Online Learning

You may be wondering if you can be a successful student in the online classroom. There are many questions to consider, discuss your options with one of Gateway’s advisors.

2 classes every 8 week session for 2 years = Graduation!

2|8|2 is an accelerated Associate of Arts or Associate in Science degree offered 100% online. Your Advising Plan takes the guesswork out of which classes you need and when. Taking two classes at a time through the 2|8|2 program, gives you better school-life balance, setting you up for success. After completing your admissions steps and orientation, you’ll have a one-on-one advising appointment.

We offer quality online courses with multiple start dates.

Benefits of Online Courses:

• Local Center for eLearning support services
• Consistent policies, procedures, and academic calendar
• Access to local, Gateway resources: admissions, financial aid, tutoring, counseling
• Quality courses that follow national standards of excellence in online education

How does online learning work? 
You attend courses on the Internet using Blackboard Learn. You will also need access to the appropriate technology and a dependable Internet connection.

What kind of technology do I need?
A computer with Internet access is needed, some additional software depending on the course requirements may be necessary – Office is a Free Download (for PC and MacOS) for all KCTCS students. You should know basic word processing, how to use email, and how to attach documents. You will communicate with faculty and students in discussion groups, journals, blogs, and announcements.

How do online courses work? 
You read materials on the Internet and/or in a textbook, as well as view interactive lectures. You will take part in class discussions via discussion boards, journals, blogs. You get assignments from your instructor via Blackboard. Specific technical training is available from the Center for eLearning and from the Blackboard technical support page.

How do I take tests or submit assignments? 
You take tests and quizzes online, depending on the course and the test. You submit various assignments in Blackboard.

Where do I go to log into Blackboard? 
Blackboard can be accessed by going to MyPath and clicking the Blackboard Tile.

Gateway eLearning and Blackboard Student Support is available to assist you with online learning troubleshooting or questions you may have. 

Submit an eLearning Ticket

Gateway eLearning 
8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday 
gateway.elearning@kctcs.edu 

Blackboard Student Support 
24/7/365 
Student Support 
1-855-3GO-GCTC (1-855-346-4282) 

Training opportunities will be provided by the Center for eLearning. Watch for information on the Blackboard homepage. http://elearning.kctcs.edu.

All in-person and online courses at Gateway use Blackboard which is a learning management system. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that all Gateway students have a computer with reliable Internet access. Smart phones, tablets and/or Chromebooks may not provide reliable access. 

A computer with the following specs should be sufficient for online learning:

• Macintosh OS X (10.12 or higher) or Windows PC (8 or higher)
• 4 GB RAM (8 GM RAM or more is highly recommended)
• 20 GB of available hard-drive space
• Screen resolution set to 1280 X 1024
• Broadband/high-speed uninterrupted Internet access; minimum speed of 1.5 Mbps download, 750 Kbps upload
• Webcam, microphone, and speakers

The Help Desk is available to answer your questions about Blackboard. Contact the KCTCS Online Technical Help Desk at any time 24/7.