Frequently Asked Questions

Below, you will find a list of frequently asked questions on distance learning at Seminole State. Click the questions on the list to learn their correct answers or scroll down the page to read all of the information in sequence.

If you need further information, e-mail the Distance Learning Department, call 407.708.2424 or complete a Distance Learning Information Request Form to have an information packet mailed to you.

What Is Distance Learning?

Distance learning is an instructional setting in which instructors and learners are removed by time or place from the source of instruction. Distance learning courses may be offered through a variety of media, including print, audio, video, CD-ROM and the Internet.

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What Is an Online Course?

An online course is instruction delivered over the Internet. Online courses foster remote interaction among students and instructors. Most, but not all, of Seminole State's online courses use a course delivery tool called Sakai. Learn more about the College's online courses by visiting Seminole State's Online Courses home page.

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What Is an Online/Campus Course?

An online/campus course combines online course delivery (approximately 80 percent of the course is online) with on-campus class time for face-to-face instruction, discussion and testing (approximately 20 percent of the course is on campus). The components and requirements for an online/campus course are the same as those for online courses, with the understanding that students will also meet on campus for a reduced number of scheduled class meetings. Contact the course instructor for more information about its requirements and scheduled meeting times, dates and locations.

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What Are the Requirements for Taking an Online Course?

As with all distance learning classes, good time-management skills, motivation and self-discipline are required for online learning. It is also essential for students to take initiative and communicate with their instructor when they have questions. Students must have access to a computer with an Internet connection, as well as any additional course-specific software required by the instructor, and be familiar with how to use e-mail and navigate the Internet.

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Are Distance Learning Courses Easier or More Difficult than Traditional Courses?

Distance learning courses are not easier or more difficult than classes on campus, but they do require a special kind of dedication, as well as a level of familiarity and comfort using a computer and navigating the Internet. Visit Seminole State's Self Assessment Web page for tools to help you evaluate your learning preferences.

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Are There Orientation Sessions or Other On-Campus Meetings Required for Online Courses?

It depends on the course. Most of our online courses do not require an on-campus orientation; however, some instructors do have required orientation meetings on campus. Students should contact their instructor immediately if they cannot attend an on-campus orientation (if applicable).

Most online course instructors conduct all of their testing online, but some may require students to come to campus for a midterm or final exam. Check with the instructor to determine if proctored on-campus testing is required.

Review the Seminole State online catalog and the Distance Learning Welcome Information Web page, or contact the instructor to learn if there is an on-campus orientation for a course. 

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Are There Orientation Sessions or Other On-Campus Meetings Required for Online/Campus Courses?

Yes. Review the Seminole State online catalog and the Distance Learning Welcome Information home page, or contact the instructor for information on required meeting days, times and locations. The number of class meetings may vary depending on the course and the term in which it is offered.

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How Are Tests and Homework Assignments Handled in an Online Course?

Online classes typically include online tests or quizzes and a final exam, as well as other types of course-specific papers, projects or assignments that students complete and submit to their instructor. In some classes, students may be asked to come to campus for a midterm or final exam. Textbooks and other class materials may be purchased at Seminole State's bookstores.

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Where Can I Learn What Distance Learning Courses Are Being Offered?

Review our term schedule to see what distance learning courses are being offered. Each of our video, video/Web, online, online/campus and video/campus courses are also identified as distance learning classes in the the MySeminoleState class schedule and the Seminole State online catalog.

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How Do I Get Started Once I Sign up for a Distance Learning Course?

Informational handouts on distance learning courses and Sakai, orientation and contact information, and links to instructor welcome letters are available on the Distance Learning Welcome Information Web page.

For help getting started, e-mail the Distance Learning Office or call 407.708.2424.

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I am Registered for an Online Course, but I Cannot Log into the Class. Why?

You cannot access your course until the first day of classes for the term in which you are registered. If you register during the add/drop period, there may be a slight delay in the activation of your ID and password; however, you should be granted access to the course within two business days.

If you are still having trouble accessing the course material, ensure that you are still officially enrolled in the class. If you are, contact your instructor to see if you have been blocked from the course and why.

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I Am Having Difficulty Logging into the Sakai Course Management System. Why?

The website address for the Seminole State Sakai login page is: http://ecampus.seminolestate.edu/

• Your Sakai ID is the same login name that you created for MySeminoleState. If you have not yet created a MySeminoleState account, you must visit MySeminoleState and create an account before you can access Sakai.
• Your password is your first and last initial, followed by the six digits of your birth date (in YYMMDD format).
  Example: If your name is John Doe and you were born on March 1, 1977, your password would be JD770301.
• Sakai passwords are case sensitive. All IDs and passwords must be entered in UPPERCASE.
• If you have forgotten your password, try using the "I forgot my password" link on the Sakai home page to have a new password e-mailed to you. (The e-mail address you provide on the form should match the one you have specified in your MySeminoleState user profile.)
• Sakai does not support the AOL Web browser, so you may experience login difficulty if you attempt to use it. The Safari Web browser is also not supported. Ensure that you use the latest version of Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox when logging into Sakai.
• If you register during the add/drop period, there may be a slight delay in the activation of your ID and password.
• Visit the Sakai Help Web page for more information about logging into Sakai.

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I Am Getting "Access Denied" Errors in Sakai. Why?

You may get error messages if you are using the AOL or Safari Web browser to access Sakai. Please use the latest version of Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox to log into the system. If you are having problems with Internet Explorer, you might want to download and use the Firefox browser.

If using one of the supported browsers does not fix the problem, you may need to adjust your browser settings by following the steps below.

• In Internet Explorer: Select "Tools" and then "Internet Options." Under Browsing History, click "Delete," followed by "Delete All."
• In Firefox: Select "Tools" and then "Clear Private Data." Ensure that "Cookies" is selected and click "Clear Private Data Now."

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I Need Help with the Software I Use for My Class (SAM, PLATO, Keyboarding or Other Software). Who do I contact?

You need to contact either your professor or the toll-free number on the back of the installation CD. The Distance Learning Office cannot help with course-specific software.

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