Types of eLearning
Online | Video | Television | Videoconferencing | METV | The Education Channel
Online
Students may complete credit courses via online computer technology. Electronic mail (e-mail) may be used for quick, accurate, and reliable communication between student and instructor and between students. Students can download course assignments from the instructor and upload completed assignments to the instructor. In some courses, electronic discussions with other students and the instructor enhance interaction and create a classroom discussion environment. Some online courses guide students through valuable resources on the Internet, such as the World Wide Web.
Video
Some credit courses are offered through a series of video tapes in conjunction with conferencing, handouts, and assignments. On a schedule of their own convenience, students may visit the SCF Library during any of its scheduled hours to view video tapes. Other arrangements and sites may also be available for students to view course materials. Each course uses a text, a study guide, and a syllabus in conjunction with the video lessons. Campus visits are required for orientation and testing. In addition, some video courses make use of computer e-mail conferencing and electronic downloading of assignments from the Internet or from any designated computer station on campus.
Students are required to pay a special fee for some of these courses. Additional information can be obtained from the appropriate academic department on both campuses. Some of these courses may be available on METV (see description below).
Television
Instructional television is an alternative delivery system, which may meet the needs of those students who cannot attend regularly scheduled classes. If students miss the TV broadcast, they can view video tapes and/or DVDs in the SCF Library on either campus during regularly scheduled Library hours. Courses include three to five scheduled and required campus meetings for orientation and exams. Instructors may schedule additional sessions. Each course consists of a text and a workbook/study guide. Instructors provide a schedule for office hours and telephone contacts. Students who consider TV courses (telecourses) should recognize the need for self-discipline relative to establishing individual study habits. Successful completion of courses results in the same transcript entries as regularly scheduled campus courses, including the same number of credit hours.
Students enrolled in a telecourse are required to pay a special fee. Additional information can be obtained from the appropriate academic department on both campuses. Telecourses are broadcast on METV (Manatee) and The Education Channel (Sarasota).
Videoconferencing
Other than Distance or eLearning courses, additional technology-based classes are offered via videoconferencing from rooms dedicated to this purpose on the Bradenton and Venice campuses. Using videoconferencing systems that allow two-way video and audio interaction, students can register at either campus and have complete access to a class originating on another campus, without making an inconvenient drive.
Manatee Educational Television (METV) -- Manatee County
The Manatee Educational Television (METV) Consortium, Inc. is an alliance of educators with Manatee Community College, Manatee County School System, and the University of South Florida as its founding members. Manatee County non-profit organizations with educational messages are also members of the METV Consortium. The METV channel serves the educational television needs of the citizens of Manatee County with a variety of programs spanning many subjects and disciplines.
METV can be viewed on Brighthouse Networks - Channel 21, Comcast - Channel 19, and Verizon - Channel 31. SCF students who enroll in video or telecourses and who are Brighthouse, Comcast, or Verizon subscribers may be able to watch them on METV. Broadcast times are usually between 5-7 PM, Monday-Friday. Monthly broadcast schedules can be viewed on the METV Website: http://www.metvweb.com/.
The Education Channel -- Sarasota County
The Education Channel serves SCF's Sarasota students by broadcasting SCF telecourses on Comcast - Channel 20. Program times vary, and broadcast schedules are published each term on The Education Channel Website at: www.theedchannel.net.
