Distance Education

Did you know...

• TBCC can supply the tapes for telecourses for viewing in the library, saving you the rental cost.
• The Library provides computers and technical assistance for online classes.
• Want help with distance learning? Call (503) 842-8222 ext. 1720

What is Distance Learning?

Distance learning comes in different forms. The most common are online and telecourses. Online courses are all taken electronically by computer. Telecourses include viewing videotapes (which can be done in the Library) and then communicating online with the instructor and the class.

Distance education requires a lot of discipline. It is suggested that you set aside regular time periods each week to "attend" class, either viewing tapes or reading online materials. Communication with the instructor and other students will be online. Some students have difficulty not having the instant feedback from instructors and other students with whom to talk. However, there is a lot of convenience for people who work, have children, or for those who can't get the class other than by a long commute. Computer literacy is a must; you can not rely on someone else to help you. Testing may be online or done by proctor (proctoring is available by appointment in the Library.)

Current Offerings

Distance learning courses offered this term are displayed on PCC's distance learning page. There are courses in most subject areas. These courses are PCC courses that readily transfer to TBCC to fulfill program requirements. If you are a PCC or TBCC credit student, you may register at the PCC web site by clicking here. If you are a new student, or you are unsure of your student status, check with Enrollment Services or your advisor.

Registering for Distance Learning Courses

The enrollment dates for distance education classes and traditional classes are the same. However, many distance ed classes fill quickly. If you plan to take a distance ed class next term, register early!

PCC Registration may start before TBCC Registration.

Frequently Asked Questions about Registering for Distance Education Classes

• Q: How can the class be full? I registered the first hour I was allowed to!
• A: Registration for continuing students begins months before TBCC's current term schedule is published in the fall. If you wait until the TBCC schedule is published to register for a distance education class, returning/continuing students have already had months to register and may have filled it.
• Q: What can I do about this?
• A: If you think you want to take a distance education class, look on PCC's Distance Education Class Schedule web site the term before you want to take the class. If the class you want is listed, register for it right away. If you later decide you do not want to take it, you can drop it. Just watch out for the drop deadlines.
• Q: I found the registration instructions, but where do I register?
• A: Go to the registration page. Read instructions, then enter "PCC Secure Online Services." Select "Login to Secure Area."  Enter your student ID number (usually your Social Security number) and PIN (usually your six-digit birthdate: yymmdd). When you have logged in, you may add classes.
• PCC Registration Page
• PCC Academic Calendar

Online Courses:
Computer Equipment & Software Requirements

You must be computer literate to take online courses. Online courses use World Wide Web pages and other Internet resources.  Students are encouraged to have a computer at home with a  modem, Internet access via a local Internet service provider, a Web browser, and word processing software. Some online courses require students to have home access to additional computer equipment such as scanners, printers, CD-ROM equipment, etc. and additional software.

Students taking online classes may use the computers in the TBCC Library. However, additional equipment (scanner and other peripherals) or specialized software may be limited or unavailable at the College. Please check the class software and equipment requirements before signing up.

Computer Skill Requirements for Online Courses:

Basic computer skills necessary include keyboarding skills, familiarity with some type of word processing software, the ability to create & find directories, folders, and files on a computer drive and/or floppy disk, CD, Flash Drive, some experience navigating the Internet, and basic familiarity with the use of electronic mail. You must know how to do file attachments. Students taking online courses will use these skills regularly.

Telecourses: Videotapes

Telecourses use videotaped modules or lessons to deliver course content. In the Portland area, the lessons may be watched on cable television or viewed in the library. The cable option is not available in the Tillamook area. You may also need computer skills as noted in Online Courses.

Tillamook area students can rent the tapes from the PCC bookstore. Most courses are available for rent from the Sylvania campus bookstore. Tapes are rented for the term at a cost of $65 per set except for MTH 20A, 60, 65 and 95, which are $85 per set.  Request shipping when you order the tapes. (Shipping charges are extra.) A $25 cash refund is given when tapes are returned during finals week. To rent the tapes, students must be officially registered for a telecourse and sign a rental contract. For more information call the PCC bookstore at (503) 977-4704 or go to the bookstore website.

TBCC can provide the tapes for your telecourses. We will rent the tapes for you and have them sent to our campus, saving you the cost of renting the tapes yourself. You will view the tapes on campus in the Library. If you want TBCC to get the tapes for your class, please contact the Distance Education Coordinator as soon as you register for the class. It takes 1-2 weeks to get the tapes.