eStarkState Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is my login and password?
What is ANGEL?
My login doesn't work. What should I do?
Why take an online course?
What is the difference between "online" courses and "Web-enhanced" courses?
Can I use AOL to access my course?
Do I need to be an expert on the computer?
My instructor has attached a document in Microsoft Word. I don't have Microsoft Word on my PC at home. What should I do?
Do I have to access my course Web site at the same time every day?
How do I receive my course materials, such as the syllabus and assignments?
Will I need books?
Will thousands of other people be taking my class at the same time as me?
I worry that I'll miss the face-to-face contact of a classroom. Will I be able to communicate with the instructor or other students?
What if I start a class and decide it's not for me?
What are the requirements for taking a Web course?
How do I know if a course is a Web learning course?
I click on a link, and the link comes up blank. What should I do?
Can I take online classes if I do not live in Northeast Ohio?
Can I start an online class anytime or work at my own pace?
Will I be required to come to the campus?
Who will be my instructor?
Can I access and use the online course site from any computer?
Can I use a computer at Stark State College to take an online course?
Why do I see “Course Not Available: This course will not be available until…” when I try to access my ANGEL course?
Do I need to buy a parking permit?

What is my login and password?
All of your accounts will use the same format for the User Name and the initial default Password.
Your User Name is the first initial of your first name, your last name, your two-digit birth month and two digit birth day. Example: Fredrick M. Last, born on June 15, 1992, would be flast0615

NOTE: If your User Name duplicates that of a previously-enrolled student, the birth day portion of the number will be incremented until a unique user name is assigned to your account.

Your default Password is your first, middle, last initial, period, and the first six digits of your social security number. Example: using the above user information, and if Fred’s social security number is 123-45-6789, the password would be fml.123456

NOTE: if you did not provide a middle name or initial, use an “ x” for your middle initial.

What is ANGEL?
ANGEL is suite of simple, yet powerful online teaching and learning tools.

My login doesn't work. What should I do?
Review the information here. If you are still experiencing trouble, contact the Help Desk.

Why take an online course?
Web-based or Web-enabled courses may be more convenient for a student with a busy work, travel, home or class schedule. They may also be more convenient for students who have problems with transportation or child care arrangements. If you have time to devote to a class, but cannot commit to a specific day, time and location, you may want to consider e-learning options. Some students also enjoy the interaction benefits online such as being able to communicate anytime, anyplace with other members of the class.

What is the difference between "online" courses and "Web-enhanced" courses?
An online course or Web-delivered course is taught exclusively over the Web with little or no face-to-face contact with the instructor and classmates. A Web-enabled course offers a portion of the class time (typically 50 percent) in class and the remaining class time over the Web. Web-enhanced courses are traditional classroom courses in which the content is supplemented by additional content on the Web.

Can I use AOL to access my course?
America Online users have reported difficulties with some ANGEL features. Click here to test your browser.

Do I need to be an expert on the computer?
No. If you can send email and attach files to email, and if you can access the Internet, you should have no problem. Computer basics such as how to create folders and files are helpful. Take the "Am I Ready for Web Learning" survey to gauge your skills and temperament for taking a Web course. Each course is designed to lead you through the logical steps to completion. You should also review the individual course description for any special requirements. Stark State College offers an e-learning orientation. This orientation is strongly recommended to all students prior to the start of an online course.

My instructor has attached a document in Microsoft Word. I don't have Microsoft Word on my PC at home. What should I do?
Microsoft provides free viewers for its products. These viewers allow you to open and print the file. Click here for more information.

Do I have to access my course Web site at the same time every day?
Typically, the answer is no. However, you will be required to log in several times per week at hours that are convenient to you. Your instructor may also identify specific login requirements. Online courses do not take less time than traditional classes, but the time you choose is more flexible.

How do I receive my course materials, such as the syllabus and assignments?
Your syllabus, course outline, lecture materials and assignments will be included in your online course which you will access through ANGEL. You may also be required to purchase an access code or book through the Stark State College bookstore.

Will I need books?
Most courses do require that you use a specified textbook.

Will thousands of other people be taking my class at the same time as me?
No, enrollment is limited in each class. Most classes are limited to 20 students to allow for one-on-one communication with your instructor.

I worry that I'll miss the face-to-face contact of a classroom. Will I be able to communicate with the instructor or other students?
Many people mistakenly assume that they'll feel isolated in a Web learning course. To their surprise, most find that Web learning courses actually provide a high degree of personal contact. Not only will you and your instructor communicate directly, everyone in the class will have the ability to communicate online.

What if I start a class and decide it's not for me?
Check the academic calendar for drop dates and contact your advisor for recommendations.

What are the requirements for taking a Web course?
Click here for this information.

How do I know if a course is a Web learning course?
Web courses begin with an index number that is in the 97000-97999, or 98000-98999 range. Web courses are also identified with a W2, or W3 in the class schedule. Click here for more information.

Iclick on a link, and the link comes up blank. What should I do?
First, try to click on some other links, and try to reboot. There are specific browsers which ANGEL supports. In addition, there are specific browser settings which are required to use ANGEL. Contact the Help Desk (helpdesk@starkstate.net or 330-494-6170, Ext. HELP (4357) for assistance.

Can I take online classes if I do not live in Northeast Ohio?
Web-delivered classes are noted with a W3 in the course catalog. However, an instructor may require students to take exams in a secure testing environment (proctored testing). If students cannot come to the SSC Testing Center, they may make arrangements for tests at a local testing center.

Can I start an online class anytime or work at my own pace?
No. Stark State College classes are not self-paced. The class will mirror a traditional class including start and end dates. Although different instructors will have different requirements, each instructor will require the student to participate online a minimum number of times per week.

Will I be required to come to the campus?
Many of our students come from other states, and some students have taken classes while in other countries! Fully-online classes are designated as W3 courses. Instructors of W3 classes may require campus visits for tests, but remote students may make arrangements to take tests elsewhere, such as a local testing center or library. Students who are unable to come to campus may complete a few proctoring forms and then arrange to take their exams under the supervision of an education official, such as a librarian, teacher, education director at a hospital, staff director, human services training director, or any military officer of higher rank than the student. Contact the eStarkState for assistance.

Who will be my instructor?
Online classes are taught by the same Stark State College instructors who teach our traditional classes.

Can I access and use the online course site from any computer?
Yes, as long as the computer meets the minimum requirements. You can log into your course from any computer with a Web browser and Internet access.

Can I use a computer at Stark State College to take an online course?
This is not recommended. Computers in the computer lab are available for use by all Stark State College students on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no guarantee that a computer will always be available. It is recommended that any student in a Web-enabled or Web-delivered class have access to a computer outside of Stark State College. Click here for more information.

Why do I see “Course Not Available: This course will not be available until…” when I try to access my ANGEL course?
Web 2 and Web 3 courses in ANGEL are not accessible until the start date of each semester. For a Web 1 course, the instructor will let you know when you will be able to access ANGEL. You can contact the Help Desk if you believe you should be able to get into a course and cannot.

Do I need to buy a parking permit?
Students who are enrolled ONLY for Web classes do not have to purchase a parking permit. For those couple of times a semester that they must come to the campus they may park in any student parking area. If the student receives a parking ticket for not having a parking decal, they are to contact the Security Office. Once security has confirmed the student’s status, the ticket will be voided. Web students must comply with all other parking regulations.

Students who are taking regular classes in addition to Web classes must purchase a parking permit. Campus parking regulations can be viewed online.

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