Busy, working adults can benefit from a significant number of distance learning courses at CCC&TI. Distance learning, often called DL, enables students to take courses somewhere other than one of the college’s two campuses. This means most of the coursework, including exams and quizzes, can be completed from home and have the same credit hours as conventional courses. Distance learning courses come in a number of forms. Almost half of the DL courses CCC&TI offers are Internet based classes, where students use a Web browser to log in to a Web-based application, called Moodle, to download course work and assignments, turn in assignments, participate in discussion boards with classmates and the instructor, take exams and check their grades. Hybrid courses combine the use of the Internet and/or DVDs with traditional classroom-based learning techniques. For more information about CCC&TI’s Distance Learning offerings and requirements, or to learn more about Moodle, visit http://www.cccti.edu/DL, or call 828-726-2707.
What Types of Distance Learning Courses are Offered?
Internet (Online) Course: College or Continuing Education course in which 100 percent of the instruction is delivered via the Internet/online. These courses may have proctored testing, but instruction is delivered online. CCC&TI uses Moodle to deliver Internet (Online) courses. These courses are distinguished in the course schedule by having a section number in the 620s.
Hybrid Courses: College or Continuing Education course in which more than 50 percent but less than 100 percent of the instruction is delivered when the student and the instructor are separated by distance. Instructional delivery methods may include, but are not limited to: Internet, LMS, licenses instructional video, CD, TV, DVD, instructional software, or other media. Hybrid courses combine traditional classroom instruction with the interactivity of an Internet course. These courses are distinguished in the course schedule by having a section numbers ending with a C or W.
Blended Courses: College or Continuing Education course in which less than 50 percent of the instruction is delivered when the student and the instructor are separated by distance. Instructional delivery methods may include, but are not limited to: Internet, LMS, licenses instructional video, CD, TV, DVD, instructional software, or other media. Blended courses combine traditional classroom instruction with the interactivity of an Internet course. These courses are distinguished in the course schedule by having a section numbers ending with a C or W.
Information Highway (Video Conference) Courses: Information highway courses use video conferencing medium, which enables students to come together from multiple locations with instructors for face-to-face instruction, discussion, collaboration, and problem solving. These classrooms are equipped with two-way audio and video equipment that permit all students to participate fully in the class, regardless of location. All necessary technologies are available in the classroom. Information Highway courses have section numbers in the 700s and 780s.
Admissions Policies for Distance Learning
Students enrolled in distance learning courses must adhere to all the admissions requirements of the college. Additionally, students must meet the prerequisite requirements of individual courses through appropriate placement test scores and/or course completion as documented on official transcripts. There are no special admissions to a separate program. Students are strongly advised to limit the number of distance learning courses for which they register, for these courses require a high level of commitment and self-discipline. Historically, about 50 percent of students successfully complete distance learning courses whereas about 60 percent successfully complete traditional classes. However, among those students who are successful completers, distance learning students earn higher grades than traditional students. Students enrolled in Internet classes must consider their level of computer competence.
What Do I Need To Succeed in a Distance Learning Course?
Each CCC&TI Distance Learning course provides you with dozens of resources to help you succeed, including connections to discussion groups, libraries, writing guides, and a student manual for using all of the course resources. To succeed in a distance learning course, you also need the following equipment and skills:
Internet Access: You must either own or have frequent access to a computer connected to the Internet. You should have access to this computer at least 3 hours per week for online discussion groups, for doing online research, for sending and responding to email messages, and for writing papers and submitting them via the Internet. You will, of course, need to spend more time reading textbook assignments, viewing videos (if required), and participating in other types of learning experiences. If you connect to the Internet with a modem, 56K is the minimum modem connection.
Computer Knowledge: You must also know how to use your computer to save files, access those files on your computer, copy files, use word processing, cut and paste text, copy text, and send and receive email.
Email: You will need to utilize your student email account to send messages to your instructor and classmates. To access your student email, login to the MyCCCTI student portal (https://premy.cccti.edu/). Important messages will be communicated to you by your instructors and CCC&TI via your student email account.
Up-to-date Browser: Current browser recommendations: Firefox, Safari, or Google Chrome.
Writing Skills: Aside from the technical requirements, you must be able to read and write effectively. Using the Internet is a point and click experience, but the Internet and Internet courses are reading intensive experiences. You must also be a self-motivated person who can maintain a schedule. CCC&TI Distance Learning courses are not correspondence courses that you will complete in the far-distant future completely at your leisure. CCC&TI Distance Learning requires weekly activities just as in any course, although you can complete these activities any hour of the day or night during that weekly period.
Self-Evaluation: Take the Distance Learning Pre-test (http://www.cccti.edu/DL/SelfTest.asp) to determine if you are ready to take a distance learning course.
Minimum Technical Competencies for Internet Classes
Basic Computer Troubleshooting Skills
Although you don't need to be an expert with technology, you do need to be familiar with your computer system and be able to solve problems when they occur. Lack of the following skills will hinder your success in this online course.
Recommended Technology Skills
- Search the Internet and World Wide Web using a Web browser efficiently and effectively
- Know how to start and use computer applications such as a word processor (Microsoft Office or Open Office)
- Use of electronic mail (email): know how to compose, send, retrieve, read, respond to, forward messages, and know how to attach a file
- Know how to connect a printer/copier/scanner to your computer
- Understand netiquette
- Basic file management
- Evaluate sources found on the Internet for validity and reliability
- Access library books and periodicals over the Internet
Hardware Requirements
- For PC Computers: Windows 7 operating System (or better)
- For Macintosh Computers: OS X (or better)
- For Chromebooks: Version 78.3904 (or better)
- For all computers: 2 GB or more of RAM, 1 GB of free disk space, sound card and speakers or headphones, broadband internet connection (DSL or cable recommended), internet capable, CD-ROM or DVD drive, and printer
Software Requirements
- Current anti-virus software: updated weekly, at least
- Current browser recommendations: Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Google Chrome
- Word Processing Skills: You should know how to name, save, and retrieve a document as well as how to enter and edit text properly through a word processing program. You should also know how to change text format and style; set margins, line spacing, and tabs; check spelling, grammar, and word usage; and insert page numbers, page breaks, or section breaks.
Distance Learning Courses and the Official Course Entry Quiz
Distance Learning (DL) courses will become available on the class start day. Log in to Moodle on the starting date of the course, locate all of your distance learning courses, and complete the official course quiz for each of your courses.
Students will be withdrawn from their DL courses if the official course quiz is not completed by the date indicated in your courses. If you have multiple courses online, you must complete this quiz for EACH COURSE. Also, failure to complete the official course entry quiz may result in you receiving a grade of Never Attended.
The quiz will cover information pertaining to the course. You must make sure to complete the syllabus quiz before the rest of your course is visible.
Caution: Instructors may have other assignments due before this date. Please keep in mind you will not have access to your other assignments until you complete the official course entry quiz.
Computer Usage Policy
Students are expected to adhere to CCC&TI's Student Computer Usage Policy. There may be times when recording may occur in the online platform by students and/or instructors. Noncompliance will be addressed as a Student Code of Conduct Issue.
Online Course Expectations
The design and management of your course will depend on the course demands and your instructor. Most courses, though, will consist of the following components. If you have a question about your coursework, call or email your instructor immediately. Don’t wait until the assignment is due because it may take a day or more to get an answer. Most instructors will return calls or emails within one business day. Please remember to keep your instructor informed of any problems you might be having and how those problems are being resolved. If you need accommodations while learning online, please contact Disabilities Services and notify your instructor.