Computing and Information Technology Center

Online courses are regular university courses in which a majority of the classroom instruction is replaced with instruction in a Web-based learning environment. In an online course, you login to a virtual classroom to complete lessons and other activities your instructor has developed. Communications with your instructor and classmates take place using a combination of email, text-based discussion forums, and live text or voice-based chats. Assessments and assignments are also generally completed and submitted in the virtual classroom. Not all online courses take place 100% in the online environment. Some courses blend online instruction and activities with on-campus class meetings.

Who Can Take Online Courses?

Any UNT student can take an online course. The university offers approximately 1,000 online courses sections per long semester. Several degree programs are offered completely online including three undergraduate completion programs.

How do I Register and Prepare for an Online Course?

• Search for courses by keyword or browse by semester: access UNT eCampus and search for course information, prerequisites, instructor, number of class meetings (if any), course objectives, textbooks, and any technical requirements beyond those you would normally need for any online course.
  
  
• Register for online courses: login to MyUNT and click on "Student Center" link. The "Student Center" page will have links to "Add a Class", "Drop a Class", "Search for Classes", "Pay Tuition", and more.
  
  The Academic/Registration Calendar, Class Schedule Information by Semester, Schedule of Classes by Department, and Final Exam Schedules can all be found at http://essc.unt.edu/registrar/schedule.htm . You will find online courses on the course schedule with the designation INET. Be sure to watch for any required class meeting dates and locations and note them on your calendar!
  
  
• Set up your computer and browser settings: To use Blackboard Vista, you will need a computer with Internet access, or you can access your classes from any of the General Access Labs. You will also need a supported browser and Java version. The Blackboard Vista Browser and Computer and Settings page provides minimum technical requirements and instructions for configuring you computer. If you need assistance with these settings, please call the UNT Computing Center Helpdesk or email vista@unt.edu.
  
  
• Log into your online course: Be sure to log in to your online course the first day of the semester and let your instructor know you are there. Most UNT online courses use a course management system called Blackboard Vista. To log in, go to http://ecampus.unt.edu (you can also login by clicking “Course Login” from the UNT eCampus site.)
  
  
• Learn how to use Blackboard Vista: The Blackboard Vista Student Resources pages provide some instructions on using tools. You can also access the Blackboard Vista tutorial. All UNT Blackboard Vista students are automatically enrolled in this short tutorial. If you do not see it listed when you log into Blackboard Vista, on your MyBlackboard Homepage, you may self-enroll here: http://dls.unt.edu/tools/enroll_tutorial.pl.