How To Get Started In Your Online
Mathematics Class At Mesa Community College

Most online classes in the MCC Mathematics Department do not use WebCT. We use a product called CourseCompass/MyMathLab. Your instructor may, however, provide further instructions through the WebCT portal (http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/mymcc). You should log into your class through WebCT if it is available to see if your instructor provided such instructions. The following instructions only apply to classes uses CourseCompass/MyMathLab.

1. Establish a MCC E-Mail Account: Your instructor will very likely contact you initially through your MCC E-Mail account. Please make sure you have created an MCC E-Mail account and maintain it. You can access or establish your MCC E-Mail account at http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/mymcc.
 

Students... Clean Out Your MCC E-Mail Account
Create An MCC E-Mail Account If You Don't Have One

(You will receive important information from your instructor in your MCC e-mail account.)
   
2. The Textbooks and Student Access Code: Your instructor or the campus bookstore will let you know which textbook you need for your class. Only new textbooks come with access codes, but there are other ways to obtain a student access code for your class.

>>> Used Textbooks DO NOT Have Student Access Codes <<<

From The College Bookstore: The publisher of the book has agreed to package the access code with new textbooks available for purchase at the Southern and Dobson and Red Mountain CAMPUS bookstores. You must have the student access code to gain access to the online classes.

Online Textbook Only: You can purchase the student access code online for approximately $50 which will give you access to your course and also provide you access to the online version of the textbook (essentially a PDF version of your textbook). This, of course, requires frequent access to a computer to view the textbook as you cannot copy or print it.

Other Sources - You can purchase used textbooks online or from bookstores, but they will NOT have the student access code. This access code can be purchased for an additional fee (see Online Textbook Only above). Again, if you purchase a new textbook from the Southern and Dobson or Red Mountain CAMPUS bookstore, it WILL contain the access code.

Reusing An Access Code: If you have taken an online course in the past year and are currently using the same textbook as you used in the past year, you may be able to reuse your old access code. Contact your instructor for help with this.

Caution: Do not unwrap your text until you are certain you want to take this class online. The textbook can not be returned once it is unwrapped. Used textbooks DO NOT have the necessary access code.  
   
3. Course ID: Your instructor will provide you the Course ID for your class via your MCC e-mail account or through your class on the WebCT portal (http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/mymcc/). If you do not recieve the Course ID, contact your instructor via e-mail right away (http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/contacts/).
   
4. Set Up Your Online Account: Set up your online course account at the site given to you by your instructor. This will most likely be in your syllabus. Follow the instructions on your screen. They will guide you through the setup process. Each instructor sets the date by which you can establish your account. If that date has not arrived the online management system will not allow you to establish your account. Try back later.
   
5. Install the necessary plug-ins: You will need certain plug-ins (software) to begin the class as well as do a browser compatibility check. The online management system will walk you through both of these tasks. Please note that public computers may not have these plug-ins on the computers, so you may not be able to use some public computers for your class. The computers in the MCC open labs should have the plug-ins installed. Please note that MCC nor your instructor can help with technical issues with your computer. You will need to contact the Tech Support associated with your online management system.
   
6. Get Started: Once you have installed the plug-ins, done a browser check, and registered into your online management system, you can log into your class and start working..