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Technology FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Reset your password. Make sure your password is reset by visiting COA Password Manager.
  2. Sign into Google. Go to Google and click the “sign in” button at the top right.
  3. Type in your full email address.
    Example

    COA ID Number: 0395012

    Student

    John A. Smith would have a username of john_smith12
    Student email address: [email protected]

    Employee

    Alice A. Smith would have a username of alice_smith12
    Employee email address: [email protected]

If you’re a new student at College of The Albemarle (COA), visit our student portal web page to activate your accounts.
Visit our Password Manager web page.
Once you’ve activated your accounts, return to MyCourses and sign in with the same username and password. Due to audit requirements, classes will be visible the first day of classes starting at 12:15 a.m., at which time you’ll be able to view your current semester’s schedule.

If you have any technical difficulties using MyCourses, please submit a Help Desk ticket on the support web page. Choose “10: STUDENT and 10: MyCourses” as the request type. If your login is not working, or you have technical difficulties activating your accounts or signing in to Gmail, reset your password. If you still experience difficulties with your login, email [email protected]. For all other inquiries regarding Distance Education support, email [email protected], or visit our Virtual Office during posted hours. If you need face-to-face assistance, visit one of COA’s Computer Labs and a library staff member will be happy to assist you.

For more information regarding MyCourses and online learning, visit the Distance Education web page.

Prior to the first day of class, visit our class schedules web page, locate your registered classes and use the “Textbook Info” link to view a list of required textbooks. You can then visit the bookstore to order your books online.

COA offers Microsoft Office for free to all students and employees. Please use your COA email account to register your copy. You can install this program on up to five devices. Get your copy at Office 365.

For more information, submit a Help Desk support ticket.

Visit GCF Learn Free. The technology section offers tutorials for basic computing and various operating systems. The Microsoft Office section has tutorials for Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher (Office XP, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013). The mobile applications section offers applications to help you learn through your smartphone.

If you’re having an issue with MyLabsPlus, keep in mind that your access code is case sensitive, so be sure to enter letters in the appropriate case. Another common issue arises when purchasing from somewhere other than the bookstore and accidentally getting a MyLabs access code rather than a MyLabsPlus access code (you’ll need to buy the “Plus” version).

If you’re still having issues, please contact the Pearson™ help desk (MyLabsPlus is supported through Pearson) at 888-883-1299 or 800-677-6337, available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Resources

Pearson’s student support for MyMathLab

MyCompLab resources

Please visit the Cengage technical support web page or call 866-267-4986.

Other Support Resources

Pearson’s Student Support for MyMathLab

Pearson Support

Visit Tutor, a free online tutoring assistance program that provides unlimited access to a network of tutors 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Tutors are available via audio and chat, and appointments can be spontaneous or scheduled. Written assignments can also be “dropped off” for review. You can receive help with writing, mathematics, reading, science, business, Spanish, nursing, allied health, computers and technology. The Tutor.com link can be found in any of your MyCourses classes.

Technology requirements might vary among your classes. For example, in some classes you may have the option to proctor exams. In Information technology (IT) and web design classes, you might need a faster computer with special software, but an English class may have minimal requirements. However, there are some technology requirements common to all learning experiences at COA.

1 Operating Systems

Your computer should be able to support one of the following operating systems:

  • Microsoft Windows 10 or newer
  • MacOS 12 or later

2 Hardware

  • A desktop or laptop computer
  • Audio/Speakers
  • A webcam and microphone (required in some classes)
  • Network capabilities – either wireless or wired

3 Programs

Your computer should have the following free programs installed to improve your online experience:

  • Adobe™ Acrobat Reader

4 Browsers

  • Google Chrome (recommended)
  • Mozilla Firefox (recommended)
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Safari™

5 Internet Access

Students taking online courses must have broadband Internet access at home or at a location where they can spend adequate time to complete online coursework.

6 Productivity Software

Your computer should have the following software installed:

  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Note: COA offers Microsoft Office for free to current students and employees. You can access this via the OneLogin Portal: https://albemarle.onelogin.com/

For more information, submit a Help Desk support ticket.

7 Open Computer Labs

Computers are available for student use at each College of The Albemarle Locations.

Please note: COA students and employees will be unable to access myService when traveling outside the United States.