Online and Distance Questions53. Does Collin College offer online or other distance formats for English courses?
53. Each fall, spring, and summer semesters, Collin College offers online or other distance formats for English courses such as ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, ENGL 2311, and the sophomore literature courses. Some of these courses are completely online with no visits to campus required. On the other hand, some require an on-site orientation and one or more on-campus visits for exams, essays, etc. Information about the requirements a particular online class is available on the instructor's web site or in the Schedule of Classes.
54. How is a distance (online, television, or video check-out) English course different from an on-site (or traditional) English course?
54. All sections of a particular course, whether on-site or distance, have the same requirements and the same commitment of time regardless of the particular format, length of the semester, or method of delivery. Instructional materials, readings, assignments, and in most cases, class discussions may be accessed whether the student is at home, at work, on the road, or on vacation. Students enrolled in a distance class must e-mail the instructor immediately upon registering and access the web site and/or attend orientation the first week of classes. While there may be no face-to-face instructor, there is a schedule of readings, discussions, and assignments with specific due dates. Students may see the Schedule of Classes for more information about on-line courses.
55. Is Writing Center help available online or by e-mail?
55. Writing Center Online Tutors are available to students enrolled in online Collin College courses. Essays are submitted as MS Word documents and e-mailed to the Writing Center for a review (usually within forty-eight hours.) See the Writing Center web page for specific information about how to submit an essay for review by online tutors.
56. I see that English 1301 and English 1302 are offered as telecourses. What is a telecourse?
56. ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302 are offered as Telecourses (see the Schedule of Classes). Telecourses are non-classroom, video-supported courses utilizing texts, study guides, and video materials. Telecourses are pre-taped and televised by Comcast cable in most areas. The videos are also available for viewing in the Library at the three main campuses or students may purchase a set of videos at the SCC bookstore. Telecourses require an on-site orientation the first week of classes and also involve on-site testing in the Testing Center at SCC.
57. Is an on-site orientation required for every distance English course?
57. Some distance courses have on-site mandatory orientations while some, especially web courses, do not. See the Schedule of Classes for information about a specific distance course.
58. Is on-site testing and/or writing required for every distance English course?
58. Some distance courses have on-site testing and/or on-site writing assignments while some, especially web courses, do not. See the Schedule of Classes for information about a specific distance course.
59. If all distance courses are full, what can I do?
59. Distance courses fill quickly and cannot be overloaded. Since registration is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, students should register early for any distance course. If a student wishes to enroll in a class that is full, the best bet is to try to register for the class again after students have been dropped for non-payment. The drop for non-payment dates are listed in each semester's Schedule of Classes. The English Department does not keep a waiting list for students wishing to enroll in a particular section.