Get Started with Online Learning

First Step - Are You Ready for Online Classes?

1. Student Orientation to Online Learning (PDF Printable Format)
2. New Student Registration - Apply to Casper College or register for courses. Make sure you provide a valid email address to follow-up on your application.
3. Get your Casper College Login -Your Casper College (CC) account will be activated after you register for classes. If you do not hear from us within 3 days after registering for courses, contact the CC HelpDesk at 307-268-3648 or at helpdesk@caspercollege.edu. Your CC account gives you access to WebAdvisor, Moodle4Me, MyCC, on-campus labs and Library services
   
4. Activate MyCC Account - Use your Casper College login (See Technical Requirements tab)
5. Required Books - Search for a class or look up your course schedule on WebAdvisor. Book information is provided. You can also go to the bookstore site and find required texts by semester
6. Tuition, Fees, Payment Options, and Deadline Information
7. MOODLE4ME Intro For Students

Second Step - Is Your Computer Ready for Online Classes?

1. Access the Technical Requirements Tab for computer system recommendations and requirements
2. Always use the Mozilla Firefox browser to avoid time-out issues with assignments and quizzes
   
3. Have antivirus and antispam software installed
4. Have word processing, spreadsheet and presentation programs included in an office suite such as Microsoft Office (student pricing from our bookstore) or the free open source Apache OpenOffice.
   Your MyCC account includes Google Drive, a web-based free alternative to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations, Google Talk, and other Google Apps.

Registering for online courses follows the same processess as campus courses. Casper College uses Moodle, an open source Learning Management System (LMS) for all online, hybrid, or web-enhanced courses. The site is called Moodle4Me.

To access Moodle4Me, go to the Casper College Virtual Gateway (https://gateway.caspercollege.edu/login/index.php) link above this page, and use the student login button located on the right side of the page. When prompted, enter your Casper College username and password.

Course Information

Online Programs Page

Many courses in other degree programs are also offered via distance education. Course offerings via distance education will vary by semester. For semester schedules and a full list of course descriptions, please check the Schedule of Classes page. When registering for courses, please check course prerequisites.

All Casper College Programs - Degrees and Certificates

UW/CC Outreach Programs - Transfer certificate, undergraduate, and graduate opportunities

Course Schedules

• Casper College Course Schedules
• WyCLASS
  • Statewide Distance Education course offerings for informational purposes only. When submitting a course request, please follow-up with the corresponding college to check on course availability and registration processes.

REGISTER TODAY!

• CURRENT STUDENTS - Go to WebAdvisor and register online for Casper College courses. You will need your WA username and pin. If you do not have one, please contact the Admissions office at 307-268-2207
• NEW STUDENTS - To apply for Admission or register for courses as non-degree seeking student, click here

Tuition & Fee Information

The tuition and fee information page (http://www.caspercollege.edu/business_office/tuition_fees_refunds_withdrawal_info.html) has the official information regarding current tuition, fees (WICHE and WUE included), withdrawal and refunds. Students are classified as Wyoming Residents, WUE residents, or Out-of-state residents at the time of application for admission or time of registration. Business Office home page.

Students may request re-classification according to the Residency Petition Policy (http://www.caspercollege.edu/PDF/catalogue/admission_policies.pdf) by the end of the refund period each semester. Course fees are in addition to tuition and per-credit fees and are indicated with the course listing.

Payment Options and other information CAUTION: Dropping courses or withdrawing from college may affect current and future financial aid rewards. It can also affect your eligibility to retain insurance coverage. Check your student status requirements to maintain your insurance policy. Students are responsible for charges incurred to the date of formal withdrawal.

Financial Aid Office

**IMPORTANT** Financial Assistance is only available for degree-seeking students at Casper College.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Interactive Tool to compare financial-aid awards from different colleges

Casper College Bookstore

Find textbooks by course - Fall textbook information available July 1


A less expensive alternative to school textbooks, now available from the Casper College Bookstore
Click image for details

English and Math Placement - COMPASS Testing These tests are given on a computer in a lab setting. The test fee is $10.00. For more information about times and locations at Casper College as well as procedures, please call 268-2110. Compass practice test questions can be accessed at the COMPASS website: http://www.act.org/compass/tests/index.html If you score within 5 points of the qualifying score, you may retake the test later that day or the next day without re-paying the fee. If you score more than 5 points under the qualifying score, you MUST wait 2 weeks to retake the test and re-pay the $10.00 fee.
	English Placement Brochure
	English Course Placement Table
	Math Course Placement Table
	Math Course Sequence Chart

Delivery Methods

• Internet / Online - Coursework is delivered online. These courses are identified as N1, N2, etc., sections and NET under the delivery mode. All courses follow a schedule and are not self-paced.

