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What is
GVTC?
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The Georgia Virtual
Technical College brings together the resources of numerous technical
colleges and institutes to expand program offerings giving you more technical
educational options than ever before. You get the same high quality instruction
and course content that these technical colleges and institutes provide
to traditional students, minus the barriers of time and place that prevent
so many from pursuing educational opportunities.
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What if I have AOL
or CompuServe as my Internet Service Provider?
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First you must download
either Netscape or Internet Explorer. You can add the Netscape
Navigator or the Microsoft Internet
Explorer browser to your AOL software and use it for your browser
while online with AOL.
Once you have installed either Netscape's
Navigator or Microsoft's Internet Explorer, the following procedure should
be used:
- Run
the AOL software which dials up the AOL service and establishes the
connection in the usual manner.
- Once
the AOL connection has been established, click on the "INTERNET"
button to start the Internet Services. Once the Internet Service
has been started, you can minimize the AOL program to an icon.
- Invoke
Navigator or Internet Explorer. It will use the Internet Connection
you have established via AOL.
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How
does this work?
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GVTC allows you to
register at one of our colleges, while taking courses online. In most
cases, you never have to go to the campus, however, please check
the course details to check for proctored exams or other possible campus,
or software requirements. First, a student submits a GVTC Application.
Then you will be emailed details on how to complete the application process.
GVTC will assist you with any questions you might have along the way.
The home college will provide assistance with the admissions process as
well. After acceptance to a participating college, you can register
to take courses online. After you have finished your course(s),
your grades will be transcripted by the college you enrolled with for
the course., not by GVTC.
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Where
is my home college?
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Students select their
home college from among GVTC's
participating colleges.
If you are already a student at one of the participating colleges, then
you can take courses through GVTC as a transient student. If you are not
a student at one of the participating colleges, you will need to complete
a GVTC Application for the participating college of your choice.
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Do
I have to live in Georgia?
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No. You can live anywhere
and take courses through GVTC. As long as you have access to the Internet,
you can participate in our courses. Out of State students will pay
twice the In State tuition.
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How
do I go to my course?
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After you have registered
for your course, you will receive a Username, Password, and a web address
from your instructor. Courses are accessible at the web address (URL)
on the first day of that course's session. You will need your Username
and your Password to get access to your course. It is recommended that
you access your course within the first couple of days of the start of
your course's session.
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How
do I transfer credits to my college?
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To transfer credit
earned through GVTC to your institution, you will need to request
an official transcript from your GVTC
home college. There
may be a small charge for the transcript.
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How
do I get my Username and Password?
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After you are registered
for a course, you will receive an e-mail from your instructor including
your Username and Password, as well as the web address (URL) where you
will begin your course.
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How
do I withdraw from a course?
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the home college and call the institute's Registrar offering the course
you need to drop to request that the form be mailed to you. GVTC is
planning to add a Drop/Add form online to facilitate this process in the
near future. You should be able to locate the form under student services. |
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Can
I use financial aid with these courses?
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Yes. Although the GVTC
does not administer financial aid, we can facilitate your contact with
our participating institutional financial aid offices. Our guidelines
should help you in your search for financial assistance. For details,
please visit our Financial
Aid information page.
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How
much does it cost?
GVTC courses cost $(US)31.00 per credit hour. Some programs require a higher tuition rate. Books and
materials are additional and there may be additional fees for some courses.
Tuition rates are double for non-Georgia residents.
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How
do I register for courses?
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You
can register for courses online
or at your home college
campus. If this is your first quarter, after acceptance to
a participating institute, you should receive information on how to register
with an advisor.
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Can
I start a course at any time?
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While GVTC courses
start frequently, you will need to wait to start your course until the
next quarter begins.
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How
do I know what courses to take?
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You can find a listing
of required courses for your degree program on the Program
Descriptions page.
For a list of individual courses available go to the Course
Schedule page. If you are still unsure about what courses to take,
you should contact an academic
advisor at your home college.
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How do
I apply?
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To apply for GVTC,
you should go to the Application
Page. Then,
follow the on-screen instructions
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How
do the courses work?
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Once
the quarter begins, you will have access to your course wit the information
provided by the instructor for the course. Click on a course link
to enter that course. Once inside, you will see a menu that will
allow you navigate around your course. You will be able to communicate
with your instructor through e-mail, and virtual chat sessions. You will
also be able to post questions and comments to your course's, asynchronous
threaded discussion forum. This forum allows you to hold virtual conversations
with other classmates and your instructor, without having to be online
at the same. You will also be able to post assignments through your course's
web site and read lessons. You may have to visit other web sites and even
participate in online labs! Finally, you will be able to take exams
online and get feedback
from your instructor through your course's grade book.
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Will
more courses be available in the future?
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We are always looking
to add more courses. However, because GVTC stresses instructional
quality over quantity, there can be a considerable development time in
bringing new courses online. You should check the web site periodically
to look for new courses and degree programs.
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Can
non-US citizens take courses?
