Frequently Asked Questions about Online Courses
- What is an "online" course?
- How do I know if I should take an online course?
- How is taking an Internet course different from classroom instruction?
- Do these classes count for college credit?
- What is a distance course at JCC like?
- Are JCC's online courses self-paced?
- Will I still need to buy the text book(s) for the class?
- What kind of computer hardware and software do I need to take a JCC online course?
- JCC's online classes all seem to require the Netscape Navigator, Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser. Can I use the browser that comes with America Online?
- Can I use the computers on the JCC Campus?
- How do I sign up to take an online course at JCC?
- What if I need help as I'm working?
- How do I find resources that I need from the JCC Library?
- Which courses will JCC be offering online?
- When do the courses begin?
- How much does an online course cost?
- What time commitment should I plan to make?
- How do I begin?
Q: What is an "online" course?
A: online courses use Internet tools such as e-mail and the World Wide Web to provide courses that are equivalent to the courses scheduled on campus. online courses generally use the same syllabus and text as the traditional courses held on campus; however, additional resources may be required and students are required to use Internet tools.Return to the top of the page.
Q: How do I know if I should take an online course?
A: online courses offer two very important benefits. First, they offer far more flexibility in terms of scheduling the time when you will work on the course. Secondly, most (and in some cases all) of the course work can be completed at the location of your choosing. online courses require that:- you read well and learn well by reading
- are self-disciplined and can manage your time effectively
- have the appropriate background for the course
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Q: How is taking an Internet course different from classroom instruction?
A: The course content, course materials, and assignments are the same. After completion of an Internet-based course, you will have developed the same skills and have the same knowledge as traditional students. The experience of an online course will be different, but the pace and content of the course will be very nearly the same.Return to the top of the page.
Q: Do these classes count for college credit?
A: Yes, our online classes are credit-bearing courses. However, JCC also offers non-credit workshops. The non-credit classes are clearly marked on the bulletin and in our online class listings.Return to the top of the page.
Q: What is a distance course at JCC like?
A: The instructor will typically give reading assignments (on the Web, in textbooks, or both), provide further explanatory "lecture notes" online, call for online discussion, answer any questions raised during the discussion, and then administer online exercises, quizzes, and tests.Return to the top of the page.
Q: Are JCC's online courses self-paced?
A: No. These classes run during the normal semester, and while students do not have to attend class at a given hour and day, they do have to sign on, complete the assignments, interact with their instructor and classmates, and generally participate in the course on a regular basis. The most exciting thing is, students can do that work at any time of day - before work or after work; at noon or after midnight - whenever works best for them!Return to the top of the page.
Q: Will I still need to buy the text book(s) for the class?
A: Some courses may not require a textbook, but many will. Textbooks are available from the JCC Bookstore. Contact JCC Bookstore Manager Nancy Lear at 315-786-2399, or via e-mail at nlear@sunyjefferson.edu.Return to the top of the page.
Q: What kind of computer hardware and software do I need to take a JCC online course?
A: The SUNY Learning Network allows you to test your system. You should do this before beginning a course. Some courses require additional software. See the SLN Course List for information.Return to the top of the page.
JCC's online classes all seem to require the Netscape Navigator, Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser. Can I use the browser that comes with America Online?
If you are using America Online (AOL), the AOL browser uses the version of Internet Explorer that is on your computer. As long as the version of Internet Explorer is version 4.0 or higher, the browser will be able to handle all of the features within the SLN pages.Return to the top of the page.
Can I use the computers on the JCC Campus?
A: JCC has computer labs that have Internet access for students working on assignments for courses. These computers can be used to access JCC's online courses, but lab hours and equipment availability are limited. For this reason, JCC recommends that students have web access at home as well as on campus.Return to the top of the page.
How do I sign up to take an online course at JCC?
A: Register for these courses using JCC's regular registration procedures.Return to the top of the page.
What if I need help as I'm working?
A: SUNY Learning Network (SLN) allows several ways to communicate with your instructor and classmates. In addition to communicating via SLN, you may use the phone, fax, e-mail, chat rooms, bulletin boards, and traditional mail to communicate. Each course will have specific procedures and technologies, to help students accomplish the goals of the course. These procedures will be described in the course syllabus.Return to the top of the page.
How do I find resources that I need from the JCC Library?
A: The JCC Library offers many electronic resources for JCC distance students, including electronic books (NetLibrary) and databases containing more than 11,000 journal, newspaper and magazine articles. General services, which do not require a password include online reference help, such as Live Chat and e-mail reference, Inter-Library loan information and an Information Literacy Tutorial, aimed at helping students with basic research.
All of these services (and more) are available from the Library's web site including contact information.
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Which courses will JCC be offering online?
A: JCC's list of online offerings grows every semester. For a current list of online courses, go to JCC's Online Course Listing page. (The complete listing of JCC courses is also available.)Return to the top of the page.
When do the courses begin?
A: The online courses follow the regular semester schedule. However, the course is typically available one week before the actual start date. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the course framework.Return to the top of the page.
How much does an online course cost?
A: The tuition cost for an online course at JCC is the same as it is for an on-campus course. Students pay an additional SLN fee of $10.00 per credit hour.Return to the top of the page.
What time commitment should I plan to make?
A: Online courses require at least as much time as do classroom-based courses. Please note that online classes run during the normal semester. While students do not have to attend class at a given hour and day, they do have to sign on, do the assignments, interact with their instructors and classmates, and generally participate in the courses on a regular basis.Return to the top of the page.
How do I begin?
A: If you would like to see if you have the skills and equipment necessary to take an online course, go to "Are You Ready for an Online Course?" If you know you're ready, and wish to start the registration process, go to the JCC Registration Page.Return to the top of the page.