distance learning information
East Central Community College
Decatur, Mississippi

Distance Learning Information

Technical Requirements  | Responsibilities of an Online Student | Proctored Testing Information | Proctored Testing Hours | Test Taking Tips | Test Taking Procedures

Technical Requirements

  1. An IBM-compatible PC with a Pentium Processor and Windows 95, 98, or NT or a Macintosh with MAC 7.5 or above

  2. 16 MB of RAM

  3. 100 MB of free HD space

  4. A CD-ROM with sound card

  5. A 3.5’ High-Density floppy disk drive

  6. A 28.8 kbs modem

  7. An Internet connection through an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

  8. A current version of Netscape or Internet Explorer

  9. AOL browser is incompatible with many of the MSVCC functions. The use of AOL’s browser to take courses with the MSVCC is not recommended.

Responsibilities of an Online Student

·        It is the responsibility of the student to have access to a computer with Internet services, along with the required software package for a course. 

·        It is the responsibility of the student to have an e-mail account set up before registering for an online class. 

·        It is the responsibility of the student to make sure the prerequisite(s) for a course has been met before registering for the course. 

·        It is the responsibility of the student to stay in contact with the instructor of an online class. The student should log-in to the online class on the first day of class. (If the student is unable to contact an instructor, the student should email Dr. Chris Jenkins at cjenkins@eccc.edu ). 

·        It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements to obtain the needed textbooks for online classes by the first day of class. 

·        When an instructor requires a proctored exam for an online class, it is the responsibility of the student to contact ECCC and make the necessary arrangements to take the exam. 

·        Online courses demand that the student is an independent learner who can manage time effectively

Proctored Testing Information

East Central Community college uses proctored exams to ensure the integrity of student work. All students may schedule proctored exams at no cost.

In addition, students may make their own testing arrangements. Katie Sparkman, lead proctor at ECCC, must approve these arrangements at least 4 business days in advance. The application for Off-Campus proctoring may be obtained by contacting the Learning Skills Center in Newton Hall by phone at 601-635-2111 x428 or by email at ksparkman@eccc.edu.

Proctored Testing Hours
Monday 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday NO TESTING NO TESTING

To schedule a test, contact Katie Sparkman at ksparkman@eccc.edu or 601-635-2111 x428.

Test Taking Tips

  • Arrive early (10- 15 minutes) at the location

  • Be prepared to present a valid photo ID

  • If the instructor gives a student permission to use books or notes, please have the instructor notify Katie Sparkman prior to the test

  • If a student has the instructor’s day/night contact information, please bring it to the testing location

Test Taking Procedures

If a student accesses the test before arriving at the proctoring site, the student will not be allowed to access the test again after arriving at the proctoring site.*** 

  • Only the registered student may be present during the test

  • Log onto the Blackboard site (msvcc.blackboard.com) and access the test

  • At the prompt for the password, the proctor will enter the password

  • Complete the test and submit it.

If a student experiences any difficulty during the test, inform the proctor immediately and notify your instructor by email

  • Exit the testing area and sign out of the Blackboard site

Note:  The proctor is a monitor only and is not allowed to offer any assistance other than entering the password to access the test.