Telecourses

What is a Telecourse?

A Telecourse is a semi-self study, self-paced, distance learning class that combines VHS videos of lectures and materials with study guides, assignments, exams and other information into a complete take-home bundle. 

Why would I want to take a Telecourse?

• Telecourses are a great option for many students. Telecourses give you:

• The opportunity to take a course without having to regularly come to an OC campus
• The chance to have some control over the pace of your learning
• An extra opportunity for learning if you are a visual learner

What skills do I need to be successful in a Telecourse?

• Telecourses are not for everyone. Successful Telecourse students have the following skills.

• Independent learner : since you are not going to a classroom everyday, you will need to be really good at managing your own time.
• Time : You should have 10 -15 hours available per week to complete a 5 credit course. Students who try to complete distance learning courses in their spare time are rarely successful.

What materials and equipment will I need for my Telecourse?

• The Telecourse
  • A Television and/or a VCR: Courses can be viewed on cable television or through VHS tapes with a VCR.
  • Telecourse VHS Tape Rental : You can rent the Telecourse tapes from Media Services for $35 per quarter. (include info from current view)
  • Borrowing Telecourse Tapes : You can borrow the Telecourse tapes for 24 hours from the library on any of the OC campuses.
  • Watching the Telecourse on TV : Courses are also available on TV in limited areas.  You can view them on the local access channels of Comcast Cable (Channel 12) and Wave Cable (Channel 3). Broadcast times will be made available during on-campus telecourse orientations, usually held during the first week of each quarter.
• Textbooks: most instructors require a textbook. You can get textbook information from the OC bookstore in Bremerton or online at www.ocbookstore.com.
• Syllabus and other Course Materials : At your required Telecourse Orientation, you will get the syllabus and other course materials for your telecourse. Many instructors have also provided information about their course on the Distance Learning Website.

What else do I need to know?

• Required Orientation:  An initial on-campus orientation meeting is required. Students will meet instructors, receive a syllabus, and course requirements will be discussed.

  Orientation Sessions are held in the Haselwood Library, on the Bremerton campus, during the first week of every quarter.

• Contact Media Services (360-475-7770; email distancelearning@oc.ctc.edu) for specific times and location information.

• Olympic College Shelton students that can't make the orientation session in Bremerton: please contact Media Services (360-475-7770; email distancelearning@oc.ctc.edu) to make alternate arrangements.

• Telecourse Fee: Each telecourse has a licensing fee of $30. This is in addition to the rental fee if you choose to rent the videos.
• Exams are generally scheduled, requiring on-campus vists or an exam proctor.
• Successful completion of a telecourse is added to a student's transcript like any other credit course.