Frequently Asked Questions
Distance Learning
"What is Distance Learning?"
Distance Learning (DL) is a a formal educational process in which the majority of the instruction occurs when student and instructor are not in the same place (Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools COC/SACS, 2000).
There are two main types of DL courses:
- Hybrid - meet 1-3 times per week on-site and remainder of course online
- Internet - meets online (some courses require face-to-face or proctored testing or presentations at approved sites)
Same course description, basic content, and credit hours as traditional face-to-face courses although some students find DL courses more rigorous and that they require more preparation than the traditional courses.
Students enrolled in DL classes should be:
- independent learners
- resourceful
- punctual with assignments
- self-motivated
- self-disciplined
Students should also have good critical thinking, organizational, reading, writing, time management, study and test-taking skills.
Although not self-paced, these classes allow for more flexibility than traditional classes in managing your assignments and require fewer, if any trips to campus.
There are:
- Specific start and end dates to the course
- Assignments and tests with due dates
- Requirements for attendance (even online)
First decide if DL is "right" for you and if you have the time and self-discipline to take the course. DL classes require more, not less preparation time.
Then take the self-test to see if DL fits your learning style and if these classes are right for you!!
"How do Distance Learning classes differ from traditional classes?"
"How do Distance Learning classes differ from Traditional classes?"
The method of delivery is the main difference. See information below about Hybrid, and Intenet. Distance Learning classes are as challenging as traditional classes and require more reading and studying on your own. Some students have reported that these courses require up to twice as much study time as the traditional course and require students to be highly disciplined in their study in order to be successful in the course.
"How are the Distance Learning classes selected?"
"How are the Distance Learning classes selected?"
Distance Learning courses are selected based on need, and on the availability of qualified DL instructors to teach the courses.
"Are DL classes offered during the summer sessions?"
"Are Distance Learning classes offered during the summer sessions?"
A few courses are offered during the summer. There will be a schedule of courses posted on the DL website when appropriate.
Types of Distance Learning Courses
"What is a Hybrid class?"
A hybrid class has a combination of online and classroom instruction. It's an online class with face-to-face support. The class will meet on-campus usually 1-