FAQ for Students

How frequently is WebCT down?
Very infrequently - WebCT is about 99 percent reliable.  WebCT has a back up server.

If WebCT is reliable, why can't I get to it?
Sometimes it appears WebCT is down but actually there are other connection problems to consider.  Some of these include: the student is not properly registered for this class; the student is trying to log in outside the a pre-defined time; the student does not have an understanding of how the account and password works which is explained at myuser.nmu.edu.

What is podcasting?
Click here: for Wikepedia, the free encyclopedia's definition

Are Online Degrees More Acceptable in the Workplace today?
Eighty-five percent of employers believe that online degrees are more acceptable today than they were five years ago, according to a survey of employers' attitudes toward online degreed job candidates by Vault Inc., a publishing firm focused on career and employment issues. The findings are based on 107 responses from companies representing a cross-section of U.S. industries.  Thirty-four percent of the respondents said they had encountered a job applicant with on online degree, with 20 percent reporting they have hired applicants with online degrees. However, most employers--54 percent--said they still favor job applicants with traditional degrees over those with online degrees. Forty-five percent said they would give job candidates with both types of degrees equal consideration.  Even though the majority of employers (86 percent) said they would be willing to accept a job applicant with an online degree, 14 percent said online bachelor's degrees and online graduate degrees are not acceptable.

How frequently is NMU's wireless network down?
Infrequently - mainly due to maintenance and upgrades.

What are some of the reasons I can't gain access to the wireless network in and around NMU?
The biggest reason is due to low signal strength.  There are some areas of campus that are still without any wireless signal.  A second reason may be due to the user's laptop's wireless device being switched off inadvertently.  There also may be a conflict with similar cordless devices sharing the same frequencies.  One laptop may bridge to another adjacent laptop if in close proximity which slows the performance of both machines.

What should students with only a dial-in connection think about before signing up for an online course?
Students need to inform their instructor if they only have access via a dial-in connection.  While a dial-in connection is adequate for most text-based web content, a faster connection is recommended if trying to access streaming video.  Access to high speed or broadband is preferable (various private companies offer packages at or near T1 speeds).  Try to get a cable, DSL, or satellite network access connection established.  A second consideration is the time it would take to mail CD's or DVD's that contain the instruction for a given session of the class to the student's residence if dial-in is the only connection option.