What is a Telecourse?
A TELECOURSE is a fully credited college level course that combines the viewing of television programs and/or radio broadcasts, with independent assignments and a minimal number of on-campus meetings. Each course is assigned an instructor who serves as the student’s learning facilitator. The student is given a syllabus which details reading, viewing, listening and writing assignments. Students work with the faculty member via telephone communications, mail, and personal visits. Some courses may use the Internet and e-mail as part of the instructional mix.
How are courses taught?
The primary method of instruction may include one or more of the following: radio broadcasts, television broadcasts, Internet-based activities, and/or video and audio recordings. Lectures and discussions will be broadcast on Nassau Community College’s educational radio station, WHPC-FM (90.3 MHz) or television programs broadcast on PBS-affiliate, WLIW-21 and Channel 71, PATC-Great Neck. Some courses use supplementary videotape programs available at the College Library and at some video rental stores and public libraries.The same programs can be rented from the College of the Air office for a full semester. Many of these programs are also available on-demand in streaming media format on the Annenberg/CPB web site (www.learner.org). Students are expected to supplement this instruction with textbook reading and other assignments. A number of courses are now using the Internet as a means of communication between students and faculty. Faculty members will be available to answer questions and discuss course themes by telephone or at their faculty office on a regular basis.
Some courses may require a number of on-campus class meetings as part of the educational process. These meetings will be arranged with student schedules in mind.
How can I view the video materials?
Each semester the video programs for a selected group of College of the Air courses are broadcast via WLIW-Channel 21 and PATC, Channel 71. In addition, a full selection of COA video programs are maintained on “reserve” at the College Library. Some viewing materials may also be available for borrowing from local public libraries and video stores. The COA Office offers a video rental service for COA material. A Twenty-five dollar ($25.00) rental fee per course will permit students to borrow the tapes or DVDs for the complete semester. (see How can I rent...)
How do I take examinations?
Each College of the Air Course requires students to come to the campus for a mid-term and final examination. Some courses may have additional testing requirements. College of the Air faculty typically schedule their examinations during twilight hours or on Saturdays when most students can come to the campus. Many Science courses hold exams during scheduled lab hours. The College of the Air Office may serve as a proctor for examinations taken outside faculty-scheduled times. Proper college identification will be required at testing sessions. Students who cannot come to the campus may make special arrangements with the College of the Air Office and the faculty member assigned to their selected course.
How can I register for COA courses?
Students who have been admitted to Nassau Community College can register for COA courses as part of the normal registration process. In addition, students who are only registering for COA courses may call the COA Office to register by phone (516- 572-7883). Normal COA office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Your course selections will be entered into the computer and a bill will be sent to you for payment.
How can I rent the videotapes for home use?
Sets of the videotape or DVDs for each College of the Air course are available for rental through the COA Office. The rental period is the semester for which the student is registered for the course. A twenty-five dollar ($25.00) per course rental fee is charged for this service. Checks and money orders are the accepted form of payment. CASH CANNOT BE ACCEPTED FOR PAYMENT. The checks should be made payable to the NCC FOUNDATION only. NOTE: Refunds for the rental fee are subject to the College’s refund policy for courses. Rental fees are not typically refunded if more than seven (7) days have elapsed since the beginning of the semester. Student records may be impounded for failure to return tapes at the end of the rental period.
How can I find out more about specific courses?
Additional information about course content and requirements is available from individual academic departments. Click here to see the academic department directory. The best time to call is between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
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