Click on any of the following links to find answers to your distance education questions.
General Questions Concerning the Georgia Virtual
Technical College
Technical Support Questions
Questions about Online Program Admission at Lanier Technical College
Questions about Online Courses at Lanier Tech and how to Take an Online Class
What is GVTC ? [Back]
The Georgia Virtual Technical College brings together the resources of numerous technical
colleges to expand program offerings giving you more technical educational options than ever
before. You receive the same high quality instruction and course content that these technical
colleges provide to traditional students, minus the barriers of time and place that prevent
so many from pursuing educational opportunities.
How much does it cost? [Back]
The cost for online courses is the same as for traditional course offerings. Online courses cost
$36(US) per credit hour. Books and materials are additional and there may be additional fees for
some courses. Tuition rates are double for non-Georgia residents.
How does this work? [Back]
GVTC allows you to register at one of our colleges while taking courses online. In most cases,
you never have to go to the campus, however, please check the course details to check for proctored
exams or other possible campus, or software requirements. First, a student submits a GVTC Application.
Then you will be emailed details on how to complete the application process. GVTC will assist you
with any questions you might have along the way. The home college will provide assistance with the
admissions process as well. After acceptance to a participating college, you can register to take
courses online. After you have finished your course(s) your grades will be transcripted by the
college you enrolled with for the course, not by GVTC.
Can I take courses while I'm still in high school? [Back]
Anyone 16 years of age or older can take courses through Lanier Tech and other GVTC institutions.
However, if you are a current high school student, you should check with your parents and/or high
school counselor before taking any college level course. Students under 16 years of age are generally
not allowed to take GVTC courses.
Where is my home college? [Back]
Students select their home college from among GVTC's participating colleges. If you are already a
student at one of the participating colleges, then you can take courses through GVTC as a transient
student. If you are not a student at one of the participating colleges, you will need to complete a
GVTC Application for the participating college of your choice.
Do I have to live in Georgia? [Back]
No. You can live anywhere and take courses through GVTC. As long as you have access to the Internet,
you can participate in our courses. Out of State students will pay twice the In State tuition. Out of
state students are not eligible for the Georgia HOPE grant or HOPE scholarship program.
What if I have AOL or CompuServe as my Internet Service Provider?
[Back]
First you must download either Netscape or Internet Explorer. You can add the Netscape Navigator
or the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser to your AOL software and use it for your browser while
online with AOL. Once you have installed either Netscape's Navigator or Microsoft's Internet Explorer,
the following procedure should be used:
- Run the AOL software which dials up the AOL service and establishes the connection in the usual
manner.
- Once the AOL connection has been established, click on the "INTERNET" button to start the Internet
Services. Once the Internet Service has been started you can minimize the AOL program to an icon.
- Invoke Navigator or Internet Explorer. It will use the Internet Connection you have established
via AOL.
NOTE: Some students still have difficulty with AOL even after following the above instructions.
Please be advised that if AOL is your Internet service provider, it is strongly urged that you
consider changing to another service in order to avoid interruption in online delivery of your
Internet course.
How do I know if my computer will work for online courses?
[Back]
Review and compare your computer with listed Technical
Requirements to make sure your computer and web browser are compatible for online courses.
Also download any plugins you may not have installed by checking the download section on the GVTC
website.
In addition to the requirements listed above, Lanier Technical College requires Windows
98 or higher and Microsoft Office 2000. Some courses may require additional software. Please
check the course page for additional requirements.
How do I apply? [Back]
Students may apply to Lanier Technical College online through the Georgia Virtual
Technical College web site. To apply through GVTC, click on the GVTC link at
www.gvtc.org. Go to the Admissions Page, click on the Online
Application link and follow the on-screen instructions.
What are the admissions requirements? [Back]
Anyone, 16 years of age or older, can take courses through Lanier Tech and other
participating GVTC institutions. Some program may have specific program requirements for
admission. Please check the Lanier Tech Online Catalog or Lanier Tech Online
Program Offering page for specific program requirements.
Transient students are advised that some online courses have prerequisites that must be met
in order to register for the desired course. Please check with your program advisor to ensure
that you are eligible to take the online class for which you are applying.
