Tompkins Cortland Community College
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General Questions about Online Learning at TC3

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How do I know if I should take an online course?

It is very important that you have some familiarity with computers and the internet if you wish to be successful with an online course. Otherwise you will be learning how to use the system at the same time you are trying to learn the course content. Our experience shows that many students in this situation do not perform well in their course(s).

Success in an online course also requires a great deal of motivation and self-discipline. These are college level courses, and are fully equivalent to our traditional classroom courses. Work requirements are equal to or exceed those for our traditional classroom courses. Students will need to log in at least 3-5 times a week, complete all of the assignments on time, and read all of the course documents provided both by the professor and by other students.

At this time our online courses are primarily text based. Therefore, if your preferred mode of learning is listening, rather than reading, then an online online course may not be right for you at this time. If you have any questions regarding online courses or your ability to take an online course, then you can speak with either an Coordinator of Learning Technology Services, Tony DeFranco, 607.844.8222, Ext. 4399. Email Tony

If you cannot answer "Yes" to each of the following questions, you should not take an online course:

  • Are you motivated to learn?
  • Are you able to overcome procrastination?
  • Do you start and finish projects within a fixed schedule?
  • Do you enjoy interacting with others in discussions?
  • Do you continue to work on a problem or task to its conclusion?
  • Do you know how to use a computer and a word processor?
  • Have you had experience using an Internet browser to "surf the web"?

Prospective students should also read through this entire document thoroughly before deciding to take an online course at TC3.

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Do these classes count for college credit?

Yes they do. There is no distinction on your transcript as to whether a course has been taught via the Internet or in the classroom.

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What is a online course at e-TC3 like?

Probably the best way to see what a course is like is to go to the home page of the SUNY Learning Network (SLN). You will find a sample SLN course that will give you a rough idea of what a course looks like.

The sample course that is shown demonstrates only discussions within the course content section. Most courses use many more features here, including "mini-lectures", "written assignments", "self tests" and more.

These courses are asynchronous, meaning there is no chat or other requirement to be online or anywhere else at a particular time. However, they are not self-paced, as they begin and end with the semester, and they have specific due dates for assignments, readings, etc.

Individual documents may be printed from your browser. Online discussion takes place on a series of message board type pages, organized along with content and assignments, by the professor.

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Are TC3's online courses self-paced?

No! The online courses have very specific beginning and ending dates, and all assignments will have a specific due date. It is very important for students to log in to their course(s) within two (2) days of the beginning of the class.

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Do TC3 online courses require any live activity, such as the use of a chat room?

The interactive aspect of the course is done through an asynchronous message system, similar to a Web based message board. Some e-mail messaging is also used. Synchronous chat rooms are not normally used. The online courses do not require you to "attend" at any specific time of day. They are not self-paced, however, and do require students to begin and end activities, discussion, and assignments, by specific dates.

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Will I still need to buy the text book(s) for the class?

Yes, you will. You can buy them at the TC3 bookstore

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Which courses will TC3 be offering online?

TC3 offers many online courses each semester and the courses vary by semester.

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When do the courses begin?

Check the TC3 Course Schedule for this information. All Fall and Spring 3 and 4 credit online courses (with the exception of the "late start" section of ENGL101:Academic Writing) begin and end at the beginning and the ending of the normal semester.

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What kind of computer hardware and software do I need to take a TC3 online course?

You will need to have frequent access to a computer that is connected to the internet and the computer will have to have a web browser installed. The browser should be Netscape Navigator 3.0 (or higher) or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 (or higher).

You will also need a word processor, and any other software that the professor may require. If you are taking a Computer Applications course, you will need to have the appropriate applications software installed.

Your internet service provider (ISP) will specify the computer requirements for its service. The minimum requirements for IBM or compatible computers is a Pentium computer (or higher), 32MB RAM (or higher), and a 28.8K baud modem (or higher). Macintosh users must have System 7 (or higher). Check with your ISP for specific requirements.

For more specific hardware questions please contact Bob Yavits (607.844.8222, Ext. 4357) or Tony DeFranco (607.844.8222, Ext. 4399).

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Can I use the computers on the TC3 Campus?

While we strongly urge students to use their own computers, students who do not have a computer are allowed to use the computers on the TC3 campus that are generally available to students, such as those in the Academic Computer Lab. This is discouraged, however, as a great deal of time must be spent at the computer. You may find that you cannot find an available computer on campus at the time that you need it.

We have also found that students who do not own a computer often do not have the technical skills necessary to be successful with an online course.

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What types of online courses does TC3 provide?

The vast majority of our online courses are offered through the SUNY Learning Network (SLN).

If you are taking an SLN course, you will be able to access that course on the first day of the semester. If you are taking a Computer Applications (CAPS) course, you will have access to the course on the day that it is scheduled to begin.

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How do I sign up to take a online course at e-TC3?

There are two parts to this process.

Register

You must register for the course with the college. This can be accomplished in the following ways:

  • Call our Enrollment Service Center at 1.888.567.8211 and ask to speak with a specialist. They will guide you through the registration process and take most of your information over the phone.
  • Fill out the registration form found in the back pages of our current course schedule and either mail or fax it to the admissions office (see contact information below); these schedules are mailed to most of area residents and are available at our main campus and both the Cortland and Ithaca extension centers. If you do not live in the area, you can request a schedule by phone or by e-mail (be sure to include your full name and mailing address).

    Admissions Office
    Tompkins Cortland Community College
    170 North Street, P.O. Box 139
    Dryden, NY 13053-0139
    607.844.8211
    Fax: 607.844.6541
    email Admissions
  • If you are able to visit our campus, then you can register in person at the admissions office.
  • If you have questions about the registration process, you should contact the Enrollment Services Center by telephone at 607.844.6580 or 1.888.567.8222, or by e-mail.
  • For further information, or, if you have any problems accessing your online course once you have registered, contact Tony DeFranco at either of the above numbers (extension 4399) or by e-mail.

Getting Started

  • Click on the 'login' link on the menu above to find out how to gain access to your online course.

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What if I need help as I'm working?

You can post your questions to the course, where the instructor or other students may answer them when they log in. The instructor will normally let you know when she or he will be online during the course of each week, so that you will have some idea of how soon your questions will be answered. Some instructors will log in nearly every day, but this schedule is up to the individual instructor. Three times per week is usually the very minimum number of login times for students. It is recommended that students log in more often.

If you are taking a SUNY Learning Network course, you can call (1.800.875.6269) or e-mail (helpdesk@sln.suny.edu) the SLN Helpdesk with any questions of a technical nature. You can also contact either Bob Yavits or Tony DeFranco, or call 607.844.8211 and ask for either.

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Other questions

Please note that most other processes, such as registration, tuition, financial aid, etc. are the same for TC3's online courses as they are for any other course offered by the College.

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