• Hybrid / Blended - These courses,identified as H1, H2, or sometimes 01, 02, etc., may consist of an internet component that replaces part of an on-campus lecture course or they may contain an on-campus/online lab component.

• Web-enhanced- These courses, identified as 01, 04, 60, etc., are face-to-face on-campus classes that use an online component. Students are required to access the online environment to retrieve resources and /or submit graded activities.

Independent Study Abroad Program

The Study Abroad Program at Casper College offers the opportunity to obtain college credit while traveling in Europe! Read the Footprints Fall 2008 news announcement by clicking on this link (PDF). For course offering information, please contact instructors directly. For more information about the program, including registration, go to the International Education page (http://www.caspercollege.edu/international_education/index.html)

• The Art and Architecture of the Renaissance and Baroque Era
  (mostly in southern Europe, particularly Italy)
  Contact: Valerie Innella (http://www.caspercollege.edu/directory/innella_valerie.html)
• Women’s Studies - “Gender and Context”
  (includes reading Victorian women’s travel journals)
  Contact: Georgia Wheatley (http://www.caspercollege.edu/directory/wheatley_georgia.html)
• Nursing
  (for health science students to study European health care delivery systems)
  Contact: Kelly Politte (http://www.caspercollege.edu/directory/politte_kelly.html)
• The Literary Landscape of Southern Europe
  (concentrates primarily on writers from the modernist movement)
  Contact: Terry Rassmussen (http://www.caspercollege.edu/directory/rasmussen_terry.html)

Technical Requirements

Casper College uses the Moodle Open Source course management software for distance education. Casper College recommends that you use Mozilla Firefox for Moodle. Spyware and pop-up blockers may cause one browser to operate incorrectly, whereas a different browser may function properly. You may also need to download the newest version of Java. The recommended browser is Mozilla Firefox. Go to http://www.caspercollege.edu/distance_ed/tuneup.html for instructions to tune-up your computer and internet browser.

• If you're having problems you may want to download and install FIREFOX:
  http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
  
• If you're having problems with Windows or XP operating systems, you may want to download and install an updated JAVA Version
  http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp

Technical Knowledge Prerequisites
Before participating in any course online, you should be comfortable performing the following tasks with your computer,

• Accessing the Internet and using a web browser.
• Creating and editing documents in a word processing program such as Microsoft Word.
• Copying and pasting text from one document to another.
• Receiving and sending emails with attachments.
• Downloading and opening attached files.
• Allowing pop-ups from Moodle.
• Maintaining current Antivirus and Spyware protection.

Computer Tune-Up Page

System Technical Requirements & Recommendations
Below are general hardware and software requirements. Some courses may require hardware or software not mentioned below.

For additional information check with the course instructor or the Additional Technical Requirements listed for each course.  

Moodle4Me Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moodle4Me?

Casper College uses the Moodle Open Source course management software for online, hybrid, and web-enhanced courses. Casper College recommends that you use Mozilla Firefox for Moodle.

What is the best browser to use?

Spyware and pop-up blockers may cause one browser to operate incorrectly, whereas a different browser may function properly. You may also need to download the newest version of Java. The recommended browser is Mozilla Firefox.

How do I get my computer ready?

Go to http://www.caspercollege.edu/distance_ed/tuneup.html for instructions to tune-up your computer and internet browser.

Will all my classes be in Moodle4Me?

Distance courses such as fully online (N sections) and hybrid (H sections) will always have a course listed, however, many (no all) face-to-face course will have additional content in Moodle4Me. Contact your instructor directly to find out if your face-to-face class has an online component in Moodle4Me.

Will I still need textbooks for reference and study for online classes?

An online class has the same rigor and expectations as a face-to-face class. In most cases, there will be required textbooks and other materials. You can find textbook information in WebAdvisor (https://wa.caspercollege.edu/WebAdvisor/WebAdvisor), the Casper College bookstore website (http://www.bkstr.com/CategoryDisplay/10001-9604-10586-1?demoKey=d), or by contacting the instructor directly.

