Prospective Students
Steps to an Online Degree at TCC
Take a look at the fully online degree programs we offer at TCC. Once you’ve decided what program is right for you, complete the steps on the following page: Apply to TCC. Students who register for a class during the first week of the semester will need to wait one business day before they can access the class through Canvas. For assistance on how to access Canvas, visit Ask TCC. |
Non-Degree Seeking Students
A student not wishing to seek a degree or certificate from TCC but would like to take one or more classes is considered a non-degree student. A non-degree student who wishes to take credit classes must complete the following steps: |
Understanding Online Courses
Online courses, accessible via the Internet, offer the same rich curriculum you would learn in a traditional classroom with added benefits.
Benefits of Online Classes
- Flexibility and Convenience - You may access an online course anytime and anywhere around the world, as long as you have Internet access.
- You Set Your Own Schedule - Since assignments are usually due weekly and there is no live class meetings, you must set aside a certain amount of time each week to do your work.
- Online Access to Material - Some lecture material, assignments, and other course materials are available online. Your teacher and classmates can be accessed through email and class discussion boards.
- Quality of Curriculum - Online courses go through the same rigorous curriculum review as every other class offered at TCC and are taught by experienced, well-qualified instructors who are experts in their fields.
Basic Computer Needs for Online Courses
To participate in an online course, you must own or have regular access to a computer that has Internet and the necessary plug-ins. You will need a working webcam and microphone to take your proctored tests online. If you are in Tallahassee metro area, TCC has webcams that can be checked out in the Library on the 1st floor at the Circulation Desk for two full days (48 hours). In addition, you can check out a webcam in AC 211 with a student ID or state issued ID for taking your test. TCC has computers on campus with webcams that you can use to take your exams: Learning Commons Room 164 and AC 211. A TCC email account will be provided for you. You are responsible for setting up an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you are not using your own equipment, be sure that you have the rights to use the computer, and download (save to the local disk drive) and print information for course work on the computer. Depending on the course and related third party platforms you need to access to complete coursework, there may be additional computer requirements. Check with your instructor for details. The computers and software you use for this course should meet or exceed the following specifications: PC-Based - Minimum Requirements
Mac-Based - Minimum Requirements
Computer Speed and Processor
Browsers
You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. Your browser will notify you if there is a new version available. Screen Readers |
Computer Skills for Online Learning
You must be familiar with the basic operation of your computer, your computer's operating system (i.e. Microsoft Windows, MacOS), word processing, use of the mouse, using email, file management, software installation, and working with email attachments.
If you can answer yes to the following questions, you are ready to continue:
- Do I own and/or have complete access to a computer?
- Can I download files to the local hard drive?
- Do I have a reliable ISP (Internet Service Provider)?
- Does my computer hardware match or exceed the listed minimums?
- Does my computer software match or exceed the listed minimums?
- Do I know how to send and/or receive email attachments?
- Do I have basic computer literacy skills?
Is Online Learning Right for You?
TCC Online is dedicated to student success. Because you are not required to attend class for an online course, it can be tempting to procrastinate and put off reading and work assignments. To be successful in an online course, students in online courses must be disciplined, motivated and have good time management skills. Is online learning a good fit for you? If you can answer yes to the following questions, you are ready to continue:
If you answered 'no' to any of the above questions, you should reconsider enrolling in online courses |
Tips for a Successful Online Learner
TCC distance learning students must log onto the course several times during the week. It is recommended that students log on early in the week to see what is due in order to schedule time to complete reading and writing assignments, contribute to discussions, and take any tests that might be scheduled.
Example of the daily routine for a typical TCC Online student:
- Log onto the course.
- Check the course calendars to see what assignments are due.
- Read or print lectures or articles provided.
- Read or print guidelines to assignments.
- See if a quiz or test is due or is about to be due.
- Participate and contribute to mandatory or optional discussions in the discussion forum.
- Respond to classmates' questions.
- Ask the instructor for clarification on any instructions for assignments.
- Check email and respond to messages.
- Schedule time to complete the readings and other assignments.
- Schedule time to take a quiz or exam
- Submit homework
Testing as an Online Student
Proctored Testing
Your exams this semester will be proctored by Honorlock, an online proctoring service that allows you to take your exam from the comfort of your home. Honorlock is available 24/7 all you need is a computer, webcam, and an internet connection. You do not need to create an account or schedule a time. Honorlock is very simple! All you will need to do is log into Canvas and click on the quiz you need to take. You will be prompted to add the Honorlock Chrome Extension, which is required to take your exam. You are required to use Google Chrome as your browser. Then you will need to take a picture, show your ID, and scan your room. Honorlock will be recording you VIA webcam and they will be recording your screen. They also have an integrity algorithm that can detect search-engine use, so do not attempt to cheat or look up answers. Webcams are required if you are using Honorlock.
