodle username will be created for you, and will be the same as your Highland email name.

How do I access my Highland student email account?
Go to http://www.highland.edu/login.asp

How do I register for online courses?
Online students follow the same registration procedure as on-campus students. You can visit the HCC campus to register for classes, or you can register for classes online.

How do I buy my books for an online class?
Textbooks for online courses are available in the Highland bookstore. You can also search for your books on Amazon, Half.com, or other online booksellers. If you choose to use such retailers, remember, to order your books within enough time to receive them for the start of your course.

I have a question or complaint about my instructor.
You should talk to your instructor directly. You should also feel free to speak to the Division Dean, or contact Jeff Davidson, Vice President of Academic Services.

Can I use Microsoft Works?
In most cases, Microsoft Works is sufficient for a Highland online course. Other programs such Open Office, or Google Docs are acceptable as well. However, you will need to save your word processing in the RTF file format in order to avoid compatibility problems.

Are there any alternatives to Microsoft software?
Yes. Go to our software downloads page for links to a couple of very inexpensive alternatives to Microsoft Office.

How do I take tests?
Testing varies from class to class. All classes currently use online testing and some require you to find a test proctor.

When I type in the web address for my online course, I get taken to a strange website I've never seen before. What's the problem?
You may be seeing the effects of a program secretly installed on your computer. This may be the result of having file-sharing software on your computer. Such software is known as spyware, adware, or malware, and can exist on your computer even if you've deleted the program that originally installed it. If your computer does not have software to detect and remove such software, you can download programs like AdAware or Combfix to clean up your system. Please be careful of any free downloadable software found on the world wide web. Observe all warnings, and please follow all installation and operation instructions carefully.

How do I get help?
For course-specific questions, contact your instructor. If you don't know how to contact your instructor, or you have general question about online or hybrid courses, call Nancy Barker, during daytime hours Mon-Fri or Frederick Williams during evening hours Mon-Thurs at 815.599-3403. You can also email Nancy.