Online Classes

Student working at a computer

Take college classes online anywhere, anytime at WCJC. Learn how to register and prepare for your online courses.

Online Class Formats

WCJC offers students a flexible, convenient way to earn college credit by providing a variety of distance education formats. Students should have access to a computer, the internet and be familiar with email, web browsers, creating and saving documents, and uploading files.  A Respondus proctored online exam requires the use of an external webcam.

  • Class content is delivered Online Anytime through Brightspace. This modality offers maximum flexibility for students.
  • Online courses that are conducted almost, if not entirely (85-100%) online. Class content is delivered Online Anytime through Brightspace. This modality offers maximum flexibility for students. Some instructors may require that students come to campus for orientations, field trips, or other face-to-face components as required by the instructor.
  • Class content is delivered Online on a Schedule with instruction delivered through Brightspace via live video conference during scheduled class times.
  • Online courses that are conducted almost, if not entirely (85-100%) online. Class content is delivered Online on a Schedule with instruction delivered through Brightspace via live video conference during scheduled class times.  Some instructors may require that students come to campus for orientations, field trips, or other face-to-face components as required by the instructor.
  • Class content is delivered using both Face-to-Face and Online Anytime modalities. Students will attend class on campus for specific days and times, with all remaining content delivered online through Brightspace.
  • Hybrid courses combine online learning and face-to-face instruction. Class content is delivered using both Face-to-Face (15-50%) and Online Anytime (50% to 85%) modalities. Students will attend class on campus for specific days and times, with all remaining content delivered online through Brightspace.

Acadeum offers WCJC students the ability to enroll in fully online courses through other Texas institutions through our partnership with DigiTex. This partnership allows students to fill in the gaps when online courses are either full or not offered in the desired semester. For more information please review the detailed Acadeum information.

All traditional face-to-face classes may be enriched by the addition of an online component. Some courses may require students to actively engage in an online element. This may include activities such as the submission of assignments, and/or participation in discussion boards. The online component may be hosted on our learning management system or other web location. Students should contact the instructor or check the course syllabus to determine if there is an online component.

Online Anytime (WWW) Online on a Schedule (WWS) Hybrid (HYB) Acadeum Course Sharing Traditional Face-to-Face
  • Class content is delivered Online Anytime through Brightspace. This modality offers maximum flexibility for students.
  • Online courses that are conducted almost, if not entirely (85-100%) online. Class content is delivered Online Anytime through Brightspace. This modality offers maximum flexibility for students. Some instructors may require that students come to campus for orientations, field trips, or other face-to-face components as required by the instructor.
  • Class content is delivered Online on a Schedule with instruction delivered through Brightspace via live video conference during scheduled class times.
  • Online courses that are conducted almost, if not entirely (85-100%) online. Class content is delivered Online on a Schedule with instruction delivered through Brightspace via live video conference during scheduled class times.  Some instructors may require that students come to campus for orientations, field trips, or other face-to-face components as required by the instructor.
  • Class content is delivered using both Face-to-Face and Online Anytime modalities. Students will attend class on campus for specific days and times, with all remaining content delivered online through Brightspace.
  • Hybrid courses combine online learning and face-to-face instruction. Class content is delivered using both Face-to-Face (15-50%) and Online Anytime (50% to 85%) modalities. Students will attend class on campus for specific days and times, with all remaining content delivered online through Brightspace.

Acadeum offers WCJC students the ability to enroll in fully online courses through other Texas institutions through our partnership with DigiTex. This partnership allows students to fill in the gaps when online courses are either full or not offered in the desired semester. For more information please review the detailed Acadeum information.

All traditional face-to-face classes may be enriched by the addition of an online component. Some courses may require students to actively engage in an online element. This may include activities such as the submission of assignments, and/or participation in discussion boards. The online component may be hosted on our learning management system or other web location. Students should contact the instructor or check the course syllabus to determine if there is an online component.

Enroll in Online Classes

Search and Register for Classes

Log in to WCJC Online Services to register for classes.  Make sure to select the campus location as "online". 

  • User ID: Your User ID is your Student ID that begins with “@” or your Social Security Number without any slashes or dashes, if you provided that to WCJC.
  • PIN: The first time you log in, your PIN will be your birthday in the six-digit MMDDYY format (example: 012405 for January 24, 2005).

Need help? Contact our Admissions team at 979-532-6303 or registrar@wcjc.edu.

Sign Into Brightspace

Courses will not be visible until the first day of the semester but you can prepare by making sure you’re able to sign in.

  1. Access Brightspace through the MyWCJC Portal. 
  2. After logging into Brightspace, you’ll see a "My WCJC" area. Select the name of the course.
  3. To access course materials, click on "Content" located on the red nav bar at the top, after entering the course. Most courses will contain a "READ ME FIRST" document and a "Getting Started" section to orient you to the course.  

Prepare for Your Online Classes

A computer with a reliable internet connection is a must. Perform a basic system check by going to the Brightspace System Check before the start of each semester.

External webcams are required for all online exams proctored with Respondus.

Need help? Access Brightspace Help for Learners or contact the WCJC IT help desk at 979-532-6568 or submit an IT Support Request Form.

You’ll also need to purchase your textbooks and other course materials. Find information about course textbooks by visiting the Bookstore.

