Wayne Community College - Distance Education

WCC Distance Education Helpdesk 919-739-7023 or 919-739-7029 wccde@waynecc.edu
Fall and Spring Hours: Mon-Thu 7:45 AM- 5:30 PM Fri 8 AM-1 PM
Summer: Mon-Thu 7 AM-6 PM

Telecourses - Today's Alternative for Busy People

Telecourses are similar to traditional college courses except students learn by viewing television programs from TV stations, cable systems, or videocassettes. Telecourses are an exceptional alternative for busy working adults, for enrolled students needing additional credits earned on a flexible basis, and for others who wish to expand their knowledge in a wide variety of interesting subject areas.

What is a Telecourse?

A telecourse is a mode of instruction that combines the use of television, print and other forms of communication, including, at times, face-to-face instruction. Television is used to improve the quality of instruction and to reach new learners. The television program itself is not regarded as a total teaching device, but rather as an invaluable element in a system of instruction that relies on as much interaction as feasible among the course components, the student and the faculty.

Telecourses are prepared with the same or greater rigor as other courses and generally differ only in the use of television and reliance on the textbook and study guide to provide direction to students who are studying with a high degree of independence.

Educators have used television for instruction for decades. However, the 1990s telecourse utilizes high quality production techniques which surpass earlier efforts. Todays telecourses use the power of the television medium to interest, engage, stimulate and instruct. The medium of television brings experts and places to students who would not otherwise have access to those resources.

Telecourses are similar to traditional college courses except students learn by viewing television programs from TV stations, cable systems, dvd, or videocassettes. A telecourse learning program includes:

An instructor available by email, telephone or in person during specified office hours.
Required orientation sessions to meet the instructor, receive the course syllabus, and
learn other information important to your success in the course.
A textbook.
A study guide to direct and connect the reading and viewing assignments.
A course syllabus outlining assignments, testing information, and other details about the course.

Each telecourse is equivalent to the on-campus sections of the same course in terms of objectives, contact hours, rigor, and transferability.

A Telecourse is Equivalent to Traditionally Taught Course

A telecourse, in most respects (i.e., academic rigor, student requirements, and need for qualified faculty), is equivalent to a traditionally taught college course. Telecourse students enroll in the college or university that has determined the telecourse to be equivalent to an existing traditional course. They pay tuition and fees to that institution, have access to all student services, study under it rules and regulations, are taught by the faculty, and receive academic credit. The faculty members make the same kinds of academic and instructional decisions that they would in a traditionally taught class. They interact with students through a combination of on-site classes, written assignments, telephone contacts, and mailings.

Questions about Telecourses?

Contact the WCC Educational support Technologies Department for information at 919-735-5151.
Attendance at the Telecourse Orientation Meeting is REQUIRED. Refer to the WCC Website or the fall schedule tabloid and the spring schedule tabloid for Telecourse offerings and the specific times and room numbers.

Telecourse Course Prerequisites

The telecourses are UNC-TV broadcasts that are offered at various times through a semester. Other options include video streaming which allows 24/7 access to the telecourse via broadband computer or the college may have the courses prerecorded courses on DVD and/or VHS video tapes that can be check out through the WCC library. You will need a DVR, DVD recorder or VCR to record the programs or a PC if streaming video is an option. If home viewing is not possible, the programs can be viewed in the WCC Academics Skills Center. courses. Or, if home viewing is not possible, the programs can be viewed in the WCC Academics Skills Center.

Tips for Telecourse Study

Be sure that you have time to take the course. While telecourses are convenient, they do require time and the ability and willingness to study independently.
Attend the required orientation session. This is the time you will meet your instructor and learn about the course requirements and the support services offered by Wayne Community College.
Obtain your study guide and textbook before you watch the first program. The study guide outlines lessons, gives details, includes sample tests, tells you what to watch for in the television program, and helps you review before tests. The textbook contains the primary reading material for each lesson. Both are available in the bookstore.
Read the associated study guide and textbook material before you watch each television program. Watch the program in an environment that is quiet, but not too comfortable, and don't try to take detailed notes.
Phone or otherwise communicate with your instructor whenever you need assistance.
Keep up with assignments.

