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This website is free for all ACC students.
ACC Community Education offers prep courses for the T-COM test online. After checking out this free course, you may decide that you need more interaction. If you want to take the $70 online course, register online by visiting the online services page from the ACC home page at http://www.austincc.edu/support/admissions/registering.php .
If you do enroll in the course, email me ASAP.
ACC offers free (or nearly free) workshops for students. During the fall and spring semesters I teach a T-COM writing prep course and a T-COM reading prep course at Cypress. Call 223-2010 to sign up. Click below for more information on these and other workshops:
Overview of the T-COM Test
ACC uses the COMPASS and the THEA Alternative T-COM tests to help students with appropriate course placement. These self-paced computerized tests measure an individual's skills in reading, writing, and math. The tests are user friendly, requiring no previous computer experience. Dictionaries, spell checkers, and laptops are prohibited. Calculators are allowed, however.
The Reading, English, and Math computerized sections of the T-COM and Compass are identical. However, those taking the T-COM, or THEA alternative, must also write a persuasive essay. After completing the test, an advisor or counselor will review the test results with you and recommend suitable courses.
Testing is by appointment only and can be done during the week, as well as on weekends. Stop by or call any Assessment Office to make a reservation. If special assistance is needed, contact the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD). Remember, students are allowed to take either the T-COM (as an alternative to THEA) or Compass (for placement) once only. Applicants who have never taken the THEA test or any other THEA Alternative Test may take T-COM. After visiting with an ACC advisor or counselor, you can purchase a ticket for $29 from the Campus Bursar or Campus Administration Office and then make an appointment for the T-Compass (maximum testing time = 5 hours). Results are usually available in 2-3 days.
The computerized version of COMPASS (for placement) is composed of tests in three subject areas: writing, reading, and mathematics. Students will read the instructions and questions on the computer monitor and will select answers using the computer keyboard. The test instructions are easy to understand, and entering information is very easy. A test administrator will always be present to answer questions that may arise.
Test Taking Tips
- Be well rested before you test. If you are hungry, eat something before you test.
- If you have children with you, return when you have a sitter.
- If you wear glasses or contacts, be sure to have them with you.
- Try to relax (take a deep breath).
- Read the instructions carefully. This is very important.
- Make use of the practice items provided by COMPASS.
- If you are taking the Compass for placement, give yourself at least an hour and a half (preferably two hours) to complete the entire battery of tests before the Assessment Center closes.
- Do your best. The test scores will be used by the counselor to place you in the appropriate classes.
- Testing is by appointment only. Bring a photo ID, a second form of ID, and know your social security number. If taking THEA alternative test, bring ticket and any necessary reschedule tickets.
DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE
The goal of the T-COM test preparation course is to prepare students to take the T-COM assessment.
This orientation and tutorial below is for students who are enrolled in the Continuing Ed course. This guideline will help you complete your online course with greater ease and confidence. The minimum requirement for students to participate in an online course is access to a computer, the Internet, email, and motivation to succeed in a nontraditional classroom.
Your course is conducted according to a schedule, but there are no "live" classes to attend. Instead, lectures, coursework, assignments, questions, and discussion all take place at your convenience --online. Except for turning in assignments when they're due, your schedule is totally up to you.
This course has a weekly, modular structure. Instructions and due dates for activities and assignments are clearly articulated so you know what is expected of you and can easily stay on track. The course is designed to give you maximum flexibility in time to complete your work. However, if you can complete an assignment BEFORE it is due, please submit it early!
The Course Website Index
This course is primarily web-based, and the web site has a straightforward design which makes it easily navigable. Please click on all the blue links below and review the information thoroughly.
I. The Math Section Tutorial
The Mathematics section of the Compass assesses students’ knowledge in three levels of math skills: pre-algebra/numerical skills, algebra, and college algebra. Pre-algebra/numerical skills items range from basic math concepts and skills (integers, fractions, and decimals) to the knowledge and skills that are required in an entry-level algebra course (absolute values, percentages, and exponents). The algebra items are essentially questions from elementary and intermediate algebra (equations, polynomials, formula manipulations, and algebraic expressions).
The college algebra test items measure algebra knowledge and skill in operations with matrices, functions, and factorials. The tests all measure three general levels of performance: basic skills, applications, and analysis. Basic skills require the performance of a sequence of basic operations. Application items use these same basic operations on complex settings. Analysis items require demonstrating a conceptual understanding of the essential principles and relationships that are relevant to each of the math skills. This test results in placement into the appropriate skill building mathematical course or approval for enrollment into a college-level mathematical course.
You will be permitted to use a calculator, scratch paper, and pencil. You will not be allowed to return to previous questions in order to change your answers. You must answer each question presented to you and will not be penalized for guessing.
Click here for more Math information.
II. The Reading Section Tutorial
The Reading section contains two basic types of questions: multiple choice and text highlighting. Two to four passages may be presented from the following areas: humanities, prose fiction, natural sciences and/or social sciences. Several different question types are given: inference, detail, vocabulary in context, main idea, tone, and application.
Each test has a built-in practice session to familiarize you with the kinds of questions you will encounter. The computer screen is divided in half, with the passage on the left side of the screen and the question on the right. After you answer each question about a passage, you will be able to go back and change your answers. However, you cannot go back to a previous passage.
Click here for more Reading information.
