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A
telecourse is a regular college course created by
nationally-known instructional television producers and
taken, each semester, by thousands of students in colleges
and universities throughout the United States. Each course
costs three to four million dollars to produce and is of the
highest quality in instructional content and production.
A
telecourse is a complete instructional system in which the
televised programs (on DVD or VHS) serve as one component.
This component generally includes 28 half-hour programs. The
course also includes a textbook, study guide, readings,
terms and concepts to learn, audio cassette or DVD test
reviews, and a mid-term and final examination.
The course
begins with an orientation which serves to introduce
students to the course components, the subject matter, the
student’s responsibilities, and techniques for successful
completion of the course. Orientation sessions are held for
one hour on the Cranford Campus on the first and second
Friday evenings of the semester. Students choose the session
most convenient for them; individual orientation
appointments are made if students are unable to attend the
regularly scheduled orientations.
Among the
features of telecourses which students like most are the
convenience, the professional quality of the programs, the
valuable and interesting learning experiences presented, and
the time saved commuting to regular campus classes. The
medium is outstanding in motivating learning, and in getting
and holding the student’s attention. It brings to the
student many people, places and events difficult or
impossible to bring to the classroom.
No single
mode of learning is best for all students. Therefore,
telecourses are not the ideal way of learning for some
students. Telecourses require self-discipline, high
motivation and interest, and the ability to work alone.
However, thousands of Union County College students have
completed telecourses over the past 15 years, and the
knowledge gained in their telecourse study has added to
their overall college learning experience and knowledge.
Please feel free to call Dr. Carmichael at any time if you
have questions. If not in the office, leave telephone
numbers (home or work) and best times to reach you. |
