Telecourses are one method for taking distance education classes. Telecourses use pre-taped instructional lessons along with at least one required textbook, a study guide, syllabus, exams. Students usually interact with their instructor using email, the telephone or during any scheduled meeting times. Students can make arrangements to meet with instructors as well by contacting them via email or telephone.
All telecourses carry full college credit which may be applied to MJC graduation, and courses are usually transferable to four-year institutions.
All telecourses are part of the MJC curriculum and are subject to the fees listed in the class schedule. In addition to MJC fees, you will need to purchase one or more textbooks for your course. Texts are available for purchase in the MJC bookstore or via the Pirates Bookstore web site. Once you have registered for a telecourse, you will receive your course syllabus and other course materials via US mail.
Students who succeed in Telecourses are self-motivated, independent learners. It’s in your best interest to review telecourse requirements prior to enrolling. If you're unsure if a Telecourse is best for you, contact the Telecourse Office so you can ask the staff any questions in terms of how these courses work or if they're right for you.
Again, you view telecourses on television, usually using your home video machine or DVD player or using equipment in the library. Some students may be able to view telecourse programs via broadcast if they subscribe to Comcast or Charter cable and they live in certain zip codes (see more information below).
Turlock Charter Cable Channel 2 broadcasts the telecourses (with the exception of Span 101) to residents of Ceres, Delhi, Denair, Hilmar, Keyes, Turlock and Modesto (zip code 95351). The course syllabus will list the dates and times.
Modesto Comcast Cable Channel 96 broadcasts the telecourses (with the exception of Span 101) to residents within the city limits, excluding zip code 95351. The course syllabus will list the dates and times.
If you're able to be on the East Campus, you have the option of viewing the video programs in the MJC Library during normal library hours. For more information, contact the Reserve Desk at 575-6229.
Telecourses are NOT available via satellite (Directv or Dish Network).
Most students ‘Check Out’ video tapes to view at home. Once you've enrolled in a telecourse, you can check out Tapes or DVDs from MJC Media Services located in the Classroom Annex Building Room 102 on the East campus. The Media Services phone number is 209 575-6100. There is no cost to ‘check out’ the tapes or DVDs, however students will be charged if they do not return them at the end of the semester!
Most telecourses have several mandatory meetings on campus. The syllabus will list the dates, times and locations. If you are not enrolled and are interested in going to the Orientation, please call the Telecourse Office at 209 575-6236. The Telecourse Office is located in the MJC Library, East Campus.
If you try to register for a Telecourse and are put on a WAIT LIST, your are NOT guaranteed entry into that telecourse. Please contact the Telecourse Office for further information about being on a Wait List - 209 575-6236.
