California State University Los Angeles

Getting started with Astro 160 (Mm) online


This is an online course with no class meetings except for the final exam. Full syllabus will be posted on our Blackboard site a few days before quarter starts. Here is what to do until then.

1.   First, make sure that you are registered for this course: ASTR 160-01 in Fall 2009. Check through GET if you are not sure.

2.   For all subsequent work, like interaction, weekly assignments, and the final, we will use web based environment known as the WebCT server, a.k.a., Blackboard server:

      Go to WebCT/Blackboard server, click on link for Course List, select College of Natural and Social Sciences and Astr160mm, and click on icon for Self-registration.
(Detailed instructions for Self-registration are on the WebCT Entry page.)

Whenever you need to login, do so using your campus ID and password. If you don't have campus account, a.k.a., the "NIS account", click on link Student on WebCT server Entry Page and follow instructions. Here is link with detailed instructions.

      Warning: Not all browsers work well with WebCT/Blackboard server. Make sure to run Check browser.

      Warning: in order to use the WebCT/Blackboard you have to allow your browser to accept cookies! Do so now, or at least you must do it before you login to the WebCT/Blackboard. You can always disallow cookies after you log out from WebCT/Blackboard.

      Warning: in order to do the practice quizzes, quizzes and the final, or just to read the discussion messages, you must allow your browser to accept pop up windows! Make sure you do it at least before every session, if you have pop ups turned off otherwise. You can always disallow them again after you are done with your WebCT/Blackboard session. New browsers are usually set by default to blocks pop ups so you have to change that. Check also whether your computer has some kind of security software that may also block pop ups. It could be something that you installed, or perhaps it came preinstalled. Look for bottom bar or Programs. If you are an AOL user pop up blocking is default option for AOL browser (or it used to be), so you should change it.

      If you have problem with registration e-mail Askwbct-StudentUser. More helpful links are here: eLSP page .

3.   You are ready now. Login to WebCT/Blackboard server, go to Astr 160 and check the announcement on the Discussion page.


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