Online Learning Frequently Asked Questions

How do online courses work?
Online courses are structured so that all of the course content traditionally delivered in the classroom is delivered online. Course content may be accessed through a learning management system (LMS) such as Canvas. Some classes may require a few on-campus meetings or scheduled online discussion sessions. The course syllabus will show the requirements for the course.

Should I take an online course?
Online learning is a very different environment than that of the traditional classroom. With that in mind, online learning is not for everyone. So, how can you tell? Your answers to the following questions will help you decide:

• Am I self-motivated and self-disciplined?
• Can I communicate effectively through written communication?
• Do I have basic computer skills: word processing, internet browsing, email (including sending and receiving attachments?)
• Do I have practically unlimited access to a computer and internet service?
• Am I open minded about sharing life, work and educational experiences?
• Do I have the ability to learn new software without classroom instruction?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, chances are you are a good candidate for success in an online course. A few “no” answers to these questions may identify areas that need strengthened or addressed, but you may still decide that online learning is a good choice for you.

If you answered “no” to many of the questions, this may indicate that your chances for success may be greater in a traditional course setting at this time. As your skills and experience grow, you may decide to revisit the option of online learning in the future.

How do I access my online course?
Usernames and passwords for your online accounts will be automatically generated and given to you by your advisor when you register for classes. Access your online courses by visiting canvas.rlc.edu or clicking on the Canvas link from the MyRLC portal. Use your username and password to log in. Note: To protect the privacy of your accounts, it is important that you do not share your log in information with others.

What is MyRLC?
The MyRLC portal is the central location that may be used to log in and manage most of your student accounts. Student accounts include Canvas, Online Student Records, Warriormail, and Electronic Library. Access the MyRLC portal at www.rlc.edu/myrlc.

Canvas

What is Canvas? Canvas is an online Learning Management System. Once you are logged in, you can learn the terms and tools by clicking on the RLC Canvas Student Resource course or the Online Navigation Essentials (ONE 1500) orientation module. Both are on your Canvas Dashboard. 

What is the Canvas URL? rlc.instructure.com OR canvas.rlc.edu

What login do I use? You will be prompted to log into a Google account. That is normal and expected. (Canvas is tied to your WarriorMail, which is actually a Google account.) Use the username (lastnamefirstinitial####) and password provided to you, but be sure to include @warriormail.rlc.edu with your username. If you receive an error message, check to see if you are already logged in to your browser under a different Google account, perhaps a personal account. Log out of the account and refresh the page to try again.

What if I get a 403 error? That is most likely because your browser is logged into a personal Google account. No problem. Just open a new tab in your browser and go to warriormail.rlc.edu. Log in with your WarriorMail username and password. This will do two things: 1) Log you into your WarriorMail and 2) Set your browser to allow a choice for Google accounts. Now visit canvas.rlc.edu again, choose your WarriorMail account and log in. That should get it!

How and when will students be added to Canvas courses? Students will be added to Canvas courses about one week before classes begin. 

Is there a Canvas app? Canvas offers a FREE App for Android and iOS users. Download the app from Google Play Store or the App Store. Search for the college and log in using your WarriorMail username and password. Learn more about the app at What is the Canvas Student app?

How do I receive text messages from my instructors about my course? Canvas allows you set your notifications and add your cell phone as a contact in addition to your email. See How do I add a text (SMS) contact method in Canvas as a student? an external site.

What help is there for students?
• Help Link - The help link within Canvas provides several help options for students! Of course, the RLC Help Desk will provide assistance, but students also have 24/7 access to Canvas tech support and resources. The RLC Help Desk is available Monday - Friday from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. Send an email to [email protected] or call 618-437-5321, 1259. When emailing the help desk, please add a phone number for a quicker response. Response time will vary depending on the volume of requests. Please be patient—someone will contact you as soon as possible.

• The RLC Canvas Student Resource course is available on your Canvas dashboard! This course will be a resource course designed to provide help about Canvas for any RLC student

• Contact a librarian. A Library Resource Course is available on your Canvas dashboard. This course provides information that is available to you in RLC’s Learning Resource Center. 

What help is there for faculty?
• Help Link - The help link within Canvas provides several help options for faculty! Of course, the RLC Help Desk will provide assistance, but faculty also have 24/7 access to Canvas tech support and resources. 

• A RLC Canvas Instructor Resource course is available for faculty on the Canvas dashboard! This course is a resource course designed to provide help for instructors.

Do you want to receive text messages from your instructors? Canvas allows you set your notifications and add your cell phone as a contact in addition to your email. See How do I add a text (SMS) contact method in Canvas as a student?

Do I need specific technology skills or equipment?

In order to be successful in an online learning environment, you will need to have some basic computer skills. Your online learning experience will be less stressful if these competencies have been mastered.

• Operate a web browser
• Download, upload, and install files
• Access your e-mail account
• Send and receive e-mail with attachments
• Use a word processor to create and print documents
• Use presentation software (such as PowerPoint) to create presentation slides

It is also important that you have nearly unlimited access to a computer with Internet access. As for hardware and software requirements, please visit the Canvas Minimum Requirements for information about requirements and recommendations.

