Frequently Asked Questions What does "Distance Learning" mean? Can I earn an A.A. Degree through Distance Learning? How can I find out which courses are offered through Distance Learning? How do I know whether Distance Learning is a good option for me? What is the cost of Distance Learning courses? Will Distance Learning course credits transfer to other institutions? Can I get financial aid for Distance Learning courses? How do I register for Distance Learning courses? Is there a limit on how many Distance Learning courses I can register for? What happens after I register? Do I still have to come to a campus for Distance Learning courses? What kinds of help services are available to me in a Distance Learning course? Do I have to log on to an online course at certain times? How do I know whether my computer is adequate for taking an online course? What kinds of computer skills do I need to take an online course? How do I view the telecourse lessons? How is Interactive Video different from other modes of Distance Learning? What is Weekend College? Where is Weekend College located? Who should consider Weekend College? Will I have access to campus services and support when attending Weekend College? Where can I get more information on how to register for Weekend College?     What does "Distance Learning" mean? The term "distance learning" refers to courses in which the teacher and the student are separated by location and/or time. At CCBC this includes Online Courses, Telecourses, and Interactive Video Courses.   Can I earn an A.A. Degree through Distance Learning? There are several degree tracks that are very close to being available entirely through some combination of Distance Learning modes, and we hope to complete these very soon. If you intend to pursue an A.A. Degree through Distance Learning, by all means contact an Academic Advisor about putting together the best program for you.   How can I find out which courses are offered through Distance Learning? You can access the schedules of Online Courses, Telecourses and Interactive Video Courses from CCBC's home page on the World Wide Web and clicking on Distance Learning/Weekend College link. The courses are also listed in the printed Schedule of Classes booklet, where they are included with other courses by subject but are identified by graphic icons.   How do I know whether Distance Learning is a good option for me? Distance Learning courses can be a valuable option for busy students who can work independently and who have good study habits. But they are not for everyone. On the CCBC Distance Learning web page you can access a short Self-Assessment Test that asks you to respond to a series of questionsabout your goals, your learning style, your familiarity with technology, your schedule, and other factors that may impact your success. The test will give you feedback that may help you to decide whether you are a good candidate for this mode of learning. Academic advisors are also available at each of the College's campuses to help you with your educational plans and to choose the best courses and modalities to meet your needs.   What is the cost of Distance Learning and Weekend College courses? Tuition, fees and books are the same as all other credit courses offered at The Community College of Baltimore County, there are no additional feels.  Non-credit course costs vary.   How do I register for Distance Learning courses? You will register for a Distance Learning course just as you would for any other CCBC course. Be sure to indicate the correct section code on your registration form -- all Distance Learning courses are identified by section.   Is there a limit on how many Distance Learning courses I can register for? No, but it is recommended that you not take more than one or two at a time, at least until you are familiar with the unique demands of these modes of learning. Distance Learning courses are not an easy way to earn credits. They require a high degree of discipline and motivation, and the time commitment may equal or exceed what you would give to a classroom course.   Can I get financial aid for Distance Learning courses? You apply for financial aid as you normally would. Your financial aid reward will also apply to distance learning courses.   What happens after I register? If you've registered for an online course or a telecourse, you will receive several packets of information in the mail. These mailings may arrive a few days before, or several weeks before, the semester begins. Online course: You will receive a welcome letter from the Office of Distance/Extended Learning, which tells you how to access the course home page, how to log in, how to contact your instructor, and other important information about getting started. The letter will also give you the assigned ID and password that you will need to log in to the course. You will also receive a welcome letter directly from your instructor. For complete before and after registration student instructions, read the  Online Classes Homepage. Telecourse:  You will receive a Telecourse Student Handbook. This booklet contains vital information about the course airtimes, other ways of accessing the videos, testing policies, student support services, and more. The instructor will mail you a course syllabus, which contains important information about the course calendar, orientation, exams, grading and other basics. What kinds of help services are available to me in a Distance Learning course? There are several support services available for distant learners both on-campus and on-line.   Will Distance Learning course credits transfer to other institutions? Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or another community college should meet with an advisor or counselor early in their program to become aware of the appropriate courses to take to transfer.  Recommended transfer patterns for many majors at Maryland four-year colleges are available in the transfer areas at each campus.   Do I still have to come to a campus for Distance Learning courses? Interactive Video courses are classroom courses in that you still have to come to a campus or extension center classroom at the scheduled class times. In other modes of Distance Learning you will have to come to a campus Testing Center to take exams, and the instructor may also schedule face-to-face orientation and review sessions. These meetings are generally not required but are highly recommended. Some distance learning courses with a lab component require in an on-campus, face-to-face lab.   Do I have to log on to an online course at certain times? Some, but not all, online courses include live, real-time chat sessions to stimulate discussion and interaction. In most cases, multiple times are scheduled to make them more convenient. The bulk of the course work is done at your own pace, as long as deadlines are met.   How do I know whether my computer is adequate for taking an online course? Check with the hardware and software requirements for taking an online course.   What kinds of computer skills do I need to take an online course? Take the Self Assessment for Technical Savvy.   How do I view the telecourse lessons? All CCBC telecourses are aired in Baltimore County on the College's cable TV channel, CCBC-TV 71, which is included in Comcast's basic subscription package in Baltimore County. Some of the telecourses are also broadcast on Maryland Public Television channels 22 and 67. But even if you do not have access to these broadcasts there are options available to you. Some students arrange with a friend or relative who has cable TV to record the lessons for them. There are several private companies that will rent an entire telecourse series to registered students for the semester. Finally, the Media Centers at each CCBC campus have copies of all telecourse lessons for in-house viewing, and the Catonsville and Essex campuses have copies that can be checked out on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, go to the Telecourses page or call 443-840-4179.   How is Interactive Video different from other modes of Distance Learning? Interactive Video classes occur at a scheduled time and they do take place in a classroom. The instructor is present in one classroom, but is also connected to other, remote classrooms through two-way video and audio technology. If you are in an Interactive Video class, you may be in the same room with the instructor, or you may be at another site, communicating with the instructor and other remote classmates through TV monitors and microphones. What is Weekend College? The Community Colleges of Baltimore County have created a new option for adult learners-Weekend College which offers courses on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.   Where is Weekend College located? At the three campuses of The Community College of Baltimore County- as well as at the CCBC Extension Centers in Hunt Valley and Owings Mills.   Who should consider Weekend College? Weekend College is designed for the BUSY person who just cannot fit one more thing into the BUSY work-week. As in all learning environments, self-motivation and academic support are important for college success. The Community Colleges of Baltimore County are committed to student services and advising.   Will I have access to campus services and support when attending Weekend College? Library, recreation, food services as well as registration, advisement and bookstore services are available throughout the semester.   Where can I get more information on how to register for Weekend College? Just call the CCBC Weekend College information line at 443-840-4855. For non-credit course information contact the Continuing Education Call Center 410-869-0296.   Contact Information     Distance/Extended Learning & Teleproduction CCBC Essex  Humanities & Arts Building 7201 Rossville Blvd. Baltimore MD 21237  443-840-2550