Frequently Asked QuestionsTelecourses
Online Courses
TeleWeb Courses
CampusWeb Courses
Interactive TV
General Information about Distance Learning Courses
What types of distance learning courses are available at HCC?
There are four basic types of distance learning courses:
- Telecourses
- Online courses, including TeleWeb courses
- CampusWeb courses
- Interactive TV courses
How are distance learning courses different from regular on-campus courses?
In a distance learning course, you will work more independently than in a regular on-campus version of the course. A distance learning course is NOT easier than an on-campus version of the course. In fact, you will need to be more responsible for structuring your time, meeting deadlines, and completing assignments than you would in a course that meets physically several times a week. As a result, you must be a mature, motivated, and disciplined student in order to succeed in a distance learning course.
Take our self-test, "Is Distance Learning Right for You?"
What is a telecourse?
Typically, a telecourse consists of a series of videotapes and coordinated print materials, including texts, a student study guide, and other print materials. A telecourse may also include audiotapes. Telecourse lessons are aired on Maryland Public Television and HCC Cable TV. Students may watch lessons as aired or they can choose to videotape lessons for later viewing; they may also rent an entire set of course videotapes for the semester. In addition, limited copies are available in the HCC Library to view there or check out for overnight use. Telecourse students meet periodically on campus for a limited number of review and/or test sessions.
What is an online course?
Online courses are conducted over the Internet and typically do not have regular meetings in a physical space. Students need Windows 95 or above and a PC or Macintosh with at least a 14.4 modem, an Internet service provider, and a web browser. Course materials are available online at a dedicated course website. Class activities, including most instructor/student communications, are conducted via the course website.
What technical or computer skills do I need to take an online course?
You will need to know:
- how to operate a word processing program, preferably Microsoft Word,
- how to type,
- how to send email,
- how to use a discussion board,
- how to do basic downloads from the Internet, and
- how to attach files.
You may also need to know, or learn:
- how to follow instructions for updating your browser,
- how to download and install special plug-ins, and
- how to zip and unzip files.
Will I have to come to campus to take tests or attend classes?
You may. Some courses are delivered entirely at a distance. Others may require that you come to campus to take tests in the campus Test Center. You should check the specific course descriptions to see if any on-campus meetings or tests are required for the particular course you want to take. Course descriptions are available on the distance learning homepage.
Out-of-state or out-of-county students who cannot come to campus should check with the course instructor before enrolling to see if accommodations can be made.
What is a TeleWeb course?
TeleWeb courses are online courses that have the added advantage of using preproduced telecourse materials: videos, texts, and study guides. Course videos may be broadcast through Maryland Public Television, cablecast over HCC Cable TV, or videostreamed to students' individual computers from the HCC Library homepage. In most cases, students also may rent course video lessons for the semester.
What is a CampusWeb course?
CampusWeb courses combine traditional classroom and online instruction. Students typically meet weekly on campus with the instructor and fellow classmates for half the classroom time of a traditional version of the course. The other half of the coursework is conducted online. Students may use computers in the campus computer labs or their home computers to complete online course activities. See the technical specifications for home computers described under "online courses."
What is an Interactive TV course?
Interactive TV courses meet at scheduled times in the Interactive TV classroom on HCC's campus. Students at other colleges participate in the course via Interactive TV classrooms on their campuses. The course instructor is located at one site. Students may be at two or more sites. Students at all sites can see, hear, and respond to the instructor and other class members.
May I get an A.A. degree entirely online?
HCC offers three online degree programs:
How do I enroll?
You register for a distance learning course as you do for any credit course. Once you have applied for admission to HCC, you register as you would for any credit course.
If you are not a student at HCC, you will find admission and registration information on the college's web site.
May I register by phone?
Yes. Click here for information about registering for courses. The schedule of classes also offers detailed instructions on how to register by phone.
May I register online?
Yes. Admitted students can register for classes using web, telephone, or in-person registration processes. For web registration, click on the "HCC Express" button on our homepage.
Are there any additional fees for distance learning courses?
Yes. There is a distance learning fee that varies from course to course and ranges from $8 to $50 per course.
How do I find out about textbooks?
The Howard Community College Bookstore is accessible online. Find out the texts for your courses and information about how to order your texts online by visiting the bookstore homepage. You may pay for your books via credit card. Shipping is FREE!
Telecourses usually require special texts that may be different from the on-campus version of the course. Be sure to specify that you need the text for the telecourse section.
