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What is a telecourse?
A telecourse, also known as a video course, is a complete and integrated instructional system that generally includes videocassette or television programs, a textbook and a variety of other instructional materials. At NTC, students in telecourses are required to attend an orientation meeting and to meet their instructor and to review the courses syllabus.
Why consider a telecourse instead of a traditional course?
Telecourse courses are designed to meet the time, place, and pace of individual student needs. Telecourses provide more flexibility than do traditional delivery course. Many students appreciate the independence that Telecourses allow as well as the convenience of learning at home according to their individual schedules. Career enhancement and personal growth occur in a setting comfortable to each student. Travel time and costs are reduced. Because employers realize the value of an employee who continually upgrades or refreshes job skills, many will reimburse for Telecourse course just as they do for traditional delivery. Check with your employer.
What are the similarities and differences between a telecourse and a traditional classroom delivery course?
There are more similarities between a Telecourse course and traditional classroom delivery than there are differences.
- Both have instructors assigned to assist students.
- Telecourse students work more independently, watching the videotapes and reading the print materials at home and/or work, with guidance from the instructor.
- Students enrolled in telecourses meet the same rigorous academic requirements as those enrolled in traditional classroom courses.
- Credits earned from a telecourse course are the same as credits earned from traditional classroom delivery.
- Fee structures are generally the same.
- Books are required for both.
- Study time, student commitment, and expectations are equal. The significant difference is the delivery.
Traditional classroom delivery requires students to be present during class periods and generally work at the same rate as the group. Telecourses allow each student to work at an individual pace, in a setting convenient to the individual, with various options for lesson delivery.
No matter where you view your video lesson and NTC instructor is assigned to assist and support you in your learning. You may contact them either by telephone or email.
What commitments will I have to make? What can I expect?
By enrolling in a telecourse, you will have made a commitment to view video programs or tapes, read assigned reference sections and handouts, complete assignments, take exams, and attend on-campus sessions if required. The commitments required for telecourses, as with any other course, may require you to reevaluate your time management. In most credit courses, telecourses, or traditional classroom, instructors anticipate that students will devote at least two to three hours of study time per credit per week. This means that if you are enrolled in a three-credit course, you should plan on spending six to nine hours of study time each week (including time spent viewing programs and attending any required on-campus sessions).
One more time - How does it all work?
Register for select course(s), pay the fee, buy books and materials, and/or rent videotape lessons for telecourses from the NTC bookstore or view them at your local campus or work site.
- Complete video and/or online lessons.
- Complete and mail or email written assignments to the assigned instructor.
- Communicate with the instructor by telephone, email, or request a personal appointment for
a face to face meeting.
- Attend on-campus session(s) if required.
All students enrolled in a telecourse are required to participate in an orientation session.
Courses on Videotape for Checkout
Students can check out telecourse videotapes from the NTC Wausau Campus Bookstore for a small deposit, or pay the postage and the bookstore will mail the tapes to you for the duration of the corues. A mail order form for your video tapes, textbook and student study guide in included in your learning packet, which will be mailed to you when you register.
No matter where you view your video lessons, an NTC instructor is assigned to assist and support you in your learning. They are just a phone call away.
Textbooks and/or study guides are required for each telecourse course and are available at our main campus bookstore or they can be sent to your home.
Contact for more information
Northcentral Technical College - 715.675.3331
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