Here are some frequently asked questions regarding online classes at SPC.
Do I have to take all my courses online? Can I take just one?
St. Petersburg College offers face-to-face, online, and blended courses every semester. You can mix and match online and classroom courses within any semester. If you haven't taken a online course before, we recommend that you start with just one or two online courses. Take our Course Format Quiz to see which course formats best fits your life, allowing you to select the best options for you.
Do I have to come to campus for tests or labs?
You never have to come to campus to take an online course. Some courses do require a proctored exam. In that case if you live within Pinellas County you can come to campus and take the test. If you live outside this area, instructions in the course will explain how you can find a proctor at a local college. Proctoring may be conducted using a fully online service called Respondus LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor.
How do I access an online course?
You access your online courses using the following steps:
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Click on Titan Login in the top right corner
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Enter your username (SPC email address) and password
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Click on the MyCourses widget
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NOTE: Now that you’ve enrolled in an online class, it’s important to get off to a good start. To help you do that, here are some things you need to know – and do – in advance.
Do I have to sign on at a particular time or place?
All fully online courses are asynchronous, which means that you can sign on at any time of the day or night wherever you have internet access. You will need to plan your schedule based on the instructor's course expectations. You will be granted access to your course between the starting and ending dates of the course.
Can I work at my own pace? Are there deadlines?
Online courses are demanding. They are not self-paced or self-study, and should not be viewed as easier than classroom courses. They are actively led by an instructor, and there are weekly deadlines. A good place to review course dates is your Syllabus. In each module you will be expected to read the textbook and other materials, read faculty lectures online, submit your answers to questions, complete other exercises or assignments, and participate in online discussions. (In online discussions, you will read short notes posted by other students and post your own responses.) You will probably have to log on to the website about three times per week to complete your work.
As a student with a disability, how do I request accommodations for an online class?
Students will need to contact the disability resource office. Be prepared to provide documentation of your disability.
Do I have to be an experienced computer/internet user to take an online course?
Although you do not have to be an expert, you must have basic computer skills. You need to know how to access the internet and navigate websites, use word processing software (such as Microsoft Word), and copy and paste between two programs running in separate windows. A collection of self-paced tutorials on using computers, Microsoft Office, and the internet are available here.
What do online courses cost?
Tuition is the same per credit hour as for on-campus courses. Online course fees apply.
Is technical help available throughout the course?
We are here to assist you with technical issues related to MySPC, MyCourses, Student Email, as well as other technology related problems. We can be reached by phone 727-341-HELP (4357) or email at onlinehelp@spcollege.edu.
Get Academic Support: SPC offers free in-person and online tutoring for all students! Get in touch with the Learning Resources Department today!
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