Below are a few tips for students who are new to taking an Internet or Web conferencing course.
Internet Courses Ball State University uses the Blackboard course management system, so students have the same familiar interface in different classes. Normally students are not required to log onto courses at a specific time of the day. However, homework assignments and projects have specific due dates.
Students will need reliable access to the Internet in order to view these courses. A high-speed Internet connection, such as DSL, cable, or a T1 line, is not required but recommended.
When logging onto your
Blackboard account, you will be prompted for your Ball State username and password. If you do not have one, please contact Linda Parker at 800-872-0369. Once you are in Blackboard, you should find a link to your course. Click on the course link to obtain syllabi or additional course information. PLEASE NOTE: Most courses will not be available until the first day of the semester.
Web Conferencing Courses Courses that are available via Web conferencing are offered statewide by IHETS Interactive, a Web conferencing system that uses Macromedia Breeze software. These courses are taught live on our main campus in Muncie and are simultaneously video streamed through the Internet to your home or office computer. Students must have a high-speed Internet connection, such as DSL, cable, or a T1 line, to view these classes.
Web conferencing classes are taught on specific days at specific times. Students are expected to view these classes via the Internet as they are occurring on campus. Muncie is in the Eastern time zone. Visit
www.time.gov to compare the time differences in your area.
Testing Your Computer
To find out if your computer is capable of viewing classes via Web conferencing, visit the
IHETS self test page. You can also find a short demonstration of how the system works and what the classes will look like.
IHETS Username and Password
Once you register for classes, you will receive a username and password from IHETS (
scheduling@ihets.org). Please note that your username will be the same as your Ball State username, but your password will be different. You may change your IHETS password to match your Ball State password once you log onto the IHETS Web site.
Meeting Rooms
Classes are referred to as "meeting rooms." You can access your course's meeting room by logging onto the
IHETS interactive Web site. You will be asked for your IHETS username and password. After you have logged in, look for your class under My Scheduled Meetings (if you can't find it, try clicking more). Click "Enter" to open the meeting room in a new window.
Although you log onto a special Web site to view the streaming video, most instructors will also use Blackboard to post course information.
Other Helpful Hints
- Order your textbooks early. Course, instructor, and textbook information can be found on the schedule page where the course is listed. There will be a hyperlink in the column marked "Course Info" when the information becomes available. For technical assistance, you may call the Ball State HelpDesk at 866-771-3276 or send e-mail.
- Check your Ball State e-mail account often. Course confirmation letters and other correspondence are e-mailed to your Ball State e-mail account.