Honorlock offers 24/7 customer service VIA phone and live-chat. When you enter your exam the live-chat will be on the bottom-right hand of your screen during the entire exam, in case you need their tech support. Also, you can call their support line at (844) 243-2500. It is recommended that you test your system at honorlock.com/support prior to your exam. We also recommend you take a practice quiz with Honorlock, prior to your real exam. For more information about taking your online test using Honorlock, read the Student Guide and following resources: Honorlock Video for Students – shows you how to take an exam using Honorlock. Proper Room Scan (video) – shows you how to do a proper room scan. Honorlock Support– tests your computer system to ensure it meets minimum requirements; troubleshoots the computer system, and provides you information about how to contact Honorlock Support. |
Current Students
How to Register for Online Courses
Registration windows are based on the number of credit hours you currently have and can be found under 'Dates & Deadlines' under academics on the TCC website Academic Calendar. Below are the steps to register for your courses at TCC:
CAUTION: Do NOT use the "add to schedule" option! This will simply put your schedule in a shopping cart only. It will not register you for your course. You have registered for your course. At this point you may register for more courses or view your schedule. Always check your schedule for accuracy before you log out of Workday. To register for more courses:
To view & check your schedule for accuracy:
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Preparing for Class
There are some very important things that online students should do before the first day of class:
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Basic Computer Needs for Online Courses
To participate in an online course, you must own or have regular access to a computer that has Internet and the necessary plug-ins. You will need a working webcam and microphone to take your proctored tests online. If you are in Tallahassee metro area, TCC has webcams that can be checked out in the Library on the 1st floor at the Circulation Desk for two full days (48 hours). In addition, you can check out a webcam in AC 211 with a student ID or state issued ID for taking your test. TCC has computers on campus with webcams that you can use to take your exams: Learning Commons Room 164 and AC 211.
A TCC email account will be provided for you. You are responsible for setting up an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you are not using your own equipment, be sure that you have the rights to use the computer, and download (save to the local disk drive) and print information for course work on the computer.
Depending on the course and related third party platforms you need to access to complete coursework, there may be additional computer requirements. Check with your instructor for details.
The computers and software you use for this course should meet or exceed the following specifications:
PC-Based - Minimum Requirements
- Microsoft Windows 7 and newer
- Internet browser - Google Chrome (minimum version 56)
- Sound card and speakers
- Internet connection (Speed 1.5 Mbps download and 750 Kbps upload)
- Keyboard and mouse
- Webcam
Mac-Based - Minimum Requirements
- MacOSX 10.9 and higher
- Internet browser - Google Chrome (minimum version 56)
- Internet connection (Speed 1.5 Mbps download and 750 Kbps upload)
- Keyboard and mouse
- Webcam
Computer Speed and Processor
- Use a computer 5 years old or newer when possible
- 16GB of RAM
- 2GHz processor
Browsers
- Chrome 86 and 87
- Firefox 82 and 83 (Extended Releases are not supported)
- Edge 86 and 87
- Respondus Lockdown Browser (supporting the latest system requirements)
- Safari 13 and 14 (Macintosh only)
You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. Your browser will notify you if there is a new version available.
Screen Readers
Accessing my Online Course
Students will login to Canvas using their TCC email address, including everything after the @ sign, and password.
Need help accessing Canvas? See instructions.
Ways to Login
After you log in, you will see all your current Canvas courses in the "Courses" navigation option on the top part of the page. |
Canvas for Mobile Devices
Canvas has been designed to function using the web browser on your tablets and smartphones. In addition, students can also download the FREE Canvas app available for Android or iOS devices. Need help signing in? Your username and password are the same for Canvas and TCC student email (mymail@tcc.fl.edu). If you are a new student, this information was provided to you upon submission of your application for admission. If you have lost or forgotten the information, please contact the Help Desk at (850) 201-8540 or helpdesk@tcc.fl.edu if you are unable to log in to your course. |
I can’t find my Online Course on Canvas
Students will be automatically enrolled in their courses in Canvas on the first day of classes. Note: Express Session courses will not be available until the first day of classes for that express session.
If your course is not visible on the first day of classes, contact the professor using your TCC email.