What programs may I apply for? [Back]
Lanier Tech offers over thirty courses on line from many different programs of study.
Please check the online course offerings for specific
general education and program courses offered during a given quarter.
A number of general education courses are also offered each quarter. Please check the online
calendar for specific general education and program courses offered during a given quarter.
Online program available at other GVTC institutions may be found at the GVTC website
www.gvtc.org.
Can I start a course at any time? [Back]
Online courses begin at the same time as those on campus. The Academic Calendar
in the Lanier Technical College catalog lists the start and end dates for each
quarter. You may access the online calendar at
http://www.laniertech.edu/academic/calendar.asp
How do I know what courses to take? [Back]
You can find a listing of required courses for your online program on the Lanier Tech
Online Program Offerings link. You may also find them listed on the GVTC web site at
www.gvtc.org. The GVTC web site will also program offerings
at all the participating colleges in the Georgia Virtual Technical College. For a list of
individual courses available go to the Course Schedule page.
Every online student at Lanier Tech is assigned a program advisor. The name of the
program advisor and contact information will be provided in the acceptance letter you receive
from the college. Contact your program advisor before registering for any online course.
Transient students taking online classes at Lanier Tech should contact the advisor at
their home institution to register in appropriate program classes.
When do courses start? [Back]
Courses start in the spring, summer, fall and winter. Please check the
Academic Calendar for a full listing of dates or contact the
point of contact (Angelia Olson) at 770-531-4515.
Is Lanier Technical College accredited? [Back]
Lanier Technical College is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (41
Perimeter Center East, NE, Suite 640, Atlanta, Georgia 30346, Telephone Number 770-396-3898) to
award the Associate of Applied Technology Degree, the Diploma, and the Technical Certificate.
How do I register for courses? [Back]
You must apply to Lanier Technical College and be accepted in order to register for
classes. Your acceptance letter will provide you with the name and contact information of a
program advisor who will assist you in the registration process. Please remember that admission
and registration are not the same things! After admission, you must contact the program advisor
in order to register for a class.
Can I use financial aid with these courses? [Back]
Online courses are eligible for a number of financial aid programs including the Georgia HOPE
grant and HOPE scholarship programs. For an overview of financial aid programs available and
links to apply online, please visit the financial aid
website at GVTC.
Will I pay in-state or out-of-state tuition? [Back]
Lanier Technical College in-state students pay tuition of $36(US) per credit hour.
Out-of-state students taking courses through Lanier Tech pay $72(US) per credit hour.
Can I take courses while I'm still in high school? [Back]
Anyone 16 years of age or older can take courses through Lanier Tech and other GVTC
institutions. However, if you are a current high school student, you should check with your
parents and/or high school counselor before taking any college level course. Students under 16
years of age are generally not allowed to take GVTC courses.
How do I go to my course? [Back]
After you have registered for your course, you will receive a Username, Password, and a web
address from your instructor. Courses are accessible at the web address (URL) on the first day
of that course's session. You will need your Username and your Password to get access to your
course. It is recommended that you access your course within the first couple of days of the
start of quarter.
Where do I get a list of courses? [Back]
A list of current course offerings may be found on the Lanier Tech
Online Course Schedule, and on
the GVTC website under Lanier Technical College.
Courses available through other GVTC institutions may also be found on the
GVTC website.
How do I get my Username and Password? [Back]
After you are registered for a course, you will receive an e-mailed from your instructor
including your Username and Password, as well as the web address (URL) where you will begin your
course.
How do I get books? [Back]
Textbooks may be ordered by calling the Lanier Tech bookstore at 770-531-6312
or they may be picked up at the bookstore located on the Oakwood campus. Students
are urged to contact instructors for required textbooks in each course.
How do the courses work? [Back]
Students must apply and be accepted to Lanier Technical College. After acceptance, you
will be provided the name and contact information for a program advisor. You must contact your
advisor to register for a class.
After registration, students are asked to email their online instructor(s) to provide them
with a correct email address and establish attendance in the online course. During the first
week of the quarter, your instructor will provide you with an Internet address for the course
and an individual user ID and password.