What is the difference between an “online course” and a “hybrid course”?
Courses at Rend Lake College are offered in the following structures or formats:

• Face-to-Face – In this type of course, you will attend classes on campus or at an extension center in a physical setting with an instructor present. Canvas may be used for assignment submission, course document dissemination, etc.
• Hybrid – The hybrid course will require you to complete a portion of the coursework online using Canvas and the remainder of the coursework will be completed in a face-to-face learning setting. Campus visits will be necessary in this type of class. Course numbers for a hybrid course will include a section number beginning with "Y", for example, CSCI 1101-Y1. The "Y" indicates a hybrid course.
• Online – The online course is designed for you to complete your course online using Canvas. You are expected to have a computer available and access to the Internet. Course numbers for an online course will include a section number beginning with "N", for example, CSCI 1101-N1. The "N" indicates an online course.

Please note that some online courses require you to visit a test-proctoring site to complete the test requirements for the course. You will be informed of and instructed on test proctoring procedures by the course instructor.

Online access to the hybrid and/or online course may not be made available until the first day of class as early course availability is at the discretion of the instructor.

Please refer to the Official Catalog for more detailed information about your course.

Information Technology
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1259
Toll-free (In-District): 1-800-369-5321 Ext. 1259
Email: [email protected]
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: IT Help Desk
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: IT Help Desk

Online Learning Essentials Resources

All of the software listed below are available as free resources. Click on the links to learn more or download. 

Browser Plug-Ins and Extras

Adobe Acrobat Reader (Windows/Linux/Mac/Android)
Adobe's Acrobat Reader allows you to view, print, and save pdf documents such as the many forms found on rlc.edu. Acrobat Reader will not allow you to create pdf documents. Acrobat Reader is free and easy to install.

Adobe Flash Player (Windows/Linux/Mac) 
This plug-in allows you to view flash content on web pages. Flash is safe and completely free.

Adobe Shockwave (Windows/Mac)
This plug-in allows you to view shockwave content on web pages. Shockwave is safe and completely free.

Java (Windows/Max/Linux/Solaris)
This plug-in is required to view some content on the Internet, including features of Blackboard. 

Productivity Software / Office Applications

Microsoft Office 365 (Windows/Macs/iPad/Android)
Office 365 Education for Students is available for RLC students and it's free! Office 365 products include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft OneNote, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft Publisher. It also includes one (1) terabyte of OneDrive online file storage. Use your WarriorMail credentials to get started!

Note:  Office 365 is compatible with Windows 7 and 8 and available for local installation. For those using Vista or XP, local installation is not available; however, you will be able to access most Office products online through the Office portal. Log in at portal.office.com and use your WarriorMail credentials.  

Google Applications (online, cloud-based access)
Google provides the following cloud-based tools; available to you from any device with Internet access!

• Google Drive - an online file storage option offering 15GB of cloud-based storage for your files
• Google Docs - an online word processing tool 
• Google Slides - an online slide presentation application
• Google Sheets - an online spreadsheet application 

Use your WarriorMail address or Gmail account to log in and create, edit, and collaborate from anywhere. By default, Google applications save your files to your online storage within Google Drive.

Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer (Windows)
PowerPoint Viewer is a free download and allows you to view existing presentations created in PowerPoint 2007 or later.

OpenOffice (Windows/Linux/ Mac)
Apache OpenOffice is an open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is available in many languages and works on all common computers. It stores all your data in an international open standard format and can also read and write files from other common office software packages. It can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for any purpose.

Web Browsers & Other Tools

Mozilla Firefox (Windows/Linux/Mac)
A free, non-profit browser for desktop or mobile.

Google Chrome (Windows/Linux/Mac/Android/iOS)
A free Web browser for desktop or mobile use.

Respondus LockDown Browser
Respondus LockDown Browser is a web browser that may be required to access tests or quizzes within Blackboard. Not all online/hybrid courses utilize LockDown Browser. Your instructor will inform you of LockDown Browser requirements and provide documentation to help you get started. 

Microsoft Silverlight
Silverlight is a free plug-in that works with your browser to provide access to interactive web pages. 

Information Technology
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1259
Toll-free (In-District): 1-800-369-5321 Ext. 1259
Email: [email protected]
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: IT Help Desk
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: IT Help Desk

ONE 1500 Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to complete the orientation if I already have taken an online class?
Yes. ONE 1500 is a requirement for any student taking an online or hybrid course and must only be completed one time. 

What should I do if I get behind in my work as a result of a family emergency?
Keeping up with your assignments in an online course is very important. Instructors often put the course work up one week at a time so that it is easier to keep up-to-date. If you find that you cannot complete an assignment on time contact your instructor immediately.

Will the instructor see the results of my successful online student’s assessment?
No. Those results are for you to determine whether your habits indicate that you will be a successful online student.

Can I use my WarriorMail account for personal use?
Yes. You may use your WarriorMail account just as you would a Yahoo or Hotmail account.

My account is not working correctly. How can I fix this problem?
You can call IT Help Desk at extension 1259. In order for them to determine the problem, you will need to provide them with the error message that you are getting when you try to log in.