Will I have to go online for each class everyday, or are the courses self-paced?

To be successful in your class, you should log in and access your courses at least once per day, sometimes more. Courses are NOT self-paced and deadlines apply to all activities in order to complete course requirements. Remember to schedule time to study and get assigned work done, the online time will be at least the same or more than time spent in a classroom for a face-to-face class.

Will courses be narrative or interactive?

Some courses will have multimedia elements such as lecture recordings or other audio-visual materials, some will not. It is up to instructor.

If I have questions regarding the content, how will I get assistance?

Your instructor is always your main source of contact for any course questions.

Do I have to print using my home computer?

You may or may not need to print out materials, depending on course requirements. Most activities are done electronically. If you need to print, you can also go to college lab (if you live close to campus) or a local library.

Is there a tutorial I can access before hand to learn to use Moodle4Me?

Yes. Before you log into Moodle4Me, locate the links below the "Welcome to Moodle4Me" blue banner at the top of the page. Click on the Moodle Practice Course (https://moodle4me.caspercollege.edu/course/view.php?id=1133). On the Distance Education website (http://caspercollege.edu/distance_ed) Technical Requirements and Smarthinking information (online tutoring and paper review).

How do I contact tutors if I need help with my class?

After you log into Moodle4Me, you will find a block called "Smarthinking". Click on the "Connect to Smarthinking Online Tutoring Service" link to access your tutoring page. You will have the options to connect with a live eStructor, submit a question, schedule a future appointment, or submit papers for review. The turnaround time for submitted requests is 24 hours. Cancellation of scheduled sessions must be done 48 hours in advance.

I am not very comfortable using the Internet. Can I take a class to help me prepare for online classes?

HMDV 1025 - Intro to Online Learning (1credit), is a five-week, fully online course that prepares students with basics of using the Internet, learning to use Moodle4Me, file management, word processing, accessing campus resources, and using the Library databases. Check schedules for offerings throughout the semester. Please note that this course does not fulfill the computer literacy requirement for degree completion at Casper College.

Who do I contact if I need additional help navigating my Moodle course?

You can contact the CC HelpDesk 307-268-2486 or by email helpdesk@caspercollege.edu.
For more technical assistance with Moodle4Me you can also contact Distance Education, etc@caspercollege.edu or 307-268-3882.

ETC/DE News

• Wolfram Mathematica and Alpha Pro
• 2013 Spring End-of-Semester/ Summer Reminders
  
  
  
  
  
• Moodle 2 is HERE!
  
  • Moodle 2 Training Site
    This site is open to Casper College employees only. You are required to log in.
  • Spring 2013 Training Schedule
  • Moodle 2 Workshop Handouts
  • What's New in Moodle 2
    
    
• Casper College YouTube Educational Channel
  
  
• DE Blog in the Casper College Blog Central
  
  
• DE Center Workshop Calendar
  
  
• Upcoming Conferences
  • 2013 WyDEC - Cancelled
  • EDUCAUSE - October 15-18, Anaheim, CA and online (Conference site)
  • WCET 2013 - Novenber 13-15, Denver, CO (Conference site)
    

DE News Archives

Forms

Moodle4Me Course Request
To request a meta (multi-section) course, a course for future development, or a course for the current semester, use this form.

Multimedia Request
To request videos uploaded to the CC You Tube Educational Channel, including transferring Kaltura videos, WebEx recordings, your own captures, or narrated PowerPoint files.

Training Session Request
To request training sessions at the Center for Excellence or at another location. You can request a group or individual session.

Moodle4Me

Moodle 2 Resources

• Make your courses available to students instructions
  
  
• 2010-11 academic year courses courses are located at https://moodle4me.caspercollege.edu/2011/2010/
• 2011-12 academic year courses courses are located at http://moodle4me.caspercollege.edu/2011
  
  
• Moodle 2 will work with any browser, although there are still some issues with Internet Explorer

• Instructor Moodle Demo Course (link is also available in Moodle4Me > Instructor Help menu)
  • Instructor Course Packet
    • Quality Course Guidelines Checklist - For online, hybrid or web-enhanced courses
    • Sample Welcome Letter
    • Sample Forum Rubric
    • Honor Code Contract
    • Plagiarism Tutorial from Purdue University (used with permission)
    • Student Success Materials
    • Films On Demand Instructions
    • Copyright Permission Template
    • And many more :)