Canvas Support
All TCC students can contact Instructure directly for assistance with using the Canvas system. To contact Instructure, please use the Help menu, located in the upper right hand corner of Canvas. Instructure’s Canvas Support is available via phone, email, or online chat, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please note that Instructure staff cannot assist with username/password issues; students will need to contact the TCC Help Desk by phone, or use the Reset Password link located in TCC EagleNet.
Students can also contact TCC’s LMS Support Staff for help. LMS Support Staff is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but often runs extended support hours to 7:30 p.m. for the first two weeks of each semester.
Obtaining Help with Course Material
Every student in an online class will be able to communicate with the instructor. There are several different ways you can obtain help:
Discussion Board
If your class has a discussion board, you can post a general question so that the instructor can respond. You may convey personal or specific questions to your instructor via email.
Office Hours
If you need to speak with your instructor via telephone or in person, please consult his or her syllabus for office hours.
Tutoring
Also, students may access the Learning Commons online tutoring services and SMARTHINKING online tutoring. SMARTHINKING gives students online access to live, one-to-one assistance for courses in writing, math, science, and other content areas. All currently enrolled students have 10 hours per semester for free. |
Access SMARTTHINKING.
Testing as an Online Student
Proctored Testing
Your exams this semester will be proctored by Honorlock, an online proctoring service that allows you to take your exam from the comfort of your home. Honorlock is available 24/7 all you need is a computer, webcam, and an internet connection. You do not need to create an account or schedule a time.
Honorlock is very simple! All you will need to do is log into Canvas and click on the quiz you need to take. You will be prompted to add the Honorlock Chrome Extension, which is required to take your exam. You are required to use Google Chrome as your browser. Then you will need to take a picture, show your ID, and scan your room. Honorlock will be recording you VIA webcam and they will be recording your screen. They also have an integrity algorithm that can detect search-engine use, so do not attempt to cheat or look up answers.
Webcams are required if you are using Honorlock.
- TCC has computers on campus with webcams that you can use to take your exams: Learning Commons Room 262, 262A, 260C or 256.
- TCC also has webcams that can be checked out in the Library on the 1st floor at the Circulation Desk for two full days (48 hours).
Honorlock offers 24/7 customer service VIA phone and live-chat. When you enter your exam the live-chat will be on the bottom-right hand of your screen during the entire exam, in case you need their tech support. Also, you can call their support line at (855) 828-4004 . It is recommended that you test your system at honorlock.com/support prior to your exam. We also recommend you take a practice quiz with Honorlock, prior to your real exam.
For more information about taking your online test using Honorlock, read the Student Guide and following resources:
Honorlock Video for Students - shows you how to take an exam using Honorlock.
Proper Room Scan (video) - shows you how to do a proper room scan.
Honorlock Support - tests your computer system to ensure it meets minimum requirements; troubleshoots the computer system, and provides you information about how to contact Honorlock Support.
Additional Resources for Online Students
The following resources are available online. It is important that students activate their eAccounts and access cards in order to use resources that require a username and password: |
Monitoring Academic Progress
Students may log into Workday, click on academics, academic progress and then, you will be able to see all of the classes that you have completed thus far. If you have questions about your academic progress, please contact your TCC Online Advisor for additional assistance. |
Withdrawing from an Online Course
Students who wish to withdraw from classes may do so through Workday by the official withdrawal deadline. Log in to Workday
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Schedule an Advising Appointment
For students enrolled in our fully online programs, the TCC Online Advisor is your person of contact. You may contact our office at (850) 201-8618 or TCCOnlineAdvisor@tcc.fl.edu. |
Applying for Graduation
Beginning Fall 2019, TCC will no longer require students to apply for graduation. Students who have completed their program of study and met all graduation requirements will automatically be graduated at the end of the term (review the Academic Calendar for session graduation dates). To graduate from TCC, you must:
Commencement Ceremony In honor of our graduates and their families, TCC hosts an annual Commencement Ceremony each spring. Those eligible to participate will receive an e-mail outlining instructions for how to register. Find out here. Diplomas All graduating students receive one official diploma at no additional cost. Diplomas will be mailed to students approximately eight to ten weeks after the degree is awarded and reflected on the student's transcript.
Additional Information
Questions Visit TCC's Ask Student Central for everything you've ever wanted to know about Admissions/Records, Graduation, Advising, Financial Aid, or Registration, or contact us at gradcheck@tcc.fl.edu or (850) 201-4444. |