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10 steps to get started


You may print this page for your records.

Here are some the things you need to know and do. Read this fully before starting Step 1, read it again, then jump in!

Also read Special notices on the Current class page for information specific to your program or course, and Key dates for the specific dates referred to in these instructions.


  1. You MUST have an up to date computer and working Internet service connection before starting these courses (local ISP or AOL, etc.).
    • If you don't have this at home, or don't have regular and easy access to the Internet via a computer at work or elsewhere (as a student at Pierce College you have access to campus labs), contact Pierce College Registration and drop the course NOW. You can sign up next quarter after your service is established.
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    • Starting late isn't possible because you'll be too far behind.
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    • If you've started early enough in the registration process, you might find access to the Internet in your community. Possibilities could include a relative, another community college, a community technology center, an Internet café, a copy center like Kinkos, or a public library. These options may limit uploading of files, access to word processing software or other computer resources.
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  2. Identify this quarter's Virtual Classroom access and start of instruction dates. See Key Dates.

  3. Review the login process to be ready for that date. See How to login.)

  4. Purchase your textbooks. See Textbooks for the method you should use to purchase your books, as this differs significantly among types of courses!

  5. Check into your online classroom as soon as possible after the date they become available.
    • The date by which your WAOL account will be available, and the start and stop dates for the class, are noted on the Key Dates page.
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    • If your login doesn't work the first day they become available, here are some troubleshooting tips:
      • verify enrollment by checking your transcripts at Student Online Services! If not enrolled, immediately contact the registration office to see if there is still space available, since some instructors pre-approve overloads! (See "Contact Information" in the red menu box above.)
      • Once enrollment is verified, make sure you are logging in at the correct Blackboard system. (We use two different ones for different needs - see "How to login" in the red menu box above.)
      • You can call the toll free 24 by 7 WAOL HelpDesk. (See "If you have problems" in the Red menu box.) You will need to provide your name and Pierce College Student ID number.
      • If you still need help to get logged in, contact the Distance Learning Office. (See "Contact Us" on the left menu.)

  6. Once you get access to your Virtual Classroom, explore the classroom! Here are some resources to help learn about Blackboard.
    • There is a "Manual" in your Virtual Classroom. Look at the left-hand menu for the button labeled “Tools,” then select the link in the main screen labeled “Manual” and the documentation will open in the main screen.
    • Visit the WAOL Web site for their Week Zero Tutorial.

  7. On the class start date (See Key dates), login as described above.
    • Look for a “Welcome Announcement,” “Start here,” “Read me first,” or a similar message from your instructor when you get into the “virtual classroom.” It tells you what to do next!
    • Classes work on a weekly schedule and run from Thursdays through Wednesdays for 10 weeks. Your instructor will tell you when assignments are due during each week.
    • The first week or so is a time to get used to the software and the online learning environment. From experience we can tell you that this start-up time is when most people experience technological and operational glitches. Hang in there!

  8. After the end of the quarter, you can check your grade by using Student Online Services on the Pierce College Web site.
    • Click on the “Transcripts” link to see your grades. You will need to enter your “Student ID Number” (for example, 925-11-2222) and a PIN (based on your birthdate in the format mmddyy - no spaces or dashes - unless you have used the “PIN Change” menu item to change it).
    • Please allow adequate time for grades to be posted via our current manual process. Check back periodically.

  9. Course Evaluations will be required of every student at the end of the quarter.
    • The Distance Learning office will explain how the course evaluation process will be conducted. Your participation in the evaluation process is critical to both the instructor and the DL office.

  10. Very Important – Read Now! Decide early if this online system will work for you!
    • If you decide you cannot continue with the course for any reason at any point in the quarter, or if you are unable to start it at all, it is very important that you contact Pierce College Registration directly and officially withdraw. The date(s) by which you must withdraw to receive a refund and/or register for future classes will depend on which class(es) you have registered for. See key dates for more details.