Distance Education FAQs

What are online courses?

An online course is one delivered over the Internet using web pages, e-mail, online discussion forums, etc. Ogeechee Technical College offers a selection of full-credit college courses over the Internet as a flexible alternative to traditional, on-campus classes. OTC uses the ANGEL learning management platform to deliver online, hybrid and web-enhanced courses.
 

What do online courses cover?

Content in these classes is the same as their traditional counterparts on campus. Class sizes are limited so that instructors can provide the same level of personal interaction as in the traditional classroom. This personal interaction is accomplished using e-mail, online discussion forums and other technologies available to instructors and students.
 

How do online courses work?

Students attend online courses by accessing the class web pages and completing assignments according to the class schedule. Students communicate regularly with the instructor and classmates via e-mail and online discussion forums.

OTC's online courses are not self-paced, independent study courses. Students are required to complete assignments according to the class schedule, to maintain regular contact with the instructor, and to participate in online class discussions.
 

What skills should I possess to be successful in an online course?

Taking a course over the Internet requires the ability to work independently and to devise your own regular schedule for logging in class and completing assignments.

Students learning online have a greater responsibility for their own success than do students in traditional classroom settings. It is important to have the self-discipline and motivation to work on a flexible schedule without getting behind. Students must be prepared to dedicate about 10-15 hours per week, every week to each online or hybrid course if they wish to be successful.
 

What computer hardware and software do I need to take an online course?

Please go to the GVTC/ANGEL – Technology Requirements page for taking online courses.

Note: Some courses may have additional hardware/software requirements. Please contact the instructors of each course listing for special requirements.
 

Do I have to come to campus?

Online students generally do not have to come to campus. All online courses require the student to take an exam or major event on-campus or provide the school with the name of an off-campus proctor. Your instructor will inform you of any required campus meetings.

You may also make an appointment to see an on-campus instructor (if available) or drop by during his/her posted office hours. You may find it more convenient to use e-mail or telephone.

 
Do I have to be online at a certain time each day (or week)?

Some instructors require students to be online at specific times to complete exams or participate in group work. However, you are generally required to keep up with the class schedule and to complete assignments before specified due dates. Some classes may have several due dates each week; others may require work once per week. You can choose the time of day or night you want to log on to the Internet to work on an assignment, but you must complete it and submit it by the specified date and time.

How much do online courses cost?

Online courses cost the same as traditional Ogeechee Technical College courses -- they are priced according to the number of credit hours. Credit hours are listed in the syllabus for each online class.

NOTE: Some online/hybrid courses use books that require an "Access Key." This Access Key is ONLY available with new books, or purchased directly from the publisher. It is your responsibility to check with the instructor of your online course to determine if the course will require an Access Key. Please do this before you purchase your books for online/hybrid classes. Financial aid may be available. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 912-486-7402 for more information.

Can I "visit" an online class?

No. You may get more information about an online class by contacting the instructor.

How do I get technical help?

Below are some instructions and links to tips for online learners. Ogeechee Technical College does not provide technical support for your home computer or assistance with your Internet problems.

Step One:
Make sure you are aware of the hardware/software requirements.
Step Two:
If your computer meets all requirements, has pop-ups enabled, and has all media downloads, but you are still having trouble accessing areas of your ANGEL course, contact your instructor. You must use your OTC student email address for all communication with your instructor(s). All OTC students are provided an email account.

What student services and resources are available?

All student services and student resources are available to online students.
Please visit the OTC home page for details.

How do I access my online course(s) and what are my username and password for ANGEL going to be?

You will not be able to log in to the credit course until the first day of class. To access your online course(s) in ANGEL, follow the steps listed below:

1. Via the Internet, type in the following website to login on to ANGEL: http://ogeecheetech.angellearning.com/default.asp
OR

Go to the OTC website at www.ogeecheetech.edu and click on Current Students, and then click on ANGEL.

2. Type in your username and password in the following formats:

Username: 44_ (studentIDNumber)
Password: 44_ (studentIDNumber)

Note: 44 represents the two-digit college extension for Ogeechee Tech. Also notice that an underscore is used between the extension number and Student ID.

Student ID Number represents your OTC Student ID that begins with 9100. This is a nine-digit number, which should be on your Student ID card. If you do not know your Student ID number, contact the Registrar’s Office.

3. After you login to ANGEL using your username and password, you should come to an Ogeechee Tech homepage. You will always get this page when you log in. To get to your online course(s), look under the "Course Nugget" section, and then click on the course you want to enter.

It is very important that you click around ANGEL and learn where everything is located (announcements, syllabi, lesson plans, assignments, assessments, etc.). Along with your email, check the announcements in ANGEL daily. Your instructor may frequently post important information in the announcement section of ANGEL. Additionally, check your ANGEL email, located within ANGEL, as some instructors may use this as a method of contact also.

Once logged in, you must change your password by clicking on the link provided.

If you have any problems logging in or experience technical difficulties, contact the college’s GVTC Online Coordinator:

John Locke
912.688.6035
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