Getting started with online classes at Oakton is the same as getting started with any other credit course; you will have to go through the admission and registration process, meet any applicable prerequisites and obtain your textbook(s) if required. You can do each of these activities online. If you fill out the admission application online, it can be processed nearly right away.
When classwork is done exclusively online, there are certain technical and learner issues that are very important to consider. View the resources below to prepare yourself for taking an online course.
Getting Started
Click on "MyOakton" from Oakton's home page and follow the login instructions. Go to the "My Courses" tab. You should see all your courses listed here. When you click on your online course, you will be linked directly to the course homepage in D2L.
When you are out of the country or when MyOakton is down, you should log in to Desire2Learn (D2L) directly at https://d2l.oakton.edu.
*Disclaimer: Oakton limits connections from outside the U.S. to many of its systems, including myOakton. If you plan to be out of the country for part or all of a term, you will not be able to pay your bill, check your grades, register, or perform other transactions usually accessible through myOakton. In addition, some online classes are not accessible from outside the U.S.
The first step toward a successful online learning experience is to be aware of what is expected of you in the course.
- Will your class require textbooks or textbook access codes?
- What are the attendance requirements? What activities can you expect?
- What are the technical requirements (software, hardware, webcam, mic, etc.)?
- What is the preferred communication method of your online instructor?
You can find answers to these questions when you log into your course in D2L and review the course syllabus, your instructor's welcome letter and any other documents provided by your instructor.
To communicate with your instructor, you will need to set up your email. You can activate your Oakton email address or supply another email address where you would like to receive emails from Oakton. If you need assistance with your Oakton email, contact the IT Help Deskat 847.635.1965.
What will you do if your computer crashes or your Internetconnection fails? Be prepared with a backup plan. Do you have an extra computer with Internetaccess? Do you need a loaner computer from Oakton? Do you have a friend or neighbor whose computer you can use? Do you have access to a local library?
Make sure that your computer meets the technical requirements for your online course. Your computer and internet connection must pass the system check. Some courses will require higher specs, which will be noted in the description for each course.
Technical Requirements
If you don't have a home computer or it doesn't work for you, students can visit one of Oakton's computer labs and use the computers. Most public libraries also offer computer access. For technology needs, students can loan borrow a Google Chromebook, Hot Spot, Webcam, etc. from the IT Help Desk. Contact IT Help Desk at 847.635.1965 for details.
Access Codes
Many online courses require you to have access codes to enter specialized learning sites. If required, most access codes are packaged with the correct textbook for the course and section. Access code questions should be directed to the instructors and not to the Office of Online Learning. Note: Used texts will not have an active access code and will require the student to purchase an access code separately.
Using Desire2Learn (D2L)
It is important to get familiar with D2L, the Oakton online Learning Management System, before participating in your online course. Here you can access your assignments and course materials, review resources, participate in discussions, view grades, complete classwork and more. If you need assistance navigating D2L, view our D2L Student Tutorial. If you have difficulty logging in, try these troubleshooting tips or contact the IT Help Desk at 847.635.1965.
About Non-D2L Courses
Some courses do not use D2L and instead make use of non-Oakton sites like MyMathLab. It is important for students to familiarize themselves with the technical demands and support provided by non-Oakton hosted classes. If you have any questions, check with your instructor first. Your instructor will know if any problems you have must be resolved outside of Oakton.
State-licensed Professions
Some courses may be used in preparation for state-licensed professions. Many of those are regulated by the individual states and Oakton has no way of certifying the complete applicability of these for any state outside of Illinois. Information about licensed occupations is gathered in each state by Labor Market Information units under a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. VisitCareerOneStopfor information.
