Libraries and Learning Technology

Distance Learning

Distance Learning (DL) students are provided with learning opportunities outside of the traditional classroom setting. Through the use of different technologies, SCC is able to offer courses at a distance in both the Associate in Arts and the Associate in Science programs. Depending on the student's program requirements, they may be able to complete many of the required courses in a DL mode.

Most video courses require a mandatory on-campus orientation and proctored testing; however, requirements may vary depending on the individual course and instructor. Students can view the course videotapes at the SCC Sanford/Lake Mary Campus and Oviedo Campus Libraries, at the Altamonte Springs Campus or they may purchase their own set of the programs. Purchase information is provided by the instructor or students may refer to the the DL Web site for information. In addition to standard video courses, SCC also offers Video/Web courses and Video/Campus courses. Video/Web courses combine video instruction with online components such as e-mail, bulletin board discussions, online quizzes and chat. (Video/Web courses also require access to a computer with an Internet connection, and a basic familiarity with browsing the Web.) Video/Campus courses combine video instruction with scheduled on-campus class discussion meetings, as well as proctored, on-campus mid-term and final examinations. In order to take a video course, students must have access to a television and video tape player, or broadband Internet connection and computer.

Online courses are Web-based and rely on e-mail, bulletin board discussions, chat, whiteboard and other online tools to provide for interaction between students and the instructor, as well as among members of the class. Course delivery, assignments and testing are all conducted over the Internet (although some instructors may require a proctored midterm or final exam). In order to take an online course, students must have reliable access to a computer with an Internet connection and a basic familiarity with browsing the Web. SCC also offers online/campus courses, which combine a reduced number of on-campus class meetings with online instruction.

Good time management skills, motivation, and self-discipline are essential for success in a distance learning environment. The College recommends students speak with an SCC academic counselor before registering for a DL course. Students are encouraged to review the "Successful Distance Learning Skills" survey to help them determine if this mode of instruction is suited to their learning style.

For more information on hardware, software, and other requirements for DL courses, see the MySCC course schedule or visit www.scc-fl.edu/dl/ for additional details about distance learning courses, requirements, term schedules, course links, self-assessment and student support.

Library

The mission of the SCC Library is to provide for the information and research needs of students, faculty and staff in support of the Seminole Community College curriculum, and to serve to a limited extent the needs of the community. Full service library facilities are located on the Sanford/Lake Mary and the Oviedo Campuses. A Library will open on the Heathrow Center in July 2007 and on the Altamonte Campus in January 2008. PC's for Internet research and desktop publishing applications are available for students to use at no charge. Printing is available for a nominal fee. Wireless technology is in place in all Libraries and laptop computers may be requested at the circulation desks for in-house use. The CTS department maintains an open computer lab within the library at Sanford/Lake Mary to support course work activities.

The SCC Virtual Library is located on our Web site. Through this research portal the user may access online catalogs, full text periodical databases, numerous indexes, encyclopedias and electronic databases, request materials to be reserved or loaned online, receive assistance and support in writing papers and doing class assignments, as well as contact a librarian. The Library's LINCC online catalog provides access to books, e-books, media formats, pamphlets, newspapers, periodicals and other materials that are indexed in the Library material collections.

The Seminole Community College Library Handbook is available in the Libraries and at other service desks of the college and may also be found on our Web site. Library information literacy skills instruction is available for class and individual use. The self-paced tutorials for conducting general research or for subject area may be found in the Library, or electronically on the Library's Web site.

Professional Librarians and support staff are available to assist with the location and use of print and electronic resources. They also provide instruction in the use of Library computers and other equipment.

There are 115,000 books on many subjects at the Sanford/Lake Mary and Oviedo Campuses to meet the needs of users for research, coursework support, and recreational reading. Periodicals (journals, magazines and newspapers) are another major source of information. There are over 400 periodical titles in paper, microform and electronic formats. Tens of thousands of electronic periodicals are available through LINCC.

The LINCC (Library Information Network for Community Colleges) online catalog includes research databases which provide full text articles from 12,000 periodicals in 60+ electronic databases. Dedicated Internet workstations are available for students in all Libraries to support their research needs.

Students may use AV or other multi-media materials reserved for class support and enhancement in the Library listening/viewing areas. Media equipment, and most media materials, is not loaned to students or non-college groups. Students may request AV equipment for classroom use or presentations through their course instructor.

The Library participates with other libraries to provide interlibrary loan service. Books and periodical articles, which are not part of the Library's collection, may be borrowed from other libraries. Campus wide borrowing between all SCC Libraries is available.

Students, faculty and staff may check out books from the Library, but periodicals are not loaned and must be used, photocopied, or microforms electronically transferred to a home PC from in the Library. Students, faculty and staff have reciprocal Library borrowing privileges at all state community college and university libraries in Florida. Seminole County residents are welcome to utilize Library resources in-house, but may not borrow Library materials. SCC holds memberships with OCLC (Online Computer Library Center), SOLINET (Southeastern Library Network), the ALA (American Library Association), CCLA (College Center for Library Automation and LINCC), and CFLC (Central Florida Library Cooperative) to ensure the most options in expediency and library services.

Did you know?

SCC offers morning, evening, weekend and online courses.