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TSTC Marshall Distance Learning Student Help Information
As a student of Texas State Technical College Marshall, what do you need to know before taking an on-line course? How do you prepare yourself for this on-line adventure?
TSTCM realizes that many students often hesitate to take on-line courses because they may feel unfamiliar with how on-line courses work or they may be unfamiliar with the technology necessary to take an on-line course. The information contained here is provided so that new students might understand the basic concepts needed to be successful in their on-line studies.
To begin, let's debunk some of the common myths associated with the on-line learning environment.
Through numerous surveys, questionaires, and research, the following top 5 myths concerning on-line learning have been identified. They are:
- I can proceed through an online course at my own pace.
- An online course will be easier because there will be less work to do.
- I have to be very knowledgeable about computers to take an online course.
- I will feel like I'm all alone in the course and will never get to know my classmates.
- An online course doesn't count the same as a face-to-face course.
Now let's examine the facts.
- The instructor sets the course schedule. Though you can usually decide at what time of the day you attend class, you will most likely have to get through a required amount of course material and complete a certain number of assignments within a specific time frame (typically weekly).
- An online course requires just as much, if not more, work as a face-to-face class. Your online lessons might even take longer as your instructor doesn't have to worry about you and your classmates leaving when the bell rings.
- You will need Internet access, some skill in using e-mail, and some knowledge in the use of file handling. You will also need to know how to handle a browser. Knowledge of search engines will also be helpful. For additional information see below. You just have to be ready to follow instructions and have some organizational skills.
- Through online course participation, you can get to know your classmates very well! Each student tends to establish a distinct personality on-line. You may be surprised at how quickly you begin relating to particular classmates.
- Online courses are counted just the same as face-to-face courses. They are TSTCM credit courses, requiring just as much work and participation as a face-to-face courses.
Navigating the Internet
In order to successfully complete a TSTCM WebCT course, you will need access to the Internet. You can either purchase Internet service through an ISP (Internet Service Provider) for a fee or you can visit one of TSTCM's on campus computer labs and use the computers and connectivity provided.
Using an Internet Browser
Browser is short for Web browser, a software application used to locate and display Web pages. The two most popular browsers are Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer. Both applications are free and you can download them from the Internet. It is your choice to which browser you use. WebCT allows you to take distance learning courses through a browser.
Search Engine
A search engine differs from a browser in that it works within the browser and its purpose is to allow the user to search the internet for specific information or documents.
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