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GVTC is an open enrollment
program. That means that anyone, 16 years of age or older can take courses
through GVTC, regardless of citizenship. However, individual courses or
degree programs may have requirement for specific educational background.
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What
are the admissions requirements?
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Anyone, 16 years of
age or older, can take courses through GVTC. There are no specific admission
requirements to take courses through GVTC. However, some courses may require
that you have had previous college or work experience. You should check
the Admissions Process page
for more information.
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Can
I take courses while I'm still in high school?
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Anyone 16 years of
age or older can take courses through GVTC. However, if you are a current
high school student, you should check with your parents and/or high school
counselor before taking any college level course. Students under 16 years
of age are generally not allowed to take GVTC courses.
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Will
I pay in-state or out-of-state tuition?
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GVTC in-state students
pay tuition of $(US)31.00 per semester credit hour. Out-of-state students
taking courses through GVTC pay $(US)48.00 per credit hour. Even at twice
the price of in-state tuition, GVTC out-of-state tuition is extremely
reasonable.
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I'm
having trouble in my course, how do I contact the instructor?
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Instructors
can be contacted by e-mail or through the courses online, web forum. GVTC
instructors have developed a great reputation for being responsive to
student questions and they will usually get back to you within 24 hours.
However, if you are having trouble contacting your instructor, you can
contact the GVTC Support Services,
and they will help you contact your instructor.
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How
much work is there in a typical course?
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A
typical course will involve 8-10 hours of work per week. This includes
at least 5 hours of work online per week.
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How
do I take tests?
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Tests
are done online in most cases. Once you are in your course, you will be
able to look at the syllabus to find the method of testing used for your
particular course.. The tests can be multiple choice, short essay, or
long essay in format. Tests may also be timed and graded automatically.
Each course will be different in the type of tests required, with some
courses not requiring tests at all. Once completed, your instructor may
provide feedback on your test through the course's grade book.
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Do
I have to be online at a specific time?
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No, you will not have
to be online at a specific time. Access when its convenient and from a
place that's convenient! Learn what you want, when you want, from a location
that's convenient to you. You choose the hour of the day (or night) to
attend classes. Except for turning in assignments when they are due, your
schedule is totally up to you. You can review lectures, ask questions,
and participate in discussion groups at a time and from a place that's
convenient to you.
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How
long do courses last?
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GVTC
courses are 10 weeks long. The course structure will require that
you keep to these schedules in order to successfully complete the courses.
If you feel you will need more time, you should contact your instructor
about getting an "Incomplete" grade
for the course. Finishing earlier than the scheduled time can only be
done with the permission of the course's instructor.
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When
do courses start?
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Courses start in the
Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.
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How
do I know if my computer will work for this?
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Review and compare
your computer with listed Technical
Requirements to
make sure your computer and web browser are compatible for GVTC courses.
Also download any plugins you may not have installed by checking the download
section on the GVTC website.
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Is
GVTC accredited?
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GVTC is not a college and therefore is not
eligible for accreditation. However, all of our participating colleges are
accredited by their national and/or regional accrediting agency. If you
have questions about a specific college, you should contact them directly.
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What
programs can I choose from?
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You can find a list
of available programs on the Program
Descriptions page
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Where
do I get a list of courses?
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You can find a list
of available courses on the Course
Catalog page.
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How
do I get books?
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Books
can be ordered through the bookstore of the college
offering
the course or purchased using on of the online bookstore (Barnes&Noble
or Amazon)
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Are
courses ever cancelled?
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Courses
with fewer than 5 enrolled students may be cancelled. However, because
GVTC is experiencing so much growth, few courses need to be cancelled.
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Can
I take more than one course at a time?
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You can take up to
the maximum number of courses allowed by your home college (advisor) through
GVTC. However, these courses are as rigorous as on campus courses, and
you should expect the same level of work or more.
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Can
I take courses on-campus and online at the same time?
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Yes, you can take on-campus
and online courses at the same time. However, please remember that online
courses are as rigorous as on campus courses, and you should expect the
same level of work or more.
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If
my course requires a lab, how
does it work?
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Lab
courses are also done online through the use of CD ROMS and laboratory
kits that are mailed to your home. Although, some courses may require
you attend a supervised laboratory setting, these courses will be minimized
and all students will be advised of this requirement at the time they
register.
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Will
I have to go to campus?
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You
should not have to go to campus when taking GVTC courses. However, if
you are taking a course that requires a monitored lab, you may have to
go to campus. In some occasions, the instructors require proctored test
at the nearest Technical College to you. Also, you may want to go
to campus to take advantage of the services available there. As a GVTC
student, you can use the services available on-campus.
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How
do I contact someone at my college?
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You can contact your
home college through our College Link
page. If you are
unsure who you should contact, you can contact the GVTC
Support Services,
and they will be able to assist you.
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How
can I contact someone at GVTC?
