Online Learning

Blackboard

Wake Tech's online courses use the Blackboard learning management system.

Online courses are available by Key Account login to Blackboard, providing students with a convenient alternative to traditional on-campus classes. Online courses begin on the first day of the term. Some courses may include required on-campus meetings. Before registration, check the course schedules in Self-Service to determine if an instructor requires any on-campus sessions. Students taking online courses must have access to a personal computer with an internet connection and browser software.

Hybrid courses combine regular classroom meetings with online instruction in Blackboard, reducing the number of hours a class meets on campus. Check the course schedules in Self-Service to determine when a hybrid course meets on campus. Students taking a hybrid course must have access to a personal computer with an internet connection and browser software.

For all courses, note the following:

  • New students must complete the eLearning Intro before enrolling in an online course.
  • Online courses are not available immediately upon registration. They will appear in your personal Blackboard account on the first day of the term.
  • Log in to Blackboard with your Wake Tech student email account and password to open your online courses.
  • Contact your instructor or Blackboard Support if you are unable to log in.

Online course preparation

  1. Make sure your computer is ready for online learning

    —  Update your operating system (Microsoft Windows updates | Mac OS X updates)

    —  Install a Blackboard-certified browser

    —  Adjust your browser, if necessary.

  2. If you are new to Wake Tech or have not taken an online course at Wake Tech in the last five years, you must complete the eLearning Intro before you may register for an online course. The free orientation is available in Blackboard and can be taken at any time. Log in to Wake Tech's Blackboard system with your Key Account username and password, and click the eLearning Intro link in your Courses list.
  3. Log in to Blackboard on the first day of the term with your Wake Tech student email account and password.

  4. Check your Wake Tech email account

    —  Students automatically receive free Office 365 email accounts through the college's student portal, my.waketech.edu. To activate your Office 365 email, log in to the portal.

    —  Your Wake Tech email address is the default email for your online courses. Instructors will reply only to official Wake Tech email messages.

On the first day of an online course, open the course in Blackboard and follow these steps:

  1. Read the announcements
  2. Locate the syllabus and the course schedule
  3. Determine how the instructor takes attendance in the class

Questions?

Contact your instructor if you have a question or concern about content of the online course. If you are having technical problems with Blackboard, contact your instructor or visit the online technical support page.