This is list of questions and answers that prospective or current students may have pertaining to distance learning at Prairie View A&M University. If the questions below are not helpful please feel free to contact us.

Admission/Registration How do I register for an online course?

What are the age, experience, academic qualifications, skills, or knowledge prerequisites of an online course?

Do I have to be a student Prairie View A&M University to take an online course?

eCourses

What is eCourses?

Can any student access courses on eCourses?

What ID and password do I use to log in?

What software do I need to access a eCourses course?

What web browser should I use?

Where do I get help?

Is there a eCourses orientation session I can take?

Does eCourses work in all labs on campus?

Can I connect to my eCourses course from home?

I can't connect from off-campus.How do I logout out of a eCourses session?

Course Information WebsitesWhat is a Course Information Websites?

Does my instructor have course information available on the internet?

I can't view my instructor's content.
What web browser should I use to view my instructor's course?

Technical Support

What technical skills do I need to have to take an online course?

Online Student Opinion Survey (SOS)

How can I access the SOS?

Other Questions

Is distance education courses easier than traditional courses?

What qualities does it take to be successful in distance education course?

Admission/RegistrationHow do I register for an online course?

You can register for an online course through your university advisor. They will be able to inform you about the course that you are registering for.

What are the age, experience, academic qualifications, skills, or knowledge prerequisites of an online course?Prairie View offers several classes online. Please check the information page for the course in which you are interested in.Do I have to be a student Prairie View A&M University to take an online course?

You must be a registered PVAMU student in order to take an online course at Prairie View A&M University.

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eCourses

What is eCourses?

eCourses (Web Course Tools) is a product designed to allow instructors to create and manage Web-based or Web-enhanced courses.

Can any student access courses on eCourses?

Only students registered in a course for which the instructor has chosen to use eCourses may access the course. Check with your instructor for confirmation.

What ID and password do I use to log in?

Normally your eCourses Id is the same as your email. For assistance with your login/password, you will need to call x2525.

What software do I need to access a eCourses course?

For basic course access, all you require is a web browser that is Java and Javascript enabled, and accepts cookies.If your instructor uses material in the course that requires a browser plug-in or special software for viewing, they will provide the necessary information on how/where to acquire and install the programs.

What web browser should I use?

Netscape Communicator 4.76 / 6.2x and Internet Explorer 5.x / 6.x are recommended for Windows computers.Netscape Communicator 4.7 / 6.2x and Internet Explorer 5.0 / 5.1 are recommended for Mac computers.For more information on Web browsers supported for use with eCourses, visit the Browser Tune up page.

Where do I get help?

Online documentation is available from the links on the left-hand menu, and within each course by clicking on the "HELP" link in the top menu bar.

Is there a eCourses orientation session I can take?

Some instructors schedule an introductory class to prepare students to use eCourses. Check with your instructor to determine whether such a session is available to you. You can also take the eCourses online orientation.

Does eCourses work in all labs on campus?

All public computing labs on campus support eCourses.

Can I connect to my eCourses course from home?

If you have a computer and an Internet connection at home, you can access your eCourses course.

If you are having problems connecting from home, see the section on problems connecting from off-campus below.

I can't connect from off-campus.

Some Internet Service Providers use a Proxy Server for access to your e-mail, etc. This proxy server may prevent access to eCourses courses. If you can connect to your courses while on-campus but not from home, check your proxy server settings (in Netscape, go to "Edit", "Preferences"; in Internet Explorer, go to ""Tools", "Internet Options"). If there is a proxy server setting displayed, you will need to remove it temporarily while you access your eCourses courses (don't delete it - you will need to re-enable it after your eCourses session).

How do I logout out of a eCourses session?

There is no explicit logout feature in eCourses. There is also no time-out function. To exit from eCourses you must close your Web browser. If you do not actually exit from your browser when you are finished working with your eCourses course, you will remain logged in and your account will still be active. The next person to use that computer will have full access to your account.

If you are accessing your eCourses course from a campus computing lab, make sure you close ALL web browser windows as well as the authentication window when you leave.

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Course Information WebsitesWhat is a Course Information Website?

A Course Information Website is a collection of web pages that contain information such as notes, assignments, resources, etc. for a particular course.

Does my instructor have course information available on the internet?All professors do not have a course information website. Consult with your professor to see if they have a website.I can't view my instructor's content.

If you are not able to view your instructor's content make sure that your web browser is updated.

What web browser should I use to view my instructor's course?

Netscape Communicator 4.76 / 6.2x and Internet Explorer 5.x / 6.x are recommended for Windows computers.Netscape Communicator 4.7 / 6.2x and Internet Explorer 5.0 / 5.1 are recommended for Mac computers.

Online SOS

How can I access the SOS?

The online student opinion survey is accessed through eCourses. Click HERE for printable or animated instructions.

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Technical SupportWhat are the technical support resources available?

During the academic year the University help desk is available at x2525 Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

What technical skills do I need to have to take an online course?

A good knowledge of your computer and its software is very important to your success in an online course.