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- Five Steps to Get Started
- Using D2L (Desire2Learn)
- Online Learning Frequently Asked Questions
- About Non-D2L Courses
Five Steps to Get Started
We are pleased you have registered for an online course(s) and hope you have a successful learning experience at Oakton.
Please follow the steps below to get started learning online.
Step One:
Find Out Course Requirements
- Some course information is posted on the Courses Offered page. More specific course information is also posted in your course website, which will open on the date the class is scheduled to begin.
- Find out what will be expected of you in your online course(s). Check out these guidelines on what to look for.
Step Two:
Activate Your Email Address
Faculty need an email address for communicating with you. You can activate the Oakton email address provided to students or supply another email address for forwarding Oakton correspondence.
After logging into My Oakton, select the email icon near the top of the page to check that your preferred email address is active. If not, refer to the instructions provided or go to Update Email Addresses listed under Personal Information in the Register/Pay/Grades tab of your My Oakton web page.
Step Three:
Access your online course
(on the start date of the course)
Access to online courses generally begins on the start date of the course (your instructor will know if there is an exception).
To access your Online course:
Click on "MyOakton" from Oakton's home page, www.oakton.edu, and follow the login instructions. Then click on the "My courses" tab, then on the "My Courses" channel. You should see all your courses listed here. (Be sure to select the correct semester in the drop-down menu.) When you click on your online course, you will be linked directly to the course homepage, or to course information your instructor has provided.
If you experience difficulty, please contact the Alternative Education office for assistance: alt-ed@oakton.edu, ph: 847-635-1971.
Step Four:
Set up Back-up Plans
What will you do if your computer crashes or your Internet connection fails just before a big assignment or test is due? What if your car breaks down, or you become ill just before you plan to take your final exam?
Figure out some back-up plans, and try to allow yourself extra time before deadlines to work out problems.
- Do you have a back-up computer with Internet access?
- A friend or neighbor whose computer you can use? Late at night?
- What about the local library?
- Do you know how to reach your instructor in the event of an emergency? (Be sure to contact your instructor right away when you have a difficulty – not several days later!) Record in a secureplace your instructor's contact information, including phone and email address, plus Oakton's phone number and address.
Step Five:
Prepare for Success Online
We want you to be successful in your online course. Be sure to start your coursework promptly on the course start date and seek assistance right away, if needed.
Most online courses at Oakton utilize D2L. Note: The type of learning platform (MyMathLab, D2L, etc.) will be identified in the banner heading when you log into your course.
Additional Information