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For
a complete list of contacts for GVTC, visit the Contacts
Page on the GVTC website
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If I have completed a GVTC application in the past, do I have to submit
another one to apply for a future quarter?
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Yes. If you have
completed a GVTC application in the past, you will need to complete
another application for future quarters. You may access that form by
linking to https://www.gvtc.org/app/application1.asp.
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I've
logged in but I can't get to my class. What should I go?
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You should see the
name of your class under the "My courses" box (in this example, the course
is named Internet 101). If you do not see the course you should be
enrolled in on the list, please contact the college offering your course
to find out how to email the instructor. Let the instructor know your
login is incorrect or not associated with the course.
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I've registered for my class and wanted to get an early start. When I try to
access the course, I can't log in. Why?
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It is normal not to
have access to your online class until the first day of the quarter. If
you want early access, your instructor is the only one that can allow you
to see the class before the first day of classes.
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My Internet connection disconnected me in the middle of my test. How can I
access my test again?
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The only way to get a
test reset is to email or call your instructor. GVTC cannot reset it for
you.
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I saved the URL for Blackboard in my favorites folder. When I click on the
link to access the course, I receive an error message. How can I fix the
problem?
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You cannot add the
link to your favorites or as a bookmark after you have accessed the
website. You can type the URL in the address line and in the future, use
the drop down arrow to access the URL on the history listed of web pages
visited recently. You can add a bookmark or favorite for the URL if you
edit the highlighted part of the URL to follow not to include the
highlighted portion:
http://gvtc7.blackboard.com/?bbatt=Y
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I am unable to log in using the username and password provided by my
instructor. What should I do?
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You should email the
instructor to make sure you are using the exact username and password
given to your account. The password IS case sensitive. Your
instructor can handle the issue and this is not considered a technical
problem.
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When I log on to Blackboard and enter my course, I am prompted to enter a
second code. What is the second code and where can I find it?
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This is called an
access code. It is required for courses in which the instructor has
adopted the course content directly from the publisher. You should have
been instructed to purchase a book that comes with the user access code
included. This may be sold separately in come cases. Again, your
instructor is who you should contact if you receive the second code
window. This issue is not handled by technical support because GVTC does
not have access to additional codes for students.
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Do I have to log on Blackboard at a certain time to access my course?
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In most cases, you can
access your course at any time and any place you have Internet access. You
may have times when you are asked by your instructor to access the course
for a chat session or other type of interactive communication. This
depends entirely on the instructor for the course.
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I tried to email my instructor but can't get a response. What do I do?
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You should contact the
Student Services office at the college offering the course to inform them
that you have not been able to communicate with your instructor.
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I'm trying to log on to Blackboard but I keep getting a message that states,
"page not found." What is going on?
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Depending on your
location, it could be the network. It could also be an unscheduled
maintenance issue, but these occurrences are rare. You should double check
to make sure you have typed the proper URL in the address line.
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Why is it not a good idea to use AOL or CompuServe with my online course?
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AOL and CompuServe use
a specialized browser. This browser does not work well with the
application Blackboard. Blackboard does not recommend or support these
browsers. You can use them to dial into your Internet Service
Provider and then use the Internet Explorer or Netscape browser to access
Blackboard. The only problem with that is that the Internet Service
Provider may not see you are still online working and will disconnect you
after a period of idle time (no activity). you must use the Internet
Explorer or Netscape browser to access Blackboard to ensure proper
interaction between you and the Blackboard server.
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How
to enable javascript and cookies for Internet Explorer. |
Click "Tools" on
Internet Explorer's menu bar.
Click "Internet Options".
We'll enable JavaScript first. Click the "Security" tab.
In the "Select a Web content zone" box, "Internet" should
be selected.
Click the "Custom Level" button.
Scroll down to the "Scripting" section and look for "Active
Scripting". Click either "Enable" to allow JavaScript applications
to be run automatically, or "Prompt" to be asked if you wish the
application to run.
Click the "OK" button to close the "Security Settings" dialog
box.
You may need to repeat steps 5 through 7 for the remaining
three items in the "Select a Web content zone" box. Choose
one of the zones by clicking it, then repeat the steps.
Now, we'll enable the cookies. Click the "Privacy" tab.
You have several different options here depending on
the types of cookies you wish to have saved to your computer.
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Most lenient: To allow any site to
save cookies to your computer, move the slider down to "Accept
All Cookies".
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Strictest: To allow only Blackboard
to store cookies on your computer, move the slider up to "High". Then,
click the "Edit" button. In the "Address of web site" text
box, enter the following, one a time. After each address,
click the "Allow button:
http://gvtc7.blackboard.com
http://www.blackboard.com
When finished, click the "OK" button.
Note: At any time, you can delete all of the cookies saved
by Internet Explorer to your computer by clicking the "General" tab,
then click the "Delete Cookies" button.
Click the "Allow" button and then the "OK" button to
close the "Per Site Privacy Actions" dialog box.
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When
finished, click the "OK" button to close the "Internet
Options" dialog box.
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FAQ's