III. The Writing Section Tutorial
The Writing section of the Compass evaluates editing skills that are used for checking passages for errors. Students are required to identify an error and then to correctly select an appropriate revision. The passage errors assess sentence structure, grammar and usage, and punctuation. A final set of questions measures a student’s organizational and rhetorical skills. The test determines placement into a developmental English course or an English Composition I course. Those students taking the T-COM for TSI purposes must write a persuasive essay.
Click here for more Writing information.
IV. Blackboard
This section is only for students enrolled in the online course. Before beginning the course, you will need to activate your ACC ID. For instruction on how to activate your ACCeid, go to:
http://www.austincc.edu/acceid/step1.htm
If you have any problems, you can call the Help Desk at: 223-help.
Next, you will need to set up your ACC email. First, go to online services:
After you log in with your ACCeid, click ACC email. This is your new email address. Write it down somewhere.
Next, go to this link:
http://partnerpage.google.com/g.austincc.edu
Then, click Sign In. Where it says username, you need to type in your new email address that I told you to write down, minus the @g.austincc.edu. From there, you should be able to set up your email and to forward it to an email address that you use on a regular basis (if you wish).
To access Blackboard using your ACCeid, go to:
You can access this course by clicking the course title located in the My Courses module. Optionally, you may also access your courses by clicking the "Courses" tab along the top navigation bar.
Once inside the course, the Course Syllabus and Schedule can be found by clicking the Course Information button. All quizzes can be found by clicking Assignments. All online lessons can be accessed in Lectures. In Tools, students can check grades.
Once you have read the syllabus and logged into Blackboard to begin the course, you can work at your own pace. Please email me after you finish each quiz so that I can record your grade and so that you can ask questions. Please give the quiz number and the results with your email.
You can visit any ACC learning lab for tutoring. Or you can use Smarthinking.com for online help (the directions are in the Announcements tab in Blackboard).
For more information about ACC's learning labs go to:
http://www.austincc.edu/tutor.
I work at the Learning Lab at the Cypress campus. If you would like to visit me for tutoring in Reading and Writing, please check my availability by clicking Staff Information in Blackboard. Then email me and let me know that I can expect you.
If you need assistance with Math, I recommend that you come to the lab and ask for one of the math tutors, as Math is not my specialization. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you have technical problems and I am unable to help, the Distance Learning Help Line is 512-223-help or you can e-mail dl@austincc.edu.
V. T-COM Schedule
This section is only for students enrolled in the online course. This course is designed so that you can complete it in 3-4 weeks. However, if you finish a little sooner, or need a little more time, that is okay too. You work at your own pace.
The schedule has been designed so you can print it out for future reference.
On Thursdays of each week, you will be required to complete all readings and online activities. Papers and quizzes are due on Sundays and the exact date will be noted on the schedule.
VI. T-COM Quizzes
This section is only for students enrolled in the online course.
Once you are enrolled in the Blackboard system, you will be able to access ALL quizzes by clicking the Assignments folder.
Class Procedures and Requirements
During this course, you will write a persuasive paper and complete online activities and quizzes. The most important thing to remember about the online lectures is that they replace classroom discussions. Some of the lectures are more important than others, but you still need to read through them all to achieve maximum success in this course. And finally, the required readings are all on your schedule.
On Thursdays of each week, you will be required to complete all online readings and activities. Papers and quizzes are due on Sundays and the exact date will be noted on the schedule. The course is designed to last three weeks; however, you may finish it at your own pace.
The rest of the course interaction will be online, e-mail, phone, fax, and individual conferences in my office. Although we are utilizing the Blackboard system, please bookmark my ACC site (http://www2.austincc.edu/bvillarr/compass.htm) in the event that Blackboard experiences technical difficulties.
Communication and Feedback
Instead of inundating your instructor with 500+ emails a day, post your GENERAL questions to the Student Lounge in Blackboard (click the Communications button to access). Any time you send me an email with a "general" question, I will ask you to post it to the Student Lounge, so that others can help you to find the answer and/or benefit from the knowledge as well. (You can still send email when you have questions that require personal attention; however, I must warn you that I often respond to student emails with short sentences, or even phrases. That doesn't mean that I am upset with you; I just don't have the time to answer every email with eloquence.)
I expect everyone to communicate with dignity and respect in the classroom and online. Cyber abuse will not be tolerated. If you harass me or other students, you will be asked to withdraw from my course. Email is one of my favorite forms of communication. However, please do not send jokes, religious anecdotes, virus scares, political propaganda, solicitation, etc. to me or other class members, and I will try to do the same.
When sending email, always include your full name, class name (T-COM), and section number somewhere in the body of the message. Never send a Microsoft Word attachment unless it is saved as an RTF file (rich text format).
I generally grade papers and assignments within two days of receipt. If you want prompt feedback on your papers and exams, please submit between 8 p.m. Sunday and 4 p.m. Friday. If you submit your papers during these times, I will grade them within 48 hours. I try not to grade papers on the weekends. However, if you have questions regarding assignments, you are free to email me anytime, including weekends, and I will respond within 48 hours.
Written assignments must reflect critical thought. Please proofread all papers, emails,discussion posts, etc. for spelling, punctuation, and grammar prior to submission.
Free Tutoring Services
ACC has subscribed to an innovative online tutoring system called Smarthinking. SMARTHINKING offers outstanding online tutoring and academic support. Schools, colleges, universities, government agencies, and other education providers work with SMARTHINKING to increase student achievement and enhance learning by connecting students to qualified educators anytime, from any Internet connection.
Please see Announcements in Blackboard for more information.
If you prefer "live" tutoring, go to the nearest ACC Learning Lab or schedule a conference with me.
Click here for learning lab hours and locations: