Prospective Students
Steps to an Online Degree at TSC
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 TSC.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
A student not wishing to seek a degree or certificate from TSC 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 worldwide, as long as you have Internet access.
- You Set Your Own Schedule - Since assignments are usually due weekly and there are 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 TSC 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 the Internet and the necessary plug-ins. You will need a working webcam and microphone to take your proctored tests online. If you are in the Tallahassee metro area, TSC 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. TSC has computers on campus with webcams that you can use to take your exams: Learning Commons Room 164 and AC 211.
A TSC email account will be provided for you. You are responsible for setting up an Internet Service Provider (ISP) account. 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 coursework 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 five 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
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?
TSC 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 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:
- Do I anticipate being an active participant in an online course?
- Am I willing to reach out for help when needed?
- Do I plan to access the course site at least two or three times each week?
- Do I have the motivation to keep up with the coursework independently?
If you answered 'no' to any of the above questions, you should reconsider enrolling in online courses.
Tips for a Successful Online Learner
TSC 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 TSC 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 must take. You will be prompted to add the Honorlock Chrome Extension 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 your 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.
- TSC has computers on campus with webcams that you can use to take your exams: Learning Commons Room 164 and AC 211.
- TSC 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). Also, you can check out a webcam in AC 211 with a student ID or state-issued ID for taking your test.
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 the 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 TSC website Academic Calendar.
Below are the steps to register for your courses at TSC:
- Sign into Workday using your student username and password.
- Click “TSC Academics” icon from the homepage.
- Under “tasks” select “TSC Find Courses by Academic Period”.
- For “Academic Period” type the current period (ex. “Spring 2021”).
- Check the boxes next to the sessions you want & click “OK” (January Express, February Express, March Express, Main).
- In the search bar, type the course you want (i.e. – SLS1510, POS1041) and review the available options.
- Click the link of the section that works best for you to view more. Once satisfied, click the orange “register” button at the bottom.
- You can also check which books and materials are required for each course.
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:
- Click the TSC Logo in the top-left corner and repeat the steps above
To view & check your schedule for accuracy:
- Click the TSC Logo to return to the homepage
- Select "TSC Academics"
- Select "View My Courses" from the tasks list
- If you do NOT see your courses, it is likely that you did not select the register button when selecting your courses. Be sure you select the "register" button and NOT the "add to schedule" button. Repeat the registration steps using the "register" button.
Preparing for Class
There are some very important things that online students should do before the first day of class:
- Be sure your hardware, software, and computer skills are up to date.
- If you are unsure, check the Basic Computer Needs for Online Courses tab below.
- Sign in to Workday.
- Pay your fees and buy your books.
- Check your TSC email and set a reminder for the first day of class.
- Get familiar with Canvas.
- This Orientation is the perfect place to experiment and learn more about using Canvas without worrying about messing up something in your real course(s).
- Ask questions.
- Asking questions is key to learning. Ask your instructor, fellow students, and the TSC Online if you have questions or need help. Don't get discouraged, and give up. Remember, you are not alone.
- Manage Your Time - Do you have enough time each week to dedicate to your course(s) and complete everything else in your busy life?
- To be a successful student, you should spend approximately 2-3 hours outside of class studying for each credit hour that you're enrolled. For example, for a three-credit hour course, you should spend at least 6-9 hours reading the textbook, working on assignments, and doing additional studying. Within the first few weeks of the semester, many students realize that time management is one of the most difficult and challenging aspects of being in college. Being organized and managing your time efficiently can make all the difference in crunch time.
- Take responsibility for your learning. While you can (and should) ask questions and ask for help, ultimately, it is up to you to succeed! You must understand the course content and submit your assignments on time.
- How Will I Know if My Course(s) Use Canvas?
- All Online courses use Canvas.
- All Hybrid courses use Canvas. At a minimum, Hybrid courses will use Canvas to store the syllabus, grades, and some course resources. You may also need to take quizzes, submit assignments, and participate in Canvas discussions. Check with your instructor to see how they will use Canvas for Hybrid courses.
- All Traditional (face-to-face) courses use Canvas. However, typically, Traditional courses use Canvas only to post grades. Check with your instructor on the first day of class to know if your Traditional course uses Canvas for other features.
- When Can I Access My Course(s) in Canvas?
