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Spring 2013 Telecourse Schedule
Telecourses make use of a series of video programs to deliver the lecture portion of a course. Text books, study guides and in some cases audio cassettes are required to support the video programs. The videos air on CCBC-TV via Comcast Cable Channel 71 and Verizon FiOS Channel 33 in Baltimore County only. There are a number of additional ways students can view telecourse videos, including DVD and video streaming (see Telecourse Viewing Options).
Students attend several on-campus sessions with the instructor, but otherwise communication is via telephone, conventional mail, e-mail or fax. Texts and study guides are available for purchase at the Bookstore, and testing is done at the college's Testing Centers. For more information e-mail jmartin@ccbcmd.edu.
 Are These Courses for You?
Telecourses, like other distance learning courses, are an ideal learning method for some students. They provide educational opportunities to many people who, for a variety of reasons, cannot participate in regularly scheduled classes on campus. Distance learning courses can be exciting, challenging, enriching and convenient, but they are not for everyone. They should not be considered an easy way to earn credits. In fact, this learning environment requires a high level of self-motivation, discipline and independence. Before electing to enroll in a distance learning course, take this ten-question Self Assessment Test to see how well distance learning courses fit your personal circumstances and characteristics. Also read our Tips for Success.
Here's How It Works
 Step 1 - Register • Register for your course just as you would for any other CCBC credit course. Caution! Check the section indicator carefully to verify that it is either TCA or TEA for telecourse.
Step 2 - Choose a Means of Acquiring the Videos • All CCBC telecourses air on CCBC-TV via Comcast Cable Channel 71 and Verizon FiOS Channel 33 in Baltimore County only, but there are many other ways you can access the video material; see Telecourse Viewing Options.
Step 3 - Read the Course Syllabus • The telecourse instructor will post in Blackboard or mail to you a syllabus which will explain how the course is organized, texts, required assignments, scheduled review sessions, exam dates, etc.
Step 4 - Purchase Texts and Study Guides • Texts, study guides, and audio cassettes (if required) can be purchased from the Bookstore.
Step 5 - Begin Watching • You should begin watching the telecourse videos and using the text and study guide as soon as the course begins. Most telecourses are paced at two 1/2 hour videos per week but some are organized differently. The instructor will send you a syllabus but don't wait for it to arrive to begin the course. If you need more information, call 443-840-4584 or e-mail jmartin@ccbcmd.edu.
Step 6 - Attend Orientation • Your instructor may schedule a face-to-face orientation meeting during the first two weeks of classes. There also may be several review sessions during the semester. These meetings may be held simultaneously on campus and various other sites, via interactive video. Check your course syllabus. Studies have shown that attending the orientation and review sessions increases students' chances of completing the course successfully and helps to keep them on-track throughout the semester.
Step 7 - Keep Up To Date • Because telecourses provide less direct contact between students and instructors, telecourse students must maintain a certain amount of discipline and self-motivation. Stay current with your work on a weekly basis and your telecourse experience will be a rewarding one.
Telecourse Viewing Options
There are many options for viewing the telecourse video content, in addition to traditional cablecast and broadcast distribution. Many courses are available on DVD or CD-ROM, and students who have a PC with broadband Internet access can arrange to receive most programs via video streaming. The telecourse class schedule for each semester indicates which options are available for each course and provides links to private distributors.
Cablecast: All CCBC telecourses air on CCBC-TV via Comacast Cable Channel 71 and Verizon FiOS Channel 33, in Baltimore County only, at the times listed in the telecourse class schedule for each semester. Check your course syllabus for any additional times.
Free Video Streaming: CCBC offers free video streaming for all of the telecourse videos. The videos can be accessed through the College's Blackboard course management system. Your instructor will provide information on accessing the videos. Users must have a PC with a broadband Internet connection, Windows Media Player, and JavaScript enabled. Students may also use CCBC public computers to access the streamed videos.
Library Loan: DVD copies of all telecourses are available for checkout from the CCBC main campus libraries on a first-come, first-served basis. Check with the library on your campus for availability and policies. Telecourse videos are also available for in-house viewing at all three campus libraries.
For Further Information:
You may e-mail jmartin@ccbcmd.edu.
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