Questions and Answers
How do I log into my eLearning course?
Barton’s eLearning site is located at https://connect.barton.edu/ics. You will need your Barton College user ID and password in order to access your eLearning courses.
What is my Barton College username?
You must have a username and password to log into Campus Connect. For current students and employees, your username is the first letter of your first and middle names and your full last name. If you did not provide a middle name, then your username is your first name initial and full last name. Your username may have a number at the end if the initials and last name match an existing user (for example: John Dew Smith = jdsmith or jdsmith1). Your first password is your nine-digit ID number. If you have an ID card, it will be part of the 14 digit number on that card. To find your ID number, you will drop the first number and last 4 numbers (ID: 2 000123456 9999 -> Password: 000123456).
What are the characteristics of a successful online student?
- Has a computer at home, reliable internet connection, required computer hardware and software
- Knows how to work independently and keeps up with assignments
- Has the necessary skills, such as a college reading level
- Has completed any necessary prerequisites for the course
- Participates in orientation when applicable
- Begins course activities within the first week of the course
- Sets aside an adequate amount of time on a routine basis for study
- Contacts the instructor promptly with questions about any aspect of the course
- Knows basic word processing
- Knows how to use email
What technical requirements are required for online courses?
These are recommended minimum configurations. Certain academic programs may require a different configuration, so please check with your specific program for any additional requirements. Students may also want to consider purchasing a 1TB or larger USB external hard drive for backing up their computer system.
Minimum Recommended Laptop Specifications for PC
- Intel® Core™ i5 Processor or higher
- 8GB DDR3 SDRAM or higher
- Dedicated video card with minimum 1GB of video memory
- HDMI port for external monitor/projector
- HDMI cable
- 500GB+ (5400 rpm) hard drive
- DVD±RW (internal or external)
- 10/100/1000 Network interface
- Wireless 802.11g/n (minimum)
- Wireless 802.11ac dual band
- USB 2.0 or 3.0 ports
- OS: Windows 7 or 10, 64-bit
Minimum Recommended Laptop Specification for Mac OS
- 8GB RAM or higher
- OS: Yosemite (10.10) or higher
- 500GB+ (5400 rpm) hard drive
- HDMI port for external monitor/projector or adapter
- Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter
- HDMI cable
- DVD±RW (internal or external)
- 10/100/1000 Network interface
- Wireless 802.11g/n (minimum)
- Wireless 802.11ac dual band
- USB ports – at least 2 available
Documents should be submitted in Microsoft Office compatible formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, ppt., .pptx). The following software specifications are the minimum requirements:
- Office Suite: Microsoft Office 365
- Database: Access 2016
- Internet Browser: Firefox, Chrome, Safari (latest version)
- Browser Plug-ins: Adobe Reader (latest version)
- Media Players: Adobe Flash Player, Windows Media (latest version)
What should I do the first day of class?
- You should log into Campus Connect and go into each online course. Read the course syllabus. Students are required to complete the Syllabus Quiz within the first five days of the start of the semester; otherwise, they will be marked as “Never Attended” and will be dropped from the course.
- You should log into your Gmail account to ensure that it is working properly.
- If you encounter any technical issues, email Technology Support Services at support@barton.edu.
- Be sure you have all required software/hardware as specified in the syllabus.
- Email your professor if you have any questions regarding the course and/or course requirements.
What should I do if I can’t access my course?
If you experience any difficulties accessing your online course or submitting assignments, or if you encounter any other technical support issues, contact Technology Support Services (support@barton.edu), your professor, or the Director of Online and Continuing Education (lhraper@barton.edu).
Does my online course require additional software or hardware?
Check the course syllabus for this information.
How much time should I devote to my online course?
Typically, students should plan on three to four hours of work per week per credit hour. For a three-credit-hour course, you should set aside nine to 12 hours per week. While course requirements vary, you should also plan on interacting in your course several times during the week. Plan to spend extra time when you have papers, projects, or exams due.
What if I want or need to add/drop an online course?
Follow the add/drop procedures as specified in the College Catalog just as you would for a face-to-face course. You should also contact your advisor.
Are online classes easier than face-to-face versions?
No. This is a common myth about online learning. At Barton College, online and face-to-face courses must teach exactly the same skills to students. Nothing is omitted online, and online students have more individual responsibility to participate. If an online student dislikes reading, has poor time-management skills, or does not like using technology, an online delivery format will actually be harder. Some students report that they find online courses in subjects they like easier to complete; but online courses in subjects they dislike seem harder, and they prefer to take those subjects in a traditional face-to-face format.
What email do I need to use for my online course? Where can I activate my account?
Online courses require students to use their official Barton College email account. Look in Campus Connect for information regarding Gmail, under the Student Services page. Login assistance can be found here: https://connect.barton.edu.
What if I need adaptive software or equipment to access the internet?
Students with disabilities often require adaptive software or hardware to access the internet or to use word processing programs. Getting access to adaptive tools outside the campus is the responsibility of each student. For accommodations due to a disability, online students are required to work with the ADA Academic Coordinator, who can direct you to free tools and software programs. Learn more at https://www.barton.edu/student-health/disability-services/.
If I need help with something, is help available?
Absolutely! Online students have access to the same assistance as on-campus students, and information about some of the resources available are listed below:
If you are unable to find what you are looking for, please feel free to contact us, and we will help you get the information you need.
What if my question is not listed here?
Contact Technology Support Services at support@barton.edu, the Director of Online and Continuing Education at lhraper@barton.edu, and/or your professor.