 Learn how to use Brightspace and explore the program for yourself before your classes start.

  • Online classes use a learning platform called Brightspace. Help and instructions on signing in can be found on the My WCJC Portal sign-in page. 
  • After you are registered as a student, the "WCJC Student Resources" course will appear on the "MyWCJC' widget under the "Training and Resources" tab.  This course will teach you how Brightspace works and how to get help if you are stuck. 

Required Course Materials:

You will need a computer, an external webcam and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and access to the WCJC Brightspace site. External webcams are required (built-in laptop and computer monitor webcams are NOT acceptable).  iPads cannot be used for test taking.

Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor

All major exams taken online at WCJC require the use of Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor. The Lockdown Browser software prevents a user from accessing other applications or going to other websites during an exam. The external webcam records the student during the exam to ensure they are only using resources that are permitted. Together, these tools make it possible for students to take online exams from any location, and at times that are convenient. It also creates a fair testing environment for everyone in the course.

How to Test with Respondus provides additional information, such as instructions for downloading and using the software, frequently asked questions, and test taking tips.

Acceptable Forms of Identification (must contain student name and photograph):

  • State issued driver’s license or other government identification
  • Passport
  • Military ID
  • WCJC student ID
  • High school ID (only for current Dual Credit students)

You will be required to present a photo ID during the exam start-up process.

If you are concerned with privacy, you may cover everything except your full name and photo on the ID. This is how the college verifies that the right individual is taking the course.

Attend a Brightspace Orientation

Attend this virtual orientation and Q&A session to learn how to navigate your online courses in Brightspace and get answers to your questions. 

Upcoming Brightspace Orientations:

  • Wednesday, August 21 - 7:00 PM
  • Monday, August 26 - 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday, August 27 - 7:00 PM

Join a session.

Do You Need Help with Online Classes?

Even when you teach or take your class remotely, you’re never alone. Our staff is here to support our students and faculty.

You should be confident about your computer and study skills. Review the following list of requirements to assess your readiness to take online classes.

  • I know how to connect to the Internet using a browser.
  • I can navigate around the Internet and know how to use search engines.
  • I know how to send and receive e-mail.
  • I know how to do basic word processing, including cutting and pasting.
  • I know how to open, save, and manage files.
  • I have access to a computer with an internet connection at least 3 days a week.
  • The computer I will use meets the  Basic System Requirements listed below.
  • I have 6-9 hours a week to work on each online class.
  • I am motivated to log in to the virtual classroom at least 3 days a week.
  • I am a self-starter and can manage my course workload efficiently.
  • I have good reading comprehension and written communication skills.
  • I am able to ask for help when I need it.

If you can't answer "Yes" to all these questions, you may not be quite ready for online learning. Take our Distance Education Online Learning Assessment to learn more about whether online learning is for you.

Students who have questions about Brightspace or their online courses should contact the Student Help Desk, administered by the WCJC IT Department:

Or you can troubleshoot your problems with these resources from Brightspace:

If you are enrolled in an online or hybrid course, you must have access to a computer with the following requirements: 

  • Computer: As a general guideline, a computer three years old or less is best. It should be running at least Windows 8, Mac OS 10.12, or Chromium OS.
  • Internet Access: A satellite, DSL, or cable connection or higher is best. Dial-up connections are not recommended and will be problematic. If relying on an employer's Internet connection, be aware that firewall restrictions and policies may exist that prevent access to all or part of the course, using the college's online tools.
  • Web Browser: For an optimal experience that offers better performance, accessibility, and security, Brightspace recommends that all users access the Brightspace Learning Environment with the latest version of a supported browser.  Tip: By default, most browsers automatically update to the latest version. To ensure you are running the latest browser version,  Brightspace recommends that you set your browser to auto-update.  It is also recommended that you install multiple browsers when possible. Chrome browser is the recommended browser of the college on all computers and operating systems.  List of supported browsers: Brightspace Documentation Page
  • Cookies and JavaScript: Regardless of the browser being used, Brightspace requires the use of session cookies and JavaScript enabled in the user's browser to provide the right experience for teaching and learning.
  • Pop-up Blockers: While using Brightspace, if you are unable to view discussion postings, quiz windows, and download links, then you may need to disable pop-up blocking for the WCJC Brightspace site.
  • Administrative Rights: If you are not using a computer provided by WCJC, you must have the administrative rights necessary to download and install the required programs and plug-ins on the computer you use to access your online courses.

Perform a basic system check by going to the Brightspace System Check before the start of each semester.

State Authorization

Admission of students residing outside the state of Texas to an online course, degree, or certificate program offered by Wharton County Junior College is dependent upon the college’s ability to secure authorization from the applicant’s state of residence. Wharton County Junior College is currently only enrolling students residing in Texas at this time. 

Complaint Procedures

Wharton County Junior College is required to provide current and prospective distance education students with contact information for filing complaints. Internal student complaints and grievance processes can be found on pages 44-46 of the WCJC Student Handbook.

For questions concerning the complaint process or the U.S. DOE regulations affecting distance education, please contact Michele Betancourt, Distance Education Director, at betancourtm@wcjc.edu or 281-239-1590.

 

 

 

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