GCC Disclosure Statement

for Students Interested in Courses Taught via the Internet

You must know how to use and have access to a web browser (like Netscape or Internet Explorer).
You must know how to send and receive email messages and have convenient access to an email account.
You must be able to type a document using a word processor program (faster than 20 words per minute is recommended).
You must be able to save a text file in a "rich text format" (RTF).
You must be able to attach a file to an email message.
Your instructor may suggest other necessary skills. Please access your instructor's course web site prior to the first day of class.

GCC has five computer labs (140 computers) on its main campus and one computer lab (25 computers) on its Fannin campus that are connected to the Internet. Knowledgeable personnel familiar with many computer applications staff these labs. You can obtain the location and schedule of these labs at the Reference Desk of the GCC Library.
All students may obtain a free email account from GCC. To obtain an account, please stop by the reference desk at the GCC Library. Please apply for an account 2 to 3 weeks prior to the beginning of your course to ensure that it will be ready before your class begins.
GCC will provide occasional orientation sessions for Internet students. These will usually take place at just prior to the beginning of the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Please contact your counselor for more information.
GCC currently plans to provide technical support for Internet students via a phone hotline. Your instructor will be able to tell you when this service is available.

You want to participate more in class discussions. We realize that some of your best ideas come to you outside a normal class environment; now you can participate in class discussions whenever you are most inspired.
You want to participate in course activities at a time and place convenient to you. Virtually all class activities take place in an asynchronous environment via a computer with Internet access, allowing you to participate in class activities anytime and anywhere.

You think that not meeting in a formal classroom means less work. Actually, you will spend significantly more time and effort reading and posting messages than you would normally spend sitting in a classroom.
You think that the instructor will not notice if you fall behind in your work. Actually, course deadlines usually match resident courses.
You think this will help you develop some basic computer skills in addition to learning the course content. Actually, if you do not have the minimum skills outlined above, you will fall behind in your course assignments.
You think that blaming a faulty computer for your late assignments will sound more convincing than the old "my dog ate my homework" excuse. Actually, you may be right, but don't push your luck.