Flextime/Online Courses

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Online Enhanced Computer & Office Skills Courses

Flextime/Online courses deliver online coursework with lab support and no classroom attendance, creating greater flexibility and more study opportunities for busy students. Self-paced coursework allows you to complete more than one credit-based Flextime/Online course per semester.

Flextime Lab

Located in the Instructional Technology Center, or ITC, the Flextime Lab, also called FlexLab, is your on-campus headquarters for Flextime/Online courses. Instructor assistance is available in the FlexLab at regularly scheduled hours during the semester.

Flextime/Online Facts

  • Fit more credit-based courses in a semester.
    Flextime/Online courses are structured so that you can complete a course before the end of the semester. If you complete a course mid-semester, you can sign up for another course, but all courses must be completed by the end of the semester.
  • No classes to attend.
    Flextime/Online courses have no set class times, presentations or lectures. Students may attend an Online Course Tutorial Session the first week of each semester, or visit the ITC FlexLab for help getting started.
  • Work at your own pace.
    You can work quickly through course sections you easily understand and slow down when you need to take your time. Only three to four assignment due dates, or "on-track" dates, are required per semester 
  • Get help when you need it.
    Flextime/Online courses offer personalized instructor assistance. You can visit the ITC FlexLab Monday through Friday and get help from a licensed instructor if you have questions or get stuck. Tutoring can also be arranged.
  • Work in the ITC FlexLab or at home.
    The software needed for your course is available on any computer in the ITC FlexLab. If you have the same software on your home computer or laptop, you can complete your assignments from home or virtually anywhere you have Internet access.
  • Submit your work from home.
    Flextime/Online courses are online enhanced. You can retrieve instructions and assignments, e-mail your instructor, check grades, post discussion messages and submit your assignments via the course's Web site.

General Information

1. Working Online

  • All Flextime courses are online.
  • Students new to online courses are invited to complete an Online Course Tutorial Session, or visit the ITC FlexLab for assistance getting started.

2. Software Requirements

If you have the same software version that is used in your course, you can complete your coursework from home. If not, you may use a computer in the ITC FlexLab.

Current software in use:

  • WindowsXP (Windows Vista can be used)
  • MS Office Suite 2007—Enterpriseor Professional
  • QuickBooks PRO (2007 or 2008).

Windows and MS Office software can be purchased at a student discount at DCTC Software.

You need a METNET User ID to purchase discounted software. The METNET User ID may be obtained at the time of course registrations.

3. FAQs

  • How long does it take to complete a Flextime course?
    You should plan on 32 hours of work time for EACH credit of a course. For example, a two-credit course would take about 64 hours to complete. You can divide that number by the number of weeks in the semester to determine how much time you should devote to coursework each week. By working more hours per week, you can complete the course before the semester is over.

  • What does it mean when the course schedule says courses are "by arrangement?"
    Because Flextime courses are online, you do NOT need to set up a schedule with your instructor. You can work according to your own schedule as long as you put in enough time to complete the course within the semester.

  • How much does it cost to take a Flextime/Online course?
    Normal tuition rates apply.

  • Can I do all my work online?
    Yes, as long as you have the software required for the course installed on your laptop or home computer.

  • Do the Flextime/Online MS Office courses prepare me for Microsoft Certification?
    Yes, they can, but they are not set up for that specific purpose.

    Please, check under Office Careers (OFFC) in the Course Search for courses specifically set up to prepare you for Microsoft Certification.

    For more information, contact:
    Charlotte Kodner
    Office Careers Instructor
    charlotte.kodner@dctc.edu
    651-423-8428

Contact Information

Location

Fall & Spring Semester Hours

  • 9 a.m.– 5:30 p.m. Monday thru Thursday
    9 a.m.– 12 p.m. Friday
    No instructors available on Saturday or Sunday