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Frequently-Asked Questions about Virtual learning

Online Classes

I want to take online classes. Is there something special I need to do first?

If you have not successfully completed an online course at Columbus Technical College , you must demonstrate your preparedness to be able to learn in an online environment before registering for an academic online course. You can do this one of two ways.

1. Successfully complete DIS 1505, Preparing for Learning in an Online Environment.

2. Successfully complete the DIS 1505 Exemption Test with a score of 70% or higher. For details on the exemption test, email the Director of Virtual Learning.

When can I start my online class?

The start and end dates of online classes mirror those of the College's on-campus classes. You should have access to your ANGEL section no later than the first day of class. If you do not, email your instructor for an update on the status of the class.

Where do I find the email address for my online instructor(s)?

A listing of online instructors, their classes, and their email addresses, is available at http://www.columbustech.edu/virtual/courses/page.htm.

I am receiving financial aid. How do I verify my attendance?

If you need verification of attendance for Financial Aid (HOPE, Pell or VA), you must first meet attendance criteria with your online instructor (Example for HOPE: establish two-way email communications with your instructor, and be active in your ANGEL course). Once you have met these criteria, your instructor will indicate your attendance in the Student Information System.

ANGEL

What is the link to access my classes in ANGEL?

The link to the Georgia Virtual Technical College (GVTC) ANGEL Learning Management System is http://gvtc.angellearning.com/.

What is the username and password that I use to access ANGEL?

We base your ANGEL username and initial password upon information in your Student Records.

The format for ANGEL Username and Initial Password are:

  1. Username: 28_9XXXXXXXX, where 9XXXXXXXX is your College Student ID Number.
  2. Initial Password: 28_9XXXXXXXX On your first login, ANGEL will require you to change your password.

If you forgot your password, click the "I forgot my password" link. It will ask for your email address in ANGEL. ANGEL will email your login credentials to that email address. Your initial email address in ANGEL is your Student Email Account . You may change the email that ANGEL uses under your Personal Information.

I have never used ANGEL before. Is there something that I can read to help me get started?

There is an excellent document entitled " ANGEL Student Quick Start Guide". You will need Adobe Reader to view and print it. There is also an ANGEL Online Student Reference Guide.

I logged into ANGEL, but one or more of my classes are missing. What should I do?

There are several instances when this might happen.

  1. The first instance is when your instructor has not opened up the class for your use. Email your instructor, if it is an online class, or speak with your instructor at your next class meeting, and check on the status of the missing class(es).
  2. The second instance is when your instructor does not use ANGEL with your class. Although we wish they would, not every instructor uses Blackboard with every on-campus class. Again please contact your instructor for the status.
  3. The third instance is when you are not registered for the class. Please confirm with your instructor that you are on the current roster for the class.

I try to login, but I have forgotten my password. What should I do?

You have two options.

  1. On the ANGEL login page, click the "I forgot my password." link, and follow the instructions to reset your password. You will need to know the email address in your ANGEL account.
  2. Contact your ANGEL instructor to reset your password.

I am having a technical issue with ANGEL. Where do I go for help?

From the computer at which you are having problems, please send a Technical Support Request through the GVTC Technical Support System. Someone will contact you with a solution, or forward your request to a higher level of Technical Support. .

Student Information Email / Portal

What is the Student Information Portal?

The Student Information Portal is a "single-logon" system that will provide access to an email account, calendar system, College information, and document and spreadsheet processing capability. The portal is powered by Google.

What is the link to access the Student Information Portal?

The url to the portal is http://www.student.columbustech.edu

What is the username and password that I use to access the portal?

We base your portal username and password upon information in your Student Records.

Your username consists of Your Initials + Last four digits of Student ID (not SSN).

Your initial password is the MMDDYY of your date of birth. The portal will require you to change your password upon initial logon

An Example:

Ima Good Student, born November 21, 1951, Student ID# 912345678

Portal Username: igs5678

Portal Password: 112151

Portal Email Address: igs5678@student.columbustech.edu

How do I get help on the Information Portal?

Once you have accessed the portal, and any of its features (email, calendar, etc), click on the Help link in the upper right-hand corner of the page. You will find an extensive amount of help topics.

How long can I keep my portal account?

You can keep your portal account for as long as you an active student, registered for classes at Columbus Technical College . After two quarters of inactivity, we will delete your account, but re-establish it once you come back to the College. If you want, the email system in the portal will allow you to forward your email to a personal email account.

Readiness for Education at a Distance Indicator (READI)

What is READI?

READI is a web-based tool which assesses a learner's likelihood for succeeding in an online learning program. READI indicates the degree to which an individual student possesses attributes, skills and knowledge that contribute to success in online learning, including:

  • Self-motivation
  • Time-management skills
  • Self-discipline
  • Reading comprehension
  • Persistence
  • Availability of time
  • Ability to use a computer, printer, software, and the Internet.
  • Typing speed and accuracy

How do I access READI?

The link to READI is http://columbustech.readi.info. Your instructor will provide you a generic username and password to access the assessment. Once you access the assessment, you will create your personal account. .

Virtual Software Laboratory (VSL)

What is the VSL?

The VSL is a special online system (its formal name is Propalms TSE) that allows students to have online access to real versions of software applications that would otherwise not be available to students outside an on-campus computer laboratory setting.

How do I access the VSL?

1. Review the instructions in the Propalms TSE User Manual.

2. Go to College VSL site at http://ts1.columbustech.edu/launchpad.

3. If you need help during the initial log on session, click the ?Help button at the top of the screen.

4. You will need to repeat this process only once for each computer from which you will access the VSL.

What are the limitations of the VSL?

1. Like any other computer laboratory there are a finite number of "positions" in the VSL. That means that only so many users can access the site at the same time. If this is the case, the VSL will not allow you to access the laboratory. We will monitor usage and create more "positions" as usage dictates.

2. For classes that require very special software with limited licenses, you may be able to access the VSL, but all the "copies" of the software are being used. Please log on at a later time.

To access the VSL, you must have a valid Columbus Technical College campus network username and password, and have logged into the campus network at least once. You must also use the appropriate network domain; CTI-ADMIN for faculty/staff, and CTI-STUDENTS for students.

Last updated: July 2, 2008.