Schedule important
counselor advises
by Joshua Johnson
reporter

Registration time has come and gone, and some students might find themselves having second thoughts about their course selections.
These doubts may result from the style of learning the teacher implements in the class.
Sonja Butler, a counselor on NE Campus, offered tips to ensure students can ease themselves into this semester and all following semesters at TCC.
“The first thing students need to do is assess their own lives and schedules and make sure they have the dedication for the type of class they’re going to take,” she said.
The course types recommended for those with a moderate amount of free time, as well as those who desire a physical reminder of what work is due and when, would be the lecture and computer courses, Butler said.
Lecture courses provide a very linear style of learning and can assist those who are forgetful or need a teacher’s advice on school material during class hours, Butler said.
The computer courses are not quite as linear; however, they supply the same level of learning.
One popular misconception, however, is the belief that the computer lessons are enough.
Butler highly advises students to follow their work along in their textbooks to ensure they get all of the material necessary for the tests.
Another benefit the computer courses offer is the capability for students to work at their own pace, as long as the student meets the actual class deadlines.
Internet courses will most likely wind up ranking high with students who have limited schedules, as well as those who wish to move at their own pace, Butler said.
Most Internet work can be done at the student’s leisure before the due date, but it is very important to make sure the lessons and textbook are followed through, as instructed by the teacher of that class.
One popular misconception that students need to be careful of is unavailability of faculty. Student can go to their teachers for advice by calling during their office hours or e-mailing them through the Web site.
Most contact information is placed on the classroom Web site.
However, one problem the Internet courses place on students is the lack of physical reminders, such as going to class at a set time, to keep them on top of things.
The distance learning staff recommends students make sure they keep track of all due dates in order to keep up with the class.
Televised courses are similar to the Internet courses in that they are suited for those with packed schedules. Students can rent videotapes of the lessons so they can learn the material at their own pace. As with the Internet courses, this method requires students to keep track of their due dates and test dates and can be hard on people used to having their tests handed to them in a classroom environment.
Instructors will inform students of testing dates and the material that should be followed in the textbook as students progress through the tapes or televised learning programs.
Ultimately, Butler said, students should evaluate their own situation to pick the best course type for them.
“When it comes down to it,” she said, “the students themselves are the deciding factor in whether or not they do well in the courses, no matter what the course is they’re taking.”
For further details on the types of classes or for advice on succeeding in college, students can visit the counseling center on any campus.