and Optional Tour of GCC’s High Tech Center 1

 Advice about how to start an Open Entry course and successfully finish  Brief introduction to HTC guidelines and optional tour for those new to campus

You register throughout the semester and have individual Start and End Dates. You have 16 weeks to complete the course. Many OE courses are also self- paced, which means you set your own due dates for assignments. All work must be completed by your End Date!

 There is no difference in materials and assignments between an OE class and a regular class.

Different instructors set up their materials in diverse ways. You can find your materials in one of three places: 1. In the packet given to you at orientation 2. On the instructor’s Web site 3.In Blackboard®, a Web-based course management program

There is a link to the eCourses page on the GCC Home Page. eCourses lists all GCC online, OE, and hybrid courses. 1. Go to the GCC Home Page. 2. Click on the eCourses link. 3. Follow the instructions there.

Instructor’s Name Link to course materials Link to course Demonstrate with GCC Home PageGCC Home Page

 Regardless of where your course materials are, all OE courses use Blackboard®, a Web- based course management program, to record grades.  There are tutorials available for those who are new to Blackboard®.  Students should enter their personal address in Blackboard® to ensure receiving communications from their instructors.

 In a regular 3 (or 2 or 1)-credit class, much of your time is scheduled for you. ◦ You would meet in a classroom 3 (or 2 or 1) hours a week for 16 weeks. That is just the “in class” time—it doesn’t count the time you spend outside of class for:  Reading  Doing homework  Studying for tests ◦ It is generally accepted that for every hour in class, a student should spend 3 hours outside of class. ◦ That’s 12 (or 8 or 4) hours a week for 16 weeks! Schedule Your Time

 In an OE class, you must schedule your own time. ◦ Treat this just like a regular class—because it is! ◦ Schedule 4 hours a week for every credit hour.  1-credit class: schedule 4 hours  2-credit class: schedule 8 hours  3-credit class: schedule 12 hours ◦ Some students will need less time and some will need more. ◦ Some courses are tougher than others, regardless of the number of credit hours; plan accordingly. ◦ Stick to your schedule! Schedule Your Time

 To learn new material in a regular class, you: 1.Read the chapter. 2.Listen to the instructor’s lecture. 3.Participate in class discussion. 4.Take notes. Read

 To learn new material in an OE class, you: ◦ Read and do. ◦ Go back, and read and do again. ◦ Read again! You must read carefully and thoroughly. Second Key to Second Key to (cont.) Read! That’s just ! Read

 Start right away and work steadily on your course.  Submit an assignment every week.  Waiting will mean fewer weeks to accomplish the coursework.  Faculty are instructed to withdraw students who have not started an OE course within ONE WEEK of the student’s Start Date. Send your instructor an with your name and course today if you cannot submit an assignment. Don’t Procrastinate! So…

 You are expected to have problems.  If you experience a problem, reread the instructions and try again.  If you cannot solve the problem on your own, get help before you get frustrated.  You can get help from the HTC staff by raising your hand.  You can get help from your instructor. Check for contact information for , phone, and office/lab hours; he or she will be glad to assist you. Ask Questions

 Some students occasionally experience unexpected problems that prevent them from completing the course in 16 weeks.  Check your instructor’s materials for his or her rules about extension requests. Most instructors require a minimum amount of work before a request is granted.  Extensions are not automatic; talk to your instructor!

 Generally, students on Financial Aid must follow a different rule regarding OE course End Dates.  Regardless of the OE course’s End Date, you must be finished by the end of the semester in which you enrolled.  The instructor has no knowledge of Financial Aid records; it is each student’s responsibility to know when he or she must complete.  Extensions should not be requested since the course must be completed by the end of the semester.  Contact your Financial Aid Advisor for details.

 Starting your course? ◦ Remember the eCourses page!  Successfully completing the course? ◦ Schedule your time ◦ Read carefully ◦ Don’t procrastinate ◦ Ask questions.

 GCC Students have access to many computer resources on campus, including: ◦ Private storage space—the H: drive—that “stays with you” from semester to semester ◦ Student ◦ Microsoft Office and other software ◦ Space to publish a personal Website ◦ Library research tools ◦ Access to files (but not software) from off campus ◦ Student Help Desk ◦ And much more!

 In the “pit” area of the HTCs, ◦ Cell phones should be off or set to vibrate; go upstairs to use it. ◦ No food is allowed. ◦ You may have water in sealable containers. ◦ Only registered students are allowed-don’t leave children unattended upstairs. ◦ Schoolwork has priority.

 Pods 10 and 28 in HTC1 are designated as “Base Camp” and are staffed by “Camp Counselors” who will help you get off to a good start. Look for the sunflowers!  Remember that you should always contact your instructor if your question cannot be answered by the HTC staff.

For those new to GCC, please take advantage of a brief tour of HTC1. You’ll like it. If you have any questions or comments concerning the operation of the HTC, contact Sue Murry, Director, Instructional and Administrative Technology Support at