What should I do if I want to withdraw from one of my classes?
Contact the Academic Advisement Center, extension 1266 and someone will provide you with the steps that need to be completed for withdrawal.

Will my scholarship pay for the books I need for my class?
Contact Financial Aid, extension 1385 and someone can provide this information for you.

Who can I contact to get help with using the Electronic Library?
Contact the library at extension 1276 or 1308 for information about the Electronic Library.

What does OSR stand for?
OSR stands for Online Student Records. OSR provides access to grades, class schedules, unofficial transcripts, financial aid information, business office information, and off-campus access to the LRC Electronic Library.

Information Technology
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1259
Toll-free (In-District): 1-800-369-5321 Ext. 1259
Email: [email protected]
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: IT Help Desk
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: IT Help Desk

ONE 1500

Welcome to Online Education!

Learning in the online environment can be a rewarding and valuable experience, but it is important that you know what to expect throughout your journey. That’s where ONE 1500 comes in. Any student enrolled in an online or hybrid course will be required to complete Online Navigation Essentials (ONE 1500), a one-time online orientation. These self-paced lessons and activities provide necessary and essential skills for online learning. 

The Online Navigation Essentials (ONE 1500) orientation module, found in Canvas, contains helpful hints and tips which provide an introduction to the online environment. The information provided will help you become familiar with the software and terminology important to online learning.

Completing ONE 1500 before accessing your online or hybrid courses is essential to being successful in this style of learning. Keep in mind, you must succesfully complete ONE 1500 before you can enroll in future courses.  

What to expect?
During ONE 1500, you will complete various activities which will help you determine if online learning is right for you and assist you in navigating this style of learning. Our goal is to make your online learning experience a successful and rewarding one. ONE 1500 will give you a great start to your online experience!

How do I start ONE 1500?
Go to Canvas and sign in with the credentials you received when you registered for class. Look for the ONE 1500 module, click the title, and just follow the directions.
Need help? Call the Help Desk at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1259 or email [email protected]. 

Online Learning

To protect the privacy of your account, as well as academic honesty, it is important that you do not share your login information with others. Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any student found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined by RLC’s Academic Integrity policy in the Student Handbook.

Connecting

Of course, the most important steps to being ready for online learning is access to a computer and internet connection: Online learning is simply not possible without these resources. Students should make arrangements to make sure they have these resources moving forward.

Logging On

Login NOW: Make sure you can access your Warriormail and Canvas accounts before you need to submit assignments. Some students have run into issues when logging into those accounts on their personal computers for the first time. The programs may not recognize the device. Avoid frustration and panic by making sure you have access to what you need as soon as possible. Login to Warriormail first. Students who try to login to their Canvas account before accessing Warriormail sometimes run into a 403 error message. If you do get a 403 error, you can either sign into another Google account or log out of all Google accounts and then sign in. 

Communication

Check your assignment dates: Not everything is due at the end of the week. Most online classes have assignments due on Fridays. But that is not the case for ALL classes as RLC makes its shift online. Students need to check their assignment dates for all courses because classes may differ.

Tutoring

Online tutoring is available for those looking for assistance. We will be using the Zoom app for all online tutoring. To join an online Zoom tutoring session please email Dr. Kirk Rhodes at [email protected]. Below is a list of currently available times and sections for tutoring, if these times do not work for you, please let Dr. Rhodes know. Additional sections can be scheduled by request. Please contact Dr. Rhodes with any questions.

Tech & Research Support

Ask for help: If you run into issues accessing accounts or navigating the shift to online classes, you can always contact the Help Desk. We'll be monitoring emails and calls from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday – Friday. Of course, you can always leave a voicemail or send an email and we'll get to your issue as soon as we can. Send an email to [email protected] or call 618-437-5321, Ext. 1259. The Help Desk cannot send usernames or passwords via email, but if students leave a phone number in the email, the Help Desk will call them back with their info. Response time will vary depending on the volume of requests. Please be patient — someone will contact you as soon as possible.

Go to IT Help Desk

Need help with research? We are here to help with any of your research projects; from choosing a topic to citing the resources you plan to use in your writing, presentations or speeches. You can ask questions by calling, emailing, using the Ask a Question link, or through a virtual meeting:

(618) 437-5321, Ext. 1276 | [email protected] | Ask a Question 

Let's meet up on Google Meet or Zoom to get you started with your research! Click here to request a meeting. 

A to Z Electronic Resources - check out all the resources that you have access to here!

Logging into the electronic resources (EBSCO, SIRs, JSTOR) requires you to use your RLC student username and password which is the same login you use for Canvas only you don't include the @warriormail.rlc.edu in the username.

Do you need student support services? 

Whether you need tutoring, disability services, or other resources, the RL-Cares team is ready to assist you.

Email them at [email protected].

A complete listing of email addresses for RLC faculty and staff is HERE. 

Brochures

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Orientation 

RLC online learning starts at ONE. Our Online Navigation Essentials, ONE 1500, includes the elementary principles of learning in an online environment. You’ll start with baby steps so you can hit the ground running in your online classes.