As you logon to the BlackBoard software (the software used to create and manage online
courses), you will see a link to all the online courses for which you are registered. Click the
link for the course you wish to work in. As you enter the course, you will see a menu that will
allow you navigate around your course. You will be able to communicate with your instructor
through e-mail and a course discussion page. You will also be able to post questions and comments
to other students through the discussion page. This forum allows you to hold virtual
conversations with other classmates and your instructor, without having to be online at the
same. You will also be able to post assignments through your a special feature called the
Digital Drop Box. You may have to visit other web sites and even participate in online labs!
Finally, you will be able to take exams online and get feedback from your instructor through
your course's grade book.
Are courses ever cancelled? [Back]
Lanier Tech reserves the right to cancel an online class with insufficient enrollment.
I'm having trouble in my course, how do I contact the instructor?
[Back]
Instructors can be contacted by phone, e-mail, or through the course discussion page. Online
instructors have developed a great reputation for being responsive to student questions and they
will usually get back to you as quickly as possible. However, if you are having trouble contacting
your instructor please contact the Distance Education point of contact, Angelia Olson at 770-531-4515
or aolson@laniertech.edu.
Can I take more than one course at a time? [Back]
You can take up to the maximum number of courses allowed by Lanier Technical College.
Lanier Tech online students and transient online students are urged to contact their
program advisor concerning the appropriate number of hours for which to register. Students
should expect online courses to be as rigorous as on-campus courses and plan their schedule
accordingly.
How much work is there in a typical course? [Back]
Online courses are held to the same academic standards as on-campus courses. Course
competencies and requirement for successful completion are the same for online courses as they
are for traditional course sections. An online student should expect to spend as much time on an
online course as a student on campus. This includes time spent accessing online materials
(lectures, labs, learning activities, etc.), completing assignments, engaging in online class
discussion postings, preparing for and taking exams, and other course activities.
Can I take courses on-campus and online at the same time?
[Back]
Yes, you may take on-campus and online courses at the same time.
How do I take tests? [Back]
Tests are done online in most cases. Once you are in your course, you will be able to look at
the syllabus to find the method of testing used for your particular course. Instructors post
announcements on the availability of scheduled exams. The tests can be multiple choice, short
essay, or long essay in format. Some computer courses may include production components in
course exams. Tests may also be timed and graded automatically. Some instructors deduct points
for exceeding time limits or failing to take exams within the scheduled time period. Consult
your online course syllabus for specific policies regarding testing. Each course will be
different in the type of tests required with some courses not requiring tests at all. Once
completed, your instructor may provide feedback on your test through the course's grade book.
Will I have to go to campus? [Back]
Few online courses require a trip to the campus. In some occasions, the instructor may require
a proctored test at the nearest technical college to you. Consult the syllabus for the online
course or contact the online instructor for any on-campus requirements for a particular online
course.
Do I have to be online at a specific time? [Back]
No, you will not have to be online at a specific time. You may access your course when
convenient and from a place that's convenient as long as you have access to a computer with
Internet connectivity. You choose the hour of the day (or night) to attend classes. Except for
turning in assignments when they are due and taking scheduled tests within the set time frame
your schedule is totally up to you. You can review lectures, ask questions, and participate in
discussion groups at a time and from a place that's convenient to you.
Students in online classes are advised to set a scheduled time to work on course materials to
avoid getting behind in course work. Procrastination, rather than inability to do the work, is
what sidetracks most students.
How do I withdraw from a course? [Back]
Please contact the Registrar to request an official drop from. The student must complete the
form and return to the Registrar's office. Students may not withdraw after the end of the fifth
week of class. Please see the academic calendar for drop and drop/add deadlines.
How long do courses last? [Back]
Online courses at Lanier Tech are one quarter in length (ten weeks long). The course
schedule has been created in order to allow for successful completion of the course within the
required time.
How do I transfer credits to my college? [Back]
Transient students may transfer credits back to their home college by requesting a Transcript
Request Form from the Registrar. The student must complete the form and return to the Registrar's
office. An official transcript of grades will be sent to the student's home institution. There is
a two dollar fee for each transcript requested.
