"What Do I Need to do to Take an Online Class?"

  1. Choose the course you wish to take from the printed schedule, GWC’s Schedule online, or GWC’s Online Course Schedule.

  2. If you're not yet a GWC student, apply online, and then register for your classes through www.mygwc.com.

  3. Visit the bookstore on campus and make sure you purchase your books from the online section. You may also purchase them online at www.gwc.bkstr.com with your printout information. (If your book comes in a shrink-wrapped package, please save all of the papers that are wrapped with it.)

  4. Visit the OnlineGWC website at: www.onlinegwc.org for general information, and read through the Tutorials.

  5. Be sure to click Browser Check on the log in page to ensure your computer is configured properly for our online courses.

  6. Visit www.mygwc.com and log into your MyGWC portal. Click the Student tab, and under the My Courses channel, you will see a link to view your course schedule.
     
  7. You will see one or more classes listed. These are all classes you are enrolled in. Click on the class you wish to enter. (At any point in time while in the class you may click the “My Blackboard” link on the top left-hand corner of the page and return to a class list.)

  8. You may see a license agreement when you click on a course title. If you see it, please read and agree to the conditions. Following the agreement will be a page that contains a fill-in which will ask you for a pin or access code. If you purchased your book new, from the GWC bookstore, it will be a part of the package. If you purchased your book used or from another bookstore, it will not be included, but you may visit www.blackboard.com or call 1-877-855-3238 to purchase one with a credit card.

  9. After this process (which you will not have to repeat), or if no license agreement appeared, you will enter your course.

  10. Begin navigating the site as early on as possible to familiarize yourself with Blackboard. Be sure to check the syllabus. If you have any questions about the course or how it is set up, please locate the email program within your course (not connected to your regular email account) and contact your instructor. If you are having computer or technical difficulties, please contact the help desk by visiting www.onlinegwc.org/helpdesk or by calling the New Media Center by phone at (714) 895-8389 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

  11. Some instructors will require an on campus midterm and final. These tests are usually held in Forum 1 and your instructor will provide the dates. If you are unable to make it on campus for testing, please contact your teacher as soon as possible.

  12. Final grades may be retrieved through MyGWC.