What is eCore?
eCore - short for electronic core-curriculum - allows University System of Georgia (USG) students the opportunity to complete a portion of the core classes in an online environment for student needing convenience and flexibility. eCore courses are taught entirely online, except for the occasional proctored exam. eCore courses are designed, developed, taught and supported by faculty and staff from the University System of Georgia (USG).
General information about eCore, Georgia's College Core-Curriculum Online, can be found at http://ecore.usg.edu/
Why eCore?
- Transferability of Courses
- Affordable Tuition Rate
- Accredited Courses
- Convenience and Flexibility
- Highly Qualified Instructors
- Accessible Course Design
Discover eCore at Gordon State
eCore Introduction Quiz - REQUIRED for first time eCore students
eCore Registration, Tuition, Fees & Payment Information
Getting Started in your eCore Course
eCore Exams and Testing (Gordon State College is an approved testing center.)
| Differences Between Gordon Online and eCore Courses | |
|---|---|
| Gordon Online Courses | eCore Courses |
| Taught exclusively by Gordon Professors | Taught by Professors within the University System of Georgia |
|
Uses Gordon's Brightspace by D2L |
Uses GoView |
| Costs the same as any other Gordon course. Usually, financial aid can be applied. | Currently costs $159 per credit hour. Usually, financial aid can be applied. |
| Follows Gordon State's schedule (Click here to view GSC's schedule) |
May follow a slightly different schedule (Click here to view eCore's schedule) |
| Appears as a regular college credit on transcripts | Appears as a regular college credit on transcripts |
| Highly suggests the completion of the Gordon State eLearning Quiz to become familiar with online courses (Click here to complete the quiz) | Requires the completion of an eCore eLearning quiz before registering for your first eCore class (Click here to complete the quiz) |
| Register through your Banner | Register through your Banner |
| Usually coded with a section letter of A, B, C, etc. | Usually coded with a section number containing a G. (ie: 02G, 04G, etc.) |
| Books can be purchased online via the Gordon State College bookstore by selecting your course and section (Click here to navigate to the GSC bookstore) |
Books can be purchased online via the Gordon State College bookstore by selecting your course and section. Many eCore courses use free education resources. (Click here to navigate to the GSC bookstore) |
|
May require that some online exams are proctored via ProctorU or Gordon State College testing center. |
May require some online proctored exams (Click here to read more about eCore's proctored exams) |
7 Steps to Getting Started with Online Learning:
1. Make sure that you have Chrome or Firefox browser on your computer. These are the preferred browsers for D2L. You can download them for free here: Firefox Free Download: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/ or the Chrome Free Download: https://www.google.com/chrome/?brand=CHBD&gclid=CjwKCAjw3-bzBRBhEiwAgnnLCguKSQF0eUJa1Kbbz9Wvs-s7DtMme813Pn11tAo7TR0zHRxb9HcZ8hoC09YQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
2. Make sure that you can log into Brightspace by D2L. Go to the Gordon State webpage: www.gordonstate.edu and scroll to the bottom of the page. Choose "Brightspace by D2L". Log in with your Gordon email username, and do not include @gordonstate.edu. Use your current Gordon email password. If your log in doesn't work, reset your Gordon email password here: https://www2.gordonstate.edu/changepass/gdnreset.asp
3. Download Office 365 if it is not already on your computer. If you do not have the programs included in Office 365 (Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook, etc…) on your computer, consider downloading it using your Gordon email here: https://www.gordonstate.edu/departments/computer-services/office-365/index.html. You can download Office 365 on up to five devices, including PCs, Macs, and mobile devices.
4. Check your Gordon email by going to the Gordon State College website, www.gordonstate.edu, scroll to the bottom of the screen and choose "Gordon Email." Also consider downloading the Microsoft Outlook app onto your iOS Apple or Android phone, smart device or tablet and log in so you can receive emails from that platform as well.
5. If you do not have consistent access to a laptop or computer, download the Brightspace by D2L Pulse app. This mobile version is available for iOS and Android devices and is free and available in all app stores. This will enable you to receive up to date announcements right from your phone or tablet.
6. If you need assistance: Contact your professor by GSC email, if the question is about the content of the course. If the question is technical and related to D2L, please send an email to: d2lhelp@gordonstate.edu. Please make sure to include your name, the course/section, the professor's name and a clear description of the issue.
7. If you are unfamiliar with D2L, check out these online resources and video tutorials: https://www.gordonstate.edu/departments/computer-services/brightspace-by-d2l/brightspace-by-d2l-student-resources/index.html
In order to be successful in online courses at GSC, students are encouraged to navigate D2L before the classes begin, and above all remain engaged with your instructors and classmates by checking your email and D2L daily!
GSC Advisement
You will have a GSC academic advisor assigned to you. You must contact your academic advisor prior to registration to be unlocked! This happens every semester around midterm.
eCore Online Introduction and Quiz
Before you can register for an eCore course, you must first complete the eCore Online Introduction and quiz here. Upon completion of the cCore Online Orientation and Quiz, you will receive follow-up registration instructions. You only need to do this quiz ONCE, then you will be able to register for eCore classes every semester afterwards once you are unlocked by your advisor.
eCore Welcome and Registration Letter
Watch for this letter which will be emailed to your GSC Email address beginning two weeks before classes start. This letter contains information on how to login, how to access textbooks, how to get help, and other important course information. It is important for you to try your login information BEFORE classes start, and that you make arrangements to have your course materials available BEFORE classes start.
GSC Registration
Log into your GSC Bannerweb account and register for your courses.