A new around-the-clock, online academic system at Allan Hancock College means help is just a click away for thousands of local students.
Whether they’re enrolled in traditional classroom-based classes or are learning online, Blackboard gives students access to class materials, including assignment lists, reading materials, forum sessions, and instructor contact information.
Now, thanks to recent grant funding, the college can provide live, 24/7 support for Blackboard. Technical support is available to students if they need help with any program problems.
“In the first two weeks we had the support center up, more than 250 students used it. That was without us even formally telling them it was there,” Nancy Meddings, associate dean of learning resources, said in a press release. “This is a very important improvement that will help our students immensely.”
Students can get help four different ways: live chat, a telephone hotline, a list of answers to frequently asked questions, or by submitting a “ticket” to track resolution of the issue.
“Nobody wants to be frustrated when trying to complete what is already a challenging college course,” Meddings added. “We’re glad the [grant] could make this happen for our students.”
For more information about the new Online Learning Support Center for Blackboard, contact Gloria Ramirez in the learning resources office at 922-6966, Ext.3215.
This article appears in Aug 21-28, 2008.