Distance Learning Information for Faculty

If you are thinking about teaching a distance learning course, what do you need to know?

• Are you ready to teach a distance learning course? (PDF File)
  • Some basic questions to ask yourself in deciding if teaching online is right for you
• Who do you contact if you want to teach distance learning courses?
  • The first step is to talk with your Division Chair and/or Academic Dean and participate in the Online Professional Development Peer Program. Then, you will contact your local distance learning coordinator to submit your online course(s) and receive some assistance and information on Blackboard training.
• How do you know which kind of Distance Learning course you want to teach?
  • To learn more about KCTCS eLearning Web Modes and its advantages and Utilization Methods, please go to http://www.kctcs.edu/prodev/eSupport/modes.html to find more information.
• What do you do if you want to teach online? Getting Started with KCTCS E-learning
  • You will find instructions and information to help you get started with KCTCS E-learning.
• How can you request for the Blackboard login information
  • Once you officially submit your course(s) into the PeopleSoft, the Blackboard account(s) will automatically be generated over night. You will use the same username and password that you normally use for your Webmail or PeopleSoft. Contact Debbie Wright if you have any questions.
• What do you do if you have problem(s) with Blackboard? - Blackboard Help and Support Directions
  • KCTCS 24/7 Help Desk to answer questions about users/faculty/courses association and Blackboard functionality and training issues – how do you do this/that in Blackboard?
    Toll Free 1-866-590-9238, Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
  • KYVC Call Center/Help Desk to answers questions about users/faculty/courses association and minor PeopleSoft issues/discrepancies.
    Toll Free 1-877-740-4357, Monday - Thursday - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET
• Faculty Blackboard Online Support to answer questions about how do you do this/that in Blackboard, Digital Content, Downloads and links to user Discussion Boards within the Blackboard Community.
• How can you access to eRMA? (PDF File)
  • •eRMA stands for eLearning Resources Management Assistance System
• Blackboard Training Schedule at various KCTCS Locations by the System Office, KCTCS
• You can find the local training by checking the Professional Development Handbook (PDF File) or contact Debbie Wright or call the Teaching Enhancement Center (TEC) at 270-824-1863.

If you are already teaching a distance learning course, what do you need to keep in mind?

• Latest News on KCTCS Distance Learning - Bi Monthly Updated
  • Students: If your Blackboard class shows “unavailable” when you log into Blackboard, the class has not begun – please check start date. Your instructor will change the class to “available” when the start date arrives. If the official start date of the class has been reached and the course still says "unavailable," you will need to email your instructor to find out when the course will be opened.
  • ATTENTION -- Blackboard will be unavailable every Sunday from 1:00 am to 5:00 am ET for scheduled server maintenance.
• Distance Learning Faculty Guide (PDF File)
• KCTCS E-learning Supports
  • You will find KCTCS e-learning supports information and necessary contact information.
• Manage Your Course: To Do List and Tips and Tricks for Blackboard
  • This information will help you to easily manage your Blackboard course(s).
• To learn more about KCTCS eLearning Web Modes and its advantages and Utilization Methods
  • Please go to http://www.kctcs.edu/prodev/eSupport/modes.html to find more information.
• E-learning Procedures
  • These procedures are there to keep things consistent and flowing in a positive manner. Please be aware of them and ask any questions that may arise.
• Early Alert System for Distance learning Courses
  • This form can be used to meet reporting needs of various departments and to give the instructor a mechanism to report student concerns to the appropriate department.

If you are already teaching a distance learning course, what support and training do you need?.

• Blackboard Training - Distance
  • Current KCTCS training opportunities include: In Person / Hands on, Online / Asynchronous, and Webinars / Watch - listen and ask questions. You will find the training schedule, tutorials, and maintaining your course information.
• Blackboard Training - Local (MCC Professional Development Handbook - PDF File)
• You can also receive some training locally by contacting Debbie Wright, Instructional Technology and Distance Learning Specialist or MCC eMentors, Michael Rager and Debbie Wright for training assistance.
• Professional Development Training / Workshops (PDF File)
  • Information about various professional development offerings at Madisonville Community College can be found in the Professional Development Handbook
• Faculty Resources for E-learning
  • This area of our web site is to help you bring all those resources together so you can find them in one place. You will fins related e-learning information, include accessibility and copyright laws, Plagiarism information, Quality Matters, Seven Principles of Effective Teaching, and more.
• Important Links to Support Online Faculty and Students
  • As you prepare for semester startup, please be certain to review links below that support student retention/success and faculty support.