How Online Classes Work
The Pacific Oaks online program uses the eCollege platform. The program is Web-based, meaning you must be connected to the Internet in order to read and respond. You may connect at any time of the day or night that is convenient for you, usually three to six times per week, depending on the class format. The program stores messages in a way that allows all Pacific Oaks onliners to communicate and interact with each other asynchronously (from different locations and at different times).
Newcomers' Orientation
Orientation consists of a self-paced tutorial that will help you get acquainted with other Pacific Oaks students and faculty. Orientation faculty are available for help and moral support and the rest of the PO Online Community can be counted on to be friendly and helpful as well. You will find additional instructions and guidance in the "Welcome Newcomers" section of the POC Community Center on eCollege.
View the orientation video
Allow at least two weeks to become fully acquainted with the eCollege platform, more if this is your first online learning experience. Be sure to note the starting dates for your courses and plan your time so you will be finished with Orientation well before your first class begins. Logging in promptly after receiving your login note is recommended since the Community Center gives students access to additional class information and resources prior to class.
Note: Orientation is separate from (and in addition to) any pre-class coursework assigned by the instructors of your upcoming online courses. Most Pacific Oaks online courses require reading and some assignments to be completed prior to the first day of class.
Obtaining a Login and Password
Password and login information for eCollege will be sent to your Pacific Oaks student email as soon as your registration is processed. Log in via the link provided in the email and follow the directions for finding the Student Orientation Tutorial and the POC Community Center.
Help
There are different sources for help, depending on your problem. You will get the quickest resolution if you go to the right source, however, any of the below can redirect you if necessary, so don't hesitate to call whenever you get stuck. Here's a guide:
For login/password information and help with your Pacific Oaks student email account:
The Pacific Oaks helpdesk is available weekdays during business hours by phone 626.529.8401 or email Pacific Oaks helpdesk.
For technical difficulties and questions about the eCollege platform:
The eCollege helpdesk is available 24/7 by phone 800.767.0536 or email eCollege helpdesk.
For booklists and pre-class information:
Booklists are available on the MBS Direct Books website at: http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/pacificoaks.htm. Hybrid Online students can access booklists, pre-class assignments and information from instructors by clicking on "Class Information" under "Pacific Oaks Cafe" on eCollege and selecting the course title.
Course Format Definitions
- Online - Online students enroll exclusively in online courses.
- Hybrid - Hybrid students enroll in a combination of online and on-site courses.
Program Contact Information
Dr. Kalani Beyer
Dean for the School of Education
Lena Runestad
Student Advisor for 100% online programs
Dr. Judy Magee
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Betty Jones
Emeritus, Advisor
Technical Requirements
Most users will be able to readily connect to the website without adjustments. For questions about any of the below, please contact the eCollege helpdesk.
| Windows Users |
Mac OS Users |
- Windows 2000, XP, Vista, or 7
- 28.8 kbps modem (56K recommended)
- Soundcard and Speakers
- Internet Explorer 8.0
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- Mac OS X
- 28.8 kbps modem (56K recommended)
- Speakers
- Safari 3.0
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| Screen Resolution: We recommend setting your screen resolution to 1024 X 768 pixels. If you currently see a horizontal scroll bar at the bottom of your screen and would like to eliminate this, you can do so by resizing your screen. Resize your screen by doing the following: |
| Windows Users |
Mac OS Users |
- Go to Start Menu on lower left-hand corner of your screen.
- Scroll up to settings. Choose Control Panel Option.
- Double click on Display Icon. Click on Settings tab.
- In the box titled DeskTop Area, make sure the setting is at 1024 X 768 or higher. (If it is not already, move the slider to right to change this setting.)
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- Click on the Apple Menu on the top left-hand corner of screen.
- Scroll down to Control Panels.
- Choose Monitor & Sounds from Menu.
- In the resolution box, make sure 1024 X 768 or higher is highlighted.
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| Browser Requirements: If a browser is not listed below, it has not been tested on the online platform. Users risks running into problems with the course software if they choose to use a nonsupported browser. Browsers listed below have been validated with the course platform. |
| Windows Users |
Mac OS Users |
- Recommended version: (Windows Internet Explorer)
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- Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0
- Recommended Version: (Mozilla Firefox)
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- Supported Versions: (Windows Internet Explorer)
-
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0
- Supported versions: (Mozilla Firefox)
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- Mozilla Firefox 2.0
- Mozilla Firefox 3.5
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- Recommended Version (Safari)
-
- Recommended Version (Mozilla Firefox)
-
- Supported Versions (Safari)
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- Supported versions: (Mozilla Firefox)
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- Mozilla Firefox 2.0
- Mozilla Firefox 3.5
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| Feature Requirements: These commonly used plug-ins may be required depending on the course or program. You will be able to access your course without them; however, you may not be able to access the specific feature. |
| Windows Users |
Mac OS Users |
- ClassLive
- Class Live Audio
- Supported Browser Plug-ins
- Assistive Technology
- Third-party CoursePacks
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- ClassLive
- Mac Class Live Audio
- Supported Browser Plug-ins
- Third-party CoursePacks
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| Additional Information:
Avoiding Inactivity Timeout: When an ISP's internal browser is not in use, the ISP will consider the user inactive and will disconnect the user after a period of time. To remain active and avoid being disconnected, return to the main page of the ISP (every half hour or so) and click on a link or check email. This will reset the ISP's "inactivity timer" and allow you to continue working in your online course.
Note: Courseware cannot be accessed using MSN TV (formerly Web TV).
Satellite & Cellular Internet Connections: If this is the only connection you have access to please note that you may experience sporadic issues while working in your online courses. If you report these problems to the helpdesk we will attempt to address them with your Satellite or Cellular connection provider
Wireless Routers & Connections: While working in your online courses via a wireless router or wireless connection you may experience problems such as various error messages. If you contact the online helpdesk please be aware that part of the troubleshooting process may be to have you bypass your wireless router or connection. If bypassing the wireless router resolves the problems you are experiencing you will either need to continue to bypass the router or contact the router manufacturer's support to further diagnose the source of this problem.
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