FAQs

A: An online course is one delivered over the Internet by using the online learning management system (LMS). Ogeechee Technical College offers a selection of full-credit college-level courses over the Internet as a flexible alternative to traditional, on-campus classes. OTC uses the Blackboard LMS to deliver online, hybrid and web-enhanced courses.

A: 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.

A: Students attend online courses by accessing the course content and completing assignments according to the class schedule. Students communicate regularly with the instructor and classmates and participate in class discussions and online activities.

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.

A: 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.

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 several hours per week to each online or hybrid course if they wish to be successful.

A: All online students need reliable, consistent access to a computer with internet. You can check specific computer/browser requirements on the GVTC website: https://gvtc.tcsg.edu/Technology-Requirements

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

A: Online students generally do not have to come to campus for regular class meetings; however, all online students are required to come to campus or to an approved off-site proctor to complete one exam or major assignment.  Your instructor will provide more information about the specific proctored event.

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.

A: Some instructors may offer online lectures or discussions at a scheduled time, however, you are not required to attend during a specific time.  Students are 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 and work on an assignment, but you must complete it and submit it by the specified date and time.

A: 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.

A: Ogeechee Technical College does not provide technical support for your home computer or assistance with your home Internet problems. If you are having a technical problem with Blackboard, please utilize the helpdesk by using the link on the Blackboard login page.

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

A: To access your online course(s) in Blackboard, follow the steps listed below:

1. Go to the OTC website directly at www.ogeecheetech.blackboard.com or go to www.ogeecheetech.edu and click on Academics, and then click on Blackboard.

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 or 9101. 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 Blackboard 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 List section, and then click on the course you want to enter.

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:

Laura Bradley
lbradley@ogeecheetech.edu