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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Internet (Online) Course?
An Internet course frees you from having to come to campus two or three days per week for several weeks.
Instead, you access the course via a web site on the Internet. You work through assignments that are posted at the web site to accomplish the requirements for the course. However you will have to take some exams at a campus location or arrange for a proctor through the office of Distance Learning.
Do distance learning courses cost more?
Yes, Distance Learning courses are changed an additional $20.00 per semester hour.
What is involved in taking an online course?
After you have registered, you will be given a Website address that allows you access to the course. Of course, you must have access to a computer. If you have one at home, you will need to gain access to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider. You should also establish an email account. There are several ways to do this. Yahoo, Hotmail, and Excite are examples of places where you can establish free email accounts. We require that you have a valid email account when you register for your online courses at Hinds.
Where do I go to login to my online course?
Through the Hinds Website or at http://hindscc.blackboard.com.
What kind of computer (system requirements) do I need?
1. An IBM-compatible PC with a Pentium Processor and Windows 2000, 2003 or 2007, XP or NT, OR a Macintosh with Mac 7.5 or above with sound capability
2. 256 MB of RAM
3. 100 MB of free HD space
4. A method for saving data externally (jump drive, disk drive, etc)
5. A 56 kbs modem
6. An Internet connection through an Internet service provider (ISP)
7. A current version of Internet Explorer (version 6.1 recommended)
You also need to meet the prerequisites of the course you choose (see online course description for more information about prerequisites)
Online courses demand that you are an independent learner who can manage time effectively (this is a "word to the wise").
Do I need a textbook? How do I get my textbook? What does it cost?
Yes, you will need a textbook in most all cases. You must contact the Hinds Community College bookstore for textbooks (601) 857-3462. Check our distance learning student guide on textbooks for further details.
What about financial aid?
You can receive financial aid for distance learning courses. Always check with the Financial Aid Department for details.
Do I have an orientation for distance learning?
Online courses do not require that you come to an orientation session. Your orientation will be conducted online.
Do I have to be online at a certain time?
Generally speaking the answer is no. Some instructors may require a limited amount of synchronous chat (everyone online at the same time), but as you might expect this is quite difficult considering everyone's busy schedules.
Can I register online?
Not at this time. You must register in person at one of our campus locations.
How many distance learning courses can I take at once?
We do not have a policy concerning how many distance learning courses you can take. However, you should be careful and not overload yourself. Many students realize that distance learning courses require more time than they expected when they first registered. Since you are not attending class at specific times each week, you are supplementing that time by spending more time working at home on your assignments. In most cases, expect to spend three time the number of credit hours on your course work. For Example: English 1113 is a 3 credit hour course. Expect to spend 9 hours per week working on this course.
I am concerned whether I will do well in a distance learning class?
If you are disciplined and can motivate yourself to do the work that is required of you, then you have a greater chance of being successful. Check out READI to determine your potential success in distance learning courses.
What is your withdrawal policy?
The policy for distance learning courses requires that you visit a campus to complete a withdrawal form. If you procrastinate and don't keep up with the materials your instructor may suggest that you need to withdraw from the course. Check the MSVCC Calendar.
Can I take classes from another community college in the state?
Students can request classes from any college in the MSVCC consortium, however there are some requirements that must be met. First, the course must be listed in the Hinds CC current catalog with the same number of credit hours. Second, the instructor must be approved by Hinds faculty credential standards. Last, the course must be approved by a faculty member at Hinds to ensure that it meets the same standards as the class taught at Hinds. This process can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks depending on different issues. Once Open Registration begins, no outside course requests can be taken.
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