Distance Learning

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Distance Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

What is distance learning?

Distance Learning describes a self-paced instructional format.

Instead of an instructor lecturing in front of the class, you will work independently.

This form of learning is a good option for individuals who are self-motivated and can work independently in a less structured learning environment.

Distance learning courses are fully credited college classes and offer the same material as a lecture-based class.

There is no difference in WHAT you are expected to learn. It is the WAY you learn that is different.

With distance learning courses, you are an active participant in learning.

There are several reasons for taking this class and other classes using the distance learning format:

Scheduling flexibility
Convenience
To meet people that you might not meet in the traditional classroom.
Instruction is somewhat self-paced (deadlines do apply)
More resources over the Internet
Duties and commitments to family that traditional classroom instruction might interfere with
Availability of more educational instruction
Flexible Time Schedules

What is different about the distance learning format?

Supplemental information, course requirements and assignments are mainly delivered through web-based technologies such as web pages, chatting software and electronic mail. Therefore, you will need the following:

Computer with modem or network connection
Internet access
Email address (You will be issued an account on TSTC.NET when you register.)
Web-Browser

Carefully review the course requirements to determine other materials and computer software you might need

How do I know if an on-line class is right for me?

Typically the successful on-line student is a self-starter, self-motivated, and a person that does not require a lot of interaction with the instructor.

The on-line student does not mind working in what can be a lonely environment.

There is a self test the prospective on-line student can take to help determine if on-line learning is suitable for them.

Click here to view the Online Distance Learning Guide.

How do I register for an on-line class?

First you have to apply and be accepted to the college just like a traditional student.

Once accepted, contact your advisor who will advise you via phone and/or email.

The advisor will work with you to determine which courses you need to take.

After completing this advisement, the advisor will register you for the appropriate classes.

You will be sent a bill for tuition and fees.

How do I obtain student services such as counseling?

Each student services department has a person designated to help the on-line student.

Bookstore
	Flo Darwin
	254-867-3803
Counseling
	Dr. Tom Liston
	254-867-3638

Deaf & Disabled Student Services
	Brent Burns
	254-867-3644

Distance Learning
	Lance Zimmerman
	254-867-3257

Financial Aid
	Jackie Adler
	254-867-3620

Library
	Linda Koepf
	254-867-2349

Registrar
	Dawn Khoury
	254-867-2366

Veteran Certification
	Gloria Wiley
	254-867-4817

How do I access library services?

Distance Learning Students that live in Texas, but do not attend classes on campus, may request a TexShare card which gives student checkout privileges at any Texas library that is a TexShare member. TexShare is a state program that allows member libraries to give circulation privileges to other member library patrons.

To apply for a TexShare card, click on Contact Us and provide the following information: your name, student ID number and your address and then click on Send. After we receive and verify the information we will send you a TexShare card by mail.

When you use the TexShare card to borrow materials from any library, all materials need to be returned by their due dates and all materials must be returned no later than the date indicated on the TexShare card. Any charges for late or lost materials will be your responsibility. Any abuse of the TexShare card, such as not paying any charges for late or lost materials, will result in the loss of TexShare card privileges.

Students who are taking on-campus classes in addition to Distance Learning may use the campus library and they may apply for a TexShare card at the campus library if they cannot locate their reference need on campus.

Distance Learning and on-campus students can use services on our TSTC Waco Library web site http://walib.tstc.edu. Please note that you may use the EBSCO Full-text Periodical online database, but the other databases listed under Online Databases are restricted to on-campus computers and cannot be accessed off campus. However, the EBSCO database provides full text coverage for nearly 3,000 journals and abstracts and indexing for over 5,000 periodicals and also includes full text coverage for 194 newspapers, including international as well as U.S. newspapers, and over 1,200 pamphlets in full text. The social sciences, humanities, general science, food sciences and nutrition, computer sciences, engineering, education, multi-cultural studies, business, management, economics, medical sciences and health care, religion and philosophy are among the subjects covered by the database.

Our web site has a place for you to ask reference questions and to request inter-library loan books, by either clicking on the Reference link or clicking on the Inter-library loan link. The inter-library loan service is available to you as a distance learning student when you are unable to find the materials you need for your course in your home library. Please allow several weeks for this service; if the information need is immediate and you do not have this amount of time for an assignment or your paper/project has a close due date, please contact us at the library for help in locating alternate materials.

Distance Learning students can also get computer access for free in most public libraries in the United States. There are many large public and private libraries all over the world that offer online databases for periodical collections, printed periodicals, and reference collections and will grant privileges to individuals when requested.

What if I have a problem?

Concerning course activities, assignments and course content:

First, contact your instructor. You might want to arrange for a telephone conference to clarify issues.
The Department Advisor can also be of assistance.

Concerning technical difficulties with your computer:

Contact Student Online Services at 1-254-867-3074 or 1-800-792-8784.
The hours for SOS Monday thru Thursday are from 8:00am to 9:00pm (CST).
The hours for SOS on Friday is from 8:00am to 5:00pm (CST).

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webmaster@tstc.edu