A telecourse is a regular college credit course incorporating video/television to
teach concepts, supplement textbook information and enable a student to communicate
with instructors or other telecourse students. Rather than use conventional class
settings, telecourses rely on communication media to free students from time and
location constraints.
Telecourses work best for individuals who can work independently and who can effectively
budget their time and set priorities. Telecourses are helpful for students whose
job or home responsibilities limit the time they can spend in a conventional classroom.
Motivation, study habits, communication with instructor, and organization are the
four keys to telecourse success.
The Lessons
A quarter-long telecourse includes up to 30 video lessons broadcast over a period
of 10-12 weeks. Classes start January 6th on Comcast Cable channel 19. One
to four new videos are broadcast each week and repeat throughout a one-week period.
Videotapes are available for viewing at the SFCC Library, SCC Learning Resource
Center (LRC), and at community college centers in the rural areas.
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Textbooks/Costs
Each course has a textbook and supplemental study guide, which may be purchased
at the SFCC or SCC campus bookstore. Textbook and study guide prices range from
$50 to $90. To have your books mailed to you, call the mail-order hotline at (509)
533-3260 or 1-800-565-6907.
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Telecourse Tuition
Telecourse tuition is the same as tuition for on-campus courses with the addition
of a $20 course fee for most telecourses. Some classes may have a lab fee.
Recognized Credits
Telecourse grades and credits are fully transferable to other institutions. Since
offerings represent the basic classes required for incoming freshmen, many people
find this a convenient way to return to college.
You and Your Instructor
On campus discussion sessions are scheduled during the telecourse quarter. Although
attendance may not be required, personal contact with the instructor is necessary
for understanding of the class material. Your instructor will provide a telephone
number and schedule of times when you may call to ask questions or discuss the course.
Some telecourses, notably science, require labs with mandatory attendance. Check
syllabus for attendance requirements.
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Course Syllabi
SFCC students may pick up course syllabi at the Career Center, Building 17. IEL
students may pick up syllabi at the closest community college center in their area.
SCC students may obtain course syllabi at the LRC, Instructional Media Lab, Building
16 or the Counseling Center, Building 15. You can print out an online course syllabus
by going to the Courses Offered web page. Click
on the quarter your class is offered to viewand print the syllabus.
Testing
Generally, three to five exams are required, but remember, each telecourse is different.
Check the specific class syllabus for dates, times and locations of exams. Alternative
times or procedures may be arranged with the instructor, but it is the student’s
responsibility to contact the instructor to make special arrangements. Check the
Testing Centers page for hours and locations best for
you.
We’re Here to Help
If you have any questions regarding a telecourse, you are urged
to call SFCC at (509) 533-3216 or SCC at (509) 533-8085.
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Veterans
Veterans registering for telecourses should check with the Veterans Affairs Office,
SFCC at 533-3504 and SCC at 533-7027.
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