Student Resources

Distance Education Support for Students

Distance Education at USC Upstate consists of teaching modality that is independent of time and place and comprised of the most up-to-date pedagogical strategies and innovative technologies to engage the learner. In distance education classes, instruction may not include face to face interaction; therefore, you should plan to study and complete your assignments on your own. Distance education learners need strong motivation to learn, the ability to work independently, the capacity to follow instructions, and solid study skills. Additionally, the ability to use a variety of technologies is key.

Below are resources and contacts to support your success in courses offered through Distance Education at USC Upstate:

• View the Frequently Asked Questions for Distance Education
• Are you certain you are ready to be an online learner? Take this brief self-assessment quiz to gauge your readiness for a distance education course. Simply type in your name and click login to begin.
• Seven Digital Learning Tips for Students - published by EduTopia, 2012
• Glossary of Common Distance Education Terminology

Distance Education Support Resources

Technology Assistance:

• Navigating Blackboard 9.1
• Blackboard Overview Tour
• Helpful Login Assistance Tutorials from ITS
• How to set or reset your Bb password - *passwords to Bb expire every 6 months and need to be reset
• Help with USC Upstate Email
• IT Helpdesk: 864-503-5257
• Compatible Internet Browsers for Blackboard
• Accessing "Films on Demand" using Internet Explorer 9 - due to a settings issue with IE9, you will need to set your computer to accept cookies before you can access any Films on Demand through our USC Upstate Library and within Blackboard. If you need to, here's how to change your settings to accept cookies.
• Office 365

Academic Support Assistance:

• Student Affairs - special services for distance education students from Disability Services, Non-traditional Student Services, and Counseling Services
• Disability Services - click here to view the accommodation process
• Library Support- services and assistance provided for distance education students by the USC Upstate Library
• Writing Assistance - use this site to view tutorials on professional writing skills
• Writing Center - call to schedule a session via SKYPE
• Bookstore - online shopping that allows students to identify and order textbooks for distance education courses without coming to campus
• Admissions Office