Frequently Asked Questions - TVC

1. I am unable to log in. What's the deal?
2. What if I do not know my student ID number?
3. Classes have started and I am unable to log in to my course. Am I doing something wrong?
4. How can I be sure that my browser will be able to run my class?
5. My browser has blocked a pop-up window. How do I disable my pop-up blocker?
6. Who should take an online Virtual College Course?
7. What kind of hardware will I need for my PC?
8. What kind of software will I need for my PC?

1. I have just received my Virtual College Orientation letter. I have tried to log in with the information provided, but I am unable to log in. What's the deal?

   The Virtual College sends the orientation letters a week or two before classes normally begin. In most cases, your instructors are still completing their course materials for the upcoming semester. You will be able to log in a day or two before classes begin.

2. What if I do not know my student ID number?

   Your student ID is located in the top right hand side of your schedule, or it is on your school ID badge as well (the last 4 digits).

3. Classes have started and I am unable to log in to my course. Am I doing something wrong?

   Please be sure you are going to the correct web page. Click here to verify. If this is the case, be sure you are using your last name and the last four digits of your Mercer student ID. Your password will be the original phone number you registered with at the college with no area code or dashes.
   An example of this is:
   Id: SULLIVAN1234
   Password: 5551212
   
   If you are still unable to log in, please contact us at the Virtual College at 609-570-3389 or click here to reach us by email.

4. How can I be sure that my browser will be able to run my class?

   In order to assure your browser will run optimally in ANGEL, click here.

5. When clicking to view material in my class, I receive a notification that my browser has blocked a pop-up window. How do I disable my pop-up blocker?

   This is a fairly simple fix. Depending on what browser you are using, please click on one of the links below.
   Disabling your pop-up blocker in Internet Explorer
   Disabling your pop-up blocker in Mozilla Firefox
   
   Please Note: if the steps above do not work, you may have additional software running in the background such as: Symantic (Norton) and McAffe Anti-Virus programs. You may also have the Google and Yahoo toolbars, of which you will need to read their help page to disable their pop-up blockers. Please contact us if you are stuck at 609-570-3389 or click here to email us.

6. Who should take an online Virtual College Course?

   A TVC Online course might be perfect for you if:
   

   • You have your own computer and Internet access and you are familiar with the World Wide Web.
   • You need to learn from a distance, or work, family or other commitments prevent you from attending classes regularly.
   • You are highly self-motivated and work well independently.
   • You can budget your time effectively and meet deadlines.

   You should not take a Virtual College Online Course if...
   

   • You don't have a computer of your own.
   • You don't have Internet access
   • You've never "surfed the Web."
   • You've "surfed the Web," but you don't have a computer available.
   • You aren't highly self-motivated and you find it difficult to work independently.
   • You believe that web-based courses require less time and effort than classroom courses (they are every bit as intensive!)

7. What kind of hardware will I need for my PC while I'm taking an online class?
   • You will need a connection to the Internet in order to work online.
   • If you plan to work from home you will also need an Internet connection at home. You will need a modem and access to the Internet provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
   • You meed a suitable computer. Any PC or Macintosh manufactured in 1998 or later should be sufficient.

8. What kind of software will I need for my PC while I'm taking an online class?
   • Internet Browser - A browser is a program that allows you to display pages that are located on the Internet. Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer are examples of commonly used and available browsers.
   • Email program will be an essential tool for on-line work. You will need your own email account. Examples of email programs are Eudora, Pegasus, MS Exchange or Outlook,
   • Text editor program (Notepad is included with Windows).
   • Winzip or equivalent file compression utility.