Introduction to Angel
Please view the following videos to learn more about Angel.  The first video guides you through the Read Me First section of an online course, and the second video discusses the course materials found in an online course. 

What is Angel?
Angel is an online course tool that facilitates learning by allowing faculty to create and manage an interactive web-based environment.

Should I have strong computer skills before I start a web enhanced or online course?
It helps if you are comfortable using a computer, and especially comfortable using the Internet and e-mail. Some or all of your course content will be online, and you will be communicating with your instructor and classmates either in online discussions or in e-mail.

If I take an online course, how do I access course materials?
All or most of your course material will be available on Angel. You will have access to your online course materials prior to the start date for the course. To access Angel, click on the Angel tab at the top of the Lethbridge College homepage or go to www.lconline.ca.

How will I submit assignments?
It depends on the course. Some instructors will ask you to submit your assignments to an assignment drop box, while others will ask you to e-mail assignments to them

How much time do I have to complete the course?
These courses follow the regular semester schedule starting in September, January, and May. Other important dates, such as add / drop and withdrawal deadlines are also the same as on-campus courses.

How will I get feedback from my instructor on my assignments?
Again, this depends on the course, but most instructors will use the assignment drop box or email to provide feedback to you.

How should I contact my instructor?
You can e-mail, phone, or visit your instructor if you live close to Lethbridge College.

What if I'm having trouble accessing Angel?
Contact the help desk by clicking on the Angel Support Centre button on the lconline website.

What if I'm having trouble completing the course on time?
Talk to your instructor as soon as you start having trouble.

What does it mean to take a course through eCampus Alberta?
Fifteen colleges and technical institutes from across Alberta have joined together to provide quality online learning opportunities for students. To learn more about eCampus and to see a listing of the different courses offered, visit their website: www.ecampusalberta.ca

My browser crashed in the middle of taking a quiz. Can I still finish it?
If you experience a browser or computer crash during a quiz you will be able to log back in. When you begin the quiz again, the answers that you have previously saved will be there. If there is a time limit to the exam, the time will not stop and the exam will be submitted if that limit runs out. The exam will need to be reset by your instructor or invigilator if the time runs out.

Basic user requirements

• Can access the internet through Lethbridge College on-campus computer lab or through an internet service provider
• Proficient in using a web browser (for example, Internet Explorer or Firefox)
• Proficient sending and receiving e-mail

Intermediate user Requirements

• Meet basic requirements plus:
  • Proficient at using a word processing program
  • Proficient at sending attachments via e-mail
  • Proficient at downloading software or documents

Advanced use requirements

• Meet intermediate requirements plus:
  • Meet course specific additional requirements

Tips for Online Learning

• Talk to your instructor often. You can do this easily through e-mail, phone calls, or visits (if you live close).
• Have access to a computer and software that meets minimum requirements for taking online courses. Remember that you can usually find computers, with Internet access, at your local library.
• Browse through the entire course before you start doing any assignments. This will help you understand course design, as well as the number, types, and due dates for readings and assignments.
• Be prepared to spend 10 to 12 hours each week working on your course. Some courses will require more time, and some will require less.
• Stay caught up with your weekly assignments. This will take self-discipline throughout the entire course. Set goals for yourself and keep them!
• Always keep a copy of assignments that you submit to your instructor.
• Seek help if you run into trouble. This might mean asking your instructor questions about a specific assignment, or contacting the help desk if you are having technology issues.

Tips for Participating in an Online Discussion

• Read through the instructions carefully. Be familiar with your instructor's expectations for things like number and length of postings and responses.
• Use specific subject lines in your postings so other readers know the topic of your message.
• Log onto your discussion board every day, or at least 5 days a week. Depending on the expectations for the course, you may find that you have to limit time spent each day reading and responding to the discussion.
• Think before responding!
  • You may want to draft your message in Word first, and then copy and paste it into the discussion posting when it is complete.
  • If you feel very passionate about a topic, sometimes it is difficult to write using an appropriate tone. If you are worried about tone, find a second reader before you post your message to the discussion board.
• Communicate clearly. Pay attention to correct grammar and mechanics. Mistakes make your message more difficult for your reader.
• Keep your message brief and to the point.
• Always consider your audience when composing messages or responding to other postings. Who is my primary reader? Who else will read this message? Remember that postings to discussion boards are very public.
• Avoid using ALL CAPS. This communicates that you are shouting. If you feel a need to send an angry posting, take a break to think about your message, especially the purpose of your posting and your audience.