Library Information in Moodle4Me

• Goodstein Library @ Moodle4Me (Login as guest)
  
  
• Films on Demand Library Database
  • Using Films on Demand
  • How to Fix Streaming Issues

Moodle 2 Training

• Sessions available at the DE Center, LH 298B. Workshop schedule is available above.
• One-on-one - By appointment
• Contact Dave Siemens or Ana Thompson for more information

Moodle.org

• Moodle worldwide usage statistics
• Create a free account to provide feedback to the Moodle developers and communicate with other Moodle users in the world.
• Office Add-in for Moodle (works with Office 2003 and 2007, Windows XP SP2 or higher, Moodle version 1.8 and 1.9)

Other Moodle4Me Resources for Instructors

• Moodle.org - The world-wide Moodle4Me community site. Create a free account so you can browse resources, vote for new features and participate in discussions with other "Moodlers" around the world
• Moodle.org Demonstration Course Information - This links takes you to Moodle.org not Casper College Moodle4Me

Please let Distance Education know if anything is unclear in the tutorials. Comments are appreciated so that future tutorials are comprehensive, accurate and useful.

Quality Matters

Quality Matters™ (QM™) is a self-supported organization that specializes in training and course reviews to produce effective distance learning courses.  Their core concepts are based on a nationally recognized course rubric that aims to produce “better than good enough” courses.   In a peer course review, course design and alignment are assessed to make sure all areas of the course “work together”.   Courses that are reviewed and receive the QM™ seal of approval meet 8 core competencies and get at least a B+ or 85% grade based on the QM™ Rubric.

Casper College along with the other higher education institutions in Wyoming are proud subscribers of QM™.  Quality Does Matter!

• Link to Quality matters Website
• 2011-13 Revised QM Rubric

Course Definitions

• Online: All coursework is delivered in an online environment. In certain instances, students may be required to attend some campus sessions.
• Hybrid or blended: Combination of online and in-class instruction with reduced in-class seat time for students in a face-to-face environment.
• Web-enhanced: students meet face-to-face during scheduled hours and have resources and/or activities available in an online environment to augment traditional instruction.

Faculty Resources for Distance Education

• International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning (IRRODL)
• Upcoming Conferences
• Instructional Technology Council (ITC)
• Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration
• League for Innovation
• Sloan Consortium
• Academic Impressions

Distance Education at Casper College

Distance Education Facts

• Distance Education is a major contributor to Casper College's total annual head count, FTE, and revenue. Annualized FTE data shows that for 2011, distance education encompassed 20.02% of total FTE.
• The distance education program is approved and accredited to offer degrees by distance education by the Higher Learning Commission and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
• Casper College began its distance education program in 1994, with the delivery of 1 telecourse to 2 students.
• In 2007, there were nearly 2, 800 students enrolled in various distance learning programs.
• The first full-time Director of Distance Education was hired in the Fall of 2000.
• The majority of distance education students, nearly 80%, come from within Natrona County.
• Casper College has been highly involved in the formation of the Wyoming Distance Education Consortium and has worked closely with the Wyoming Community College Commission.
• The Distance Education program primarily offers four different delivery styles: online internet courses, telecourses, compressed video courses, and hybrid courses.

Casper College Facts

• In 1945, as Wyoming’s first junior college, Casper College was located on the third floor of Natrona County High School.
• Currently, we have 28 buildings spanning over 200 acres. In November, 2008, a $35 million bond was passed to partially fund the new Gateway Building/Center for Training and Development, Student Center and UW/CC Center, Music Building, and numerous renovations to provide additional space for new and expanding majors. New residence halls to be funded by revenue bonds.
• The first fall enrollment in 1945 was 73. Now, approximately 3,200 traditional and non-traditional students from all over Wyoming, 20-plus states and 15 foreign countries, attend Casper College.
• Through its 108 two-year Associate degree programs and 37 one-year Certificate programs, Casper College has developed a national reputation for its academic standard and career programs. Our largest programs are general studies, elementary education, business administration, nursing, and fire science technology.
• The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and many other program-specific accrediting authorities.
• Casper College has more than 350 full-time employees and nearly 150 part-time employees that work together to carry out the College's mission.
• The men and women who work at Casper College are experienced professionals in their field. In fact, approximately 80% of faculty have their masters or doctorate degrees.

Casper College Distance Education Wordle- What We Do