Upon successful completion of a course, a student will receive full college credit. The course and the credit hours are equivalent to those offered on campus. All courses apply toward associate degree requirements; many fulfill certificate program requirement and/or requirement for a bachelor's degree.

Successful Telecourse Students

Are goal oriented and self-directed.
Know how to learn independently.
Have prerequisite skills such as college reading level.
Attend the mandatory orientation.
Begin course activities within the first week of the course.
Set aside specific time on a routine basis for study.
Keep up with assignments.

Assignment Preparation

Keep a copy of all assignments submitted in case an assignment gets lost in transit.
Call your instructor if you have questions about any assignment.
Contact the instructor promptly when they have questions about any aspect of the course.

Course Requirements

You must:

Register and pay tuition for the course
Attend the orientation session.
Use textbooks and instructional materials along with viewing the broadcast lessons.
Complete all tests, assignments, and evaluations.
Attend up to four on-campus sessions for testing and/or review.

When to watch the telecourse

The telecourse will be broadcast by the UNC Center for Public Television (PBS). If you have cable, check the cable listing in your area for the correct channel. If you do not have cable television, simply added a UHF antenna to your television to pick up PBS. If home viewing is not possible, the programs can be taped or the Wayne Community College Academics Skills Center will assist in viewing alternatives.

Are telecourses right for me? (Self Assessment)

Self-Assessment: Are Telecourse right for me?

Take a few minutes to write down one answer for each question below and score as directed. Be prepared to discuss your score with your advisor.

My need to take this course is

A. High- I need the course immediately for a degree, a job, or another important reason.
B. Moderate- I could take the course on campus later or substitute another course.
C. Low- It is personal interest that could be postponed.

Feeling that I am part of a class is:

A. Not particularly necessary to me... I am a tenacious learner, independently motivated, and self-disciplined.
B. Somewhat important to me.
C. Very important to me...I need that one on one communication with my teacher and interaction with my class.

I would classify myself as someone who:

A. Often gets things done ahead of time.
B. Needs reminding to get things done on time.
C. Puts things off until the last minute all the time.

Classroom discussion is:

A. Rarely helpful to me.
B. Sometimes helpful to me.
C. Almost always helpful to me.

When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer:

A. Analyzing the instructions myself.
B. Trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed.
C. Having the instructions explained to me.

I need instructor comments on my assignments:

A. Within a few weeks so that I can review what I did.
B. Within a few days, or I will forget what I did.
C. Instantly, or I get very frustrated.

Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on a telecourse is:

A. More than enough for a campus class or a telecourse.
B.The same as for a class on campus.
C. Less than for a clDass on campus.

When I am asked to use DVR, VCRs, computers, voicemail, the Internet, and other technologies new to me:

A. I look forward to learning new skills.
B. I feel apprehensive but try anyway.
C. I procrastinate or try to avoid the encounter.

If I have to go to campus to take exams or complete work:

A. I can go to campus anytime or can adjust my schedule to complete class requirements.
B. I may miss some presentations pr exam deadlines because of other obligations.
C. I will have difficulty getting to campus, even in the evening and on weekends.

Scoring
Add 3 points for each A, 2 for each B, and 1 for each C.

If you scored:

20 or over	A telecourse is a real possibility for you.
Between 11 and 20	Telecourses may work for you, but you may need to make a few adjustments in your schedule and study habits to succeed.
10 or less	Telecourses may not currently be the best alternative for you.

Discuss the score with your advisor!

Give yourself some credit!! You can watch educational television and study in the comfort of your own home. By following a modified independent study format using televised programs, textbooks, and study guides, with minimal attendance on the main campus, you can fit more college classes into a busy life schedule.