Online courses are those that utilize the Internet, rather than a traditional classroom, to present course material. Faculty members are available during office hours to consult with students. Scheduled class chat sessions may be required. Online courses are recommended for highly motivated students, who work well on their own, and are not for everyone.

Students may be required to complete an orientation prior to the start of class. Some courses may require on-campus/face-to-face proctored testing.

In addition to the support your instructor will provide, online students have access to free tutoring opportunities through our Academic Assistance Center. Additionally, online Library resources are available to assist with research, etc.

Tuition and fees for Online courses are the same whether you live in-district, out-of-district, or out-of-state. Online courses are charged at in-district tuition and fee rates, plus a $10 Special Course Fee to offset cost of the service.

Most online courses do require a textbook, although you should be prepared to download materials in most classes. Information on textbooks is available by visiting the College Bookstore. Online student's with textbook vouchers, issued by the SSC Financial Aid Office, should proceed to the College Bookstore.

Internet access for students taking online courses is available at the Main Campus and at the University & College Center.

Again, Online courses are recommended for highly motivated students, who work well on their own, and are not for everyone.

Our courses are designed to bring the best features of a traditional classroom to your desktop. You have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and students from all over the world. The courses are designed to promote interaction and discussion. Due dates are assigned to projects, syllabus provide structure, and the class term matches that of our traditional academic calendar.

When you walk into a traditional classroom for the first time, the instructor gives you some tools to guide you through the rest of the term. These may include a syllabus, reading list, description of assignments, grading or evaluation criteria, etc.

In the online environment, these same tools are available. Visit each of the links off the main page of your course, and see what is there. Familiarize yourself with the available tools and ask questions when you need help.

Online classes revolve around a bulletin board, where general discussion takes place. Each class also has private mail, real-time chat, course notes, linked glossaries, online quizzes, a student presentation area, calendar, as well as many other features. Audio and video files may also be included in the class format.

1. Participate. In the online environment, it's not enough to show up! We need to hear your voice to feel your presence, and we especially need your comments add to the information, the shared learning, and the sense of community in each class.
2. Be persistent. Remember that we're all working in a fairly new environment. If you run into any difficulties, don't wait! Send a note immediately to the instructor. Most problems are easily solved, but we have to hear from you before we can help.
3. Share tips, help, and questions. For many of us, taking online courses is a new frontier. There are no dumb questions, and even if you think your solution is obvious, please share it! Someone in the class will appreciate it.
4. Think before you push the Send button. Did you say just what you meant? How will the person on the other end read the words? While you can't anticipate all reactions, do read over what you've written before you send it.
5. Remember that we can't see the grin on your face when you make a sarcastic comment, we can't see the concern on your face if you only say a couple of words, and we can't read your mind and fill in the gaps if you abbreviate your comments. So help us "see" you by explaining your ideas fully. Use emoticons once in awhile. A winking emoticons looks like this ;-)
6. Remember there's a person on the other side. Ask for feedback if you're not sure how your ideas and comments will be taken. If you disagree with what someone has said, practice all your communication skills as you express that disagreement. "Flaming," or flying off the handle and ranting at someone else is unacceptable; it's the equivalent of having a tantrum, something most of us wouldn't do in an onsite, face to face classroom.
7. Any derogatory or inappropriate comments regarding race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, are unacceptable and subject to the same disciplinary action that they would receive if they occurred in the physical classroom. If you have concerns about something that has been said, please let your instructor know.
8. Plagiarism, cheating and other violations of ethical student behavior are serious actions in a learning community. You should expect to be treated accordingly. Specific policies regarding such actions are spelled out in the SSC Student Handbook, which is available in hard copy from the College.

Students must have regular access to a computer capable of running a minimum of Internet Explorer 6.X (or its equivalent) with reliable internet service (56k minimum). They need to have familiarity with downloading and uploading files as well as the ability to attach files to emails.

A CD-ROM drive, or a sound card and speakers, maybe required for some courses.