Distance Learning
South Arkansas Community College
What is distance learning?
How onine classes work
How do I start my online class? You need to log in to our learning management system (Blackboard) on the first day of class (or the first day after you have enrolled in a class during the add/drop period). Once inside the system, you will see links to each of your online classes. Click on each link to enter into the class forum. Your instructors will have information ready for you, outlining how their class works.
Where do I go to log in? Go to the Blackboard login page. This link is located on the SouthArk home page (www.southark.edu). Enter your student username and password into the designated areas and then click “login.”
What is my user name and password? Your username is the first three letters of your first name, the first three letters of your last name, and the last four digits of your student ID number. (e.g. if John Doe’s Student ID number is 7862-456-2481 then his user name will be johdoe2481). Your password is your date of birth and the first initial of your first and last name in capital letters. (e.g. if John Doe was born on January 1, 1990 his password would be 01011990JD).
How often do I need to log in? Because the number may vary with each online class, your instructors will normally provide this information in their class syllabus.
What if I need technical assistance with my online class? If you have any problems or issues with Blackboard, contact the aelearn Help Desk at (877) 856-9794. The Help Desk is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Central).
Trouble logging in?
Where to log in: The Blackboard login page can be located at blackboard.southark.edu, or you can locate a link directing you to the page at the bottom of SouthArk’s home page under the Resources column. Simply enter your student username and password into the designated areas and you will be directed to your personal Blackboard page.
Username: Your SouthArk username is the first three letters of your first name, the first three letters of your last name and the last four digits of your student ID. (ex. John Doe’s student ID number is 555-00-5050. John’s SouthArk username would be jondoe5050.)
Password: Your SouthArk password is your date of birth and the first initial of your first name in caps and the first initial of your last name in caps. (ex. John Doe’s date of birth is July, 05 1993. John’s SouthArk password would be 07051993JD.)
Tips for success in onine classes
Log on frequently: It is very important that you log in to your class within the first two days of class. It is also important to log in several times a week, since this is how your instructor communicates with you.
Read the syllabus: The syllabus could be different for every class so you need to carefully read each one for each class. It will contain various rules/guidelines you need to follow as a student in the class as well as a student in this community college.
Participate: You must participate in the class activities to remain in the class. Review this part of the syllabus to see exactly what your instructor’s policy is.
Speak up: If you don’t understand something, instructional or content related, ask your instructor.
Don’t procrastinate: Online classes require a lot of self-discipline and motivation in order to be successful. It is your responsibility to keep track of the due dates for all class activities so you do not miss them.
Get Help: If you need instructional help and/or tutoring, contact the Leaning Center. If you need technical help, contact the aelearn Help Desk at (877) 856-9794. The Help Desk is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Central).
South Arkansas Community College
Email: DistanceLearning@southark.edu
Website: www.southark.edu
Location: 300 North West Avenue, El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: 870.862.8131
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southark?fref=ts
Twitter: @southarkcommed