| Telecourse What is a Telecourse? Students view pre-recorded cable programs or videotapes, use a textbook and a comprehensive study guide and meet the instructor in several on-campus meetings. A telecourse is a type of class that generally includes an instructor, television programs, textbooks, study guides, possible audiocassettes, study sessions, and in some of our telecourses, the use of a computer bulletin board system.Television courses have the same academic content and student outcome requirements as regular college classes. The big difference in distance learning courses and traditional, on-campus classes is the manner in which instruction is given to students. Traditional Students: Receive their classes directly from a faculty instructor who is in the classroom with them. Telecourse Students: Work more independently by watching programs and reading printed material and are often highly motivated and self-disciplined. Why take a Telecourse? Many students today find that they are unable to attend traditional classes, due to employment obligations, family commitments, commuting problems, or time constraints. Telecourses, as a distance learning mode, provide these "nontraditional" students with needed alternatives, such as convenience and flexible scheduling. Telecourses are as effective as face-to-face instruction, but don't forget, the quality of your education stems from the amount of time and effort YOU put into the process. You will be most likely to succeed if you complete your assignments on time, attend your on-campus sessions when scheduled, and keep your expectations high! Advantages:
Televised courses, like traditional, on-campus courses, have a class outline or syllabus to follow throughout the semester. This will be your guide to knowing exactly what is expected of you. It will indicate which textbook is needed, how to prepare for each class, your reading and written assignments, other course expectations and the exam schedule. Telecourses require concentration and discipline. However, the most important practice when taking a distance education class via television is to make a conscious effort to never skip a class. When it is not possible to view your class at air time, use your videotape recorder to tape the lessons. Since you've already made the commitment, it is necessary to give the course your full attention. How do I view my telecourse? There are 4 ways to view your telecourses. : PGCC Cable, MPT, College Library and Rental 1. View telecourses on Prince George's Community College's Television channels at their regularly scheduled times through Comcast on channel 75 and at Andrews Air Force Base on channel 53. 2. View some of the telecourses on Maryland Public Television (WMPT-TV), channel 22. Please NOTE: WMPT-TV has its own starting and ending dates and air times. For a detailed schedule, please see further on in this guide. 3. View telecourses by renting the course videocassettes. Prince George's Community College now offers the PGCC Telecourse Rental Program for EGL102, PSY207, PAR151, CJT153, and SOC153. Rental cost is $50. Tapes must be returned at the end of the semester. Call 301-322-0463 for more information. You can rent most of the other courses from RMI Media Productions, educational video distributor, for $55 to $60, and a 2-3 day delivery. Call RMI 1-800-745-5480 or check into their website: http://www.rmimedia.com . 4. View telecourses in the college library, Accokeek Hall during scheduled library hours. The videos are viewed in the library only and cannot be checked out. There is no fee. Telecourse Course Schedule |