- Your courses will show up under your Canvas "Courses" (link at the top of the page in Canvas) on the first day of class; they may also show up under "Future Enrollments" earlier than this. However, you will not be able to actually get into the course(s) and start working until 6:00 AM the first day of class. *If you do not see all your courses, click "All Courses" in your Canvas Course list.
- How Can I Find Out When the First Day of Class Is?
- Your class start date is listed in Workday under “view my schedule”. Start dates for all courses are also listed on the TSC Website, which can be under Dates & Deadlines' under academics on the TSC website Academic Calendar.
- Why is it Important for Me to Know When My Course(s) Start?
- Some courses are "late start" courses that do not begin until after the normal semester has already started. Knowing exactly when your course(s) start is a good idea so you don't miss anything! You need to ensure you are prepared for class, including having your textbooks, any necessary supplies, etc., and the TSC Canvas Student Orientation completed. Your instructor will have very important information and assignments you will need to read and start on immediately when your class begins. If you don't come to class and participate during the first week, you may get dropped from the class for non-attendance. For Online courses, you must log into your course and participate in the first week.
Basic Computer Needs for Online Courses
To participate in an online course, you must own or have regular access to a computer that has the Internet and the necessary plug-ins. You will need a working webcam and microphone to take your proctored tests online. If you are in the Tallahassee metro area, TSC 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. TSC has computers on campus with webcams that you can use to take your exams: Learning Commons Room 164 and AC 211.
A TSC email account will be provided for you. You are responsible for setting up an Internet Service Provider (ISP) account. 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 coursework on the computer.
There may be additional computer requirements depending on the course and related third-party platforms you need to access to complete coursework. 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 five 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 TSC email address, including everything after the @ sign, and password.
Need help accessing Canvas? See instructions.
Ways to Login
- Go directly to TSC Canvas (https://tscfl.instructure.com/).
- From the homepage of TSC, under Quick Access menu, click Canvas.
- From the homepage of TSC, go to Resources, then Class Log-In (Canvas).
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 TSC student email ([email protected]). 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 [email protected] if you cannot 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 for that express session until the first day of classes.
If your course is not visible on the first day of classes, contact the professor using your TSC email.
Canvas Support
All TSC 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, seven days a week. Please note that Instructure staff cannot assist with username/password issues; students must contact the TSC Help Desk by phone, or use the Reset Password link located in TSC Workday.
Students can also contact TSC’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
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 must do is log into Canvas and click on the quiz you must take. You will be prompted to add the Honorlock Chrome Extension required to take your exam. You are required to use Google Chrome as your browser. Then, you must take a picture, show your ID, and scan your room. Honorlock will be recording your 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.
- TSC has computers on campus with webcams that you can use to take your exams: Learning Commons Room 262, 262A, 260C, or 256.
- TSC 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 the 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 with 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 TSC 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
- Select the "TSC Academics" icon
- Click "View My Courses"
- In the "My Enrolled Courses" window, scroll to the right and "click" withdraw for the desired course(s)
- Click the "Confirm" box
- Click the gold "OK" button
Schedule an Advising Appointment
For students enrolled in our fully online programs, the TSC Online Advisor is your person of contact. You may contact our office at (850) 201-8618 or [email protected].
Applying for Graduation
Beginning Fall 2019, TSC will no longer require students to apply for graduation. Students who have completed their program of study and met all graduation requirements will automatically graduate at the end of the term (review the Academic Calendar for session graduation dates).
To graduate from TSC, you must:
- Satisfactorily complete the degree program(s) for which you are enrolled
- Have at least a 2.0 GPA in your TSC coursework and at least a 2.0 cumulative (all college work) GPA
- Have earned at least 25% of credit hours toward a degree from TSC
Commencement Ceremony
In honor of our graduates and their families, TSC 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.
Your diploma will be mailed on or before:- March 1 if you graduate in the Fall Term (December
- July 1 if you graduate in the Spring Term (May)
- October 1 if you graduate in the Summer Term (August)
Additional Information
- If you leave TSC for at least 12 consecutive months, you must be readmitted to TSC. If requirements for your degree have changed, you will have to complete graduation requirements under the current year catalog.
- All degrees, certificates, and required classes are subject to change.
Questions?
Visit TSC'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 [email protected] or (850) 201-4444.