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FAQ'SThe following is a list of frequently asked questions and answers about distance learning at SCC. You may link directly to the question from the list below, or scroll down the page to read all of the information in sequence. If you need further information, please contact the Distance Learning Department at 407.708.2424 or e-mail us at: sccdl@scc-fl.edu or complete the DL Information Request form to have an information packet mailed to you. Question Index:
What is Distance Learning?Distance Learning is an instructional setting in which the instructors and the learners are removed in time, place or pace from the source of instruction. Distance Learning courses may be offered through a variety of formats including print, audio, video, CD, television, teleconferencing and the World Wide Web. What is a video course?A video course is instruction delivered via a collection of video programs which can be viewed in several different formats including VideoCD, DVD and Video Streaming online. SCC video courses earn the same credits as classroom courses. The difference is in the delivery method and the student's role in distance learning coursework. Communication with your instructor will be through phone, mail or office hours. It is possible that contact with classmates may not occur at all. Video courses have several components: (1) videos you view at home or on campus, (2) text and/or workbooks you read and study and (3) on-campus activities such as class orientation, review sessions and tests. Video courses which require some on-campus activities for lecture and discussion may be referred to as Video/Campus courses. Some video courses also use the ANGEL online course development tool to enhance the course with Web-based material and/or quizzing. You may see these Web-enhanced video courses also listed as "Video/Web." You can find out more about video courses by visiting the Video Courses link on this site. What is an online course?An online course is Web-based instruction delivered over the Internet. Online courses provide interaction among you, your instructor and your classmates. Most, but not all, of SCC's online courses use a course delivery tool called ANGEL. You can find out more about online courses by visiting the Online Courses link on this site. What is an online/campus course?An online/campus course combines online course delivery (approximately 75 percent of the course is online) with on-campus class time for face-to-face instruction, discussion and testing (approximately 25 percent on-campus time). The components and requirements for an online/campus course are the same as those for online courses, with the understanding that you will also meet on campus for a reduced number of scheduled class meetings. Contact your instructor for more information about course requirements and scheduled meeting times, dates and locations. What is a video/campus course?A video/campus course combines video course delivery (approximately 75 percent of the course is on video) with on-campus class time for face-to-face instruction, discussion and testing (approximately 25 percent on-campus). The components and requirements for a video/campus course are the same as those for video courses, with the understanding that you will also meet on campus for a reduced number of scheduled class meetings. Contact your instructor for more information on course requirements and scheduled meeting times, dates and locations. What are the requirements for taking a video course?As with all distance learning classes, good time management skills, motivation and self-discipline are required for video course studies. To take a video course, you must have access to a television and a VCR or DVD player, or computer capable of viewing DVDs, VideoCDs and/or broadband Internet access for Video Streaming. See the Video Course Information page for more detail on obtaining video materials. You may also come to SCC and view the videos at the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus Library, the Oviedo Campus Library, or the Altamonte Springs Library. If your video course is Web-enhanced using ANGEL, you may also be required to have access to a computer and the Internet to complete course activities. If you do not have a computer at home, you can complete Web-based activities at any of our SCC campus computer labs. If I don't have cable can I still take a video course?Yes. Video courses are no longer delivered via cable broadcast. You can take a video course by (1) viewing the videos at an SCC campus library or (2) renting or purchasing the video programs direct from the publisher and/or distributor in VideoCD, DVD or Video Streaming format. See the Video Course Information page for more detail on obtaining video materials. What are the requirements for taking an online course?As with all distance learning classes, good time management skills, motivation and self-discipline are required for online learning. It is also essential for you to take the initiative to communicate with your instructor when you have questions. In addition, you must be familiar with using e-mail and navigating the Internet and you must have access to a computer with an Internet connection, as well as any additional course-specific software required by the instructor. Are video courses easier (or more difficult) than a traditional course?Video courses are not easier or more difficult than classes on campus, but they do require a special kind of dedication. Take stock of yourself before you decide. See our Self Assessment link for tools to help you evaluate your learning preferences. Are online courses easier (or more difficult) than a traditional course?Online courses are not easier or more difficult than classes on campus, but they do require a special kind of dedication, as well as a level of familiarity and comfort using a computer and navigating the Internet. Take stock of yourself before you decide. See our Self Assessment link for tools to help you evaluate your learning preferences. Are there orientation or other on-campus meetings required for video courses?Many of our video courses have mandatory orientation meetings on campus. Check the Spectrum, the DL Welcome Info Page or contact the instructor to determine if there is an orientation for your course. During the orientation, you will receive the course outline and other important information. If an emergency keeps you from attending this session, you must contact the instructor immediately. There will be tests and a final exam, as well as other possible assignments that you will either mail in or come to campus to complete. Are there orientation sessions or other on-campus meetings required for online courses?It depends on the course. Most of our online courses do not require an on-campus orientation. However, some instructors do have required orientation meetings on campus (check the Spectrum, the DL Welcome Info page or contact the instructor to determine if there is an orientation for your course). If you cannot attend this session, you should contact the instructor immediately. Most online course instructors conduct all of their testing online, but some may require students to come to campus for a mid-term or final exam (check with your instructor to determine if proctored on-campus testing is required). Are there orientation sessions or other on-campus meetings required for online/campus courses?Yes. Check the Spectrum, the DL Welcome Info page or contact the instructor for information about required meeting days, times and locations. The number of class meetings may vary depending on the course and the term in which it is offered. Are there orientation sessions or other on-campus meetings required for video/campus courses?Yes. Check the Spectrum, the DL Welcome Info page or contact the instructor for information about required meeting days, times and locations. The number of class meetings may vary depending on the course and the term in which it is offered. How long can I keep the video tapes when I check them out?All video course tape sets are now available in their entirety for term loan at the Sanford Lake Mary Campus Library, the Oviedo Campus Library and the Altamonte Springs Campus Library. You check them out at the beginning of the term and return them at the end of the term. How are tests and homework assignments handled in a video course?There will be tests and a final exam, as well as other possible assignments that you will either mail or come to campus to complete. Textbooks and other class materials may be purchased at the SCC Bookstore. Web-enhanced video courses (or Video/Web courses) may also include online quizzing or activities using ANGEL. How are tests and homework assignments handled in an online course?Online classes typically include online tests or quizzes and a final exam, as well as other types of papers, projects or assignments (specific to the course) that you will complete and submit or e-mail to your instructor using ANGEL. In some classes, you may be asked to come to campus for a mid-term or final exam. Textbooks and other class materials may be purchased at the SCC Bookstore. Where can I find out what distance learning courses are being offered?Visit our DL Term Schedule page to see what distance learning courses are currently being offered. Each of our video, video/Web, online, online/campus and video/campus courses are also listed in the the MySCC online class schedule and the Spectrum and are identified as distance learning classes. Okay, so how do I get started once I sign up for a distance learning course?All distance learning welcome information is available at: http://www.scc-fl.edu/dl/welcomeinfo.htm . There you will find informational handouts about distance learning courses and ANGEL; orientation and contact information; and links to instructor welcome letters. Once you have officially enrolled in a distance learning course, you should receive a welcome postcard from the Distance Learning Deptartment prior to the beginning of the term. If you enroll during the Drop/Add period there may be a slight delay before your postcard reaches you. The DL welcome postcard will direct you to the Internet address listed above. If you need additional help getting started, you may also call the Distance Learning Office at 407.708.2424 or e-mail us at sccdl@scc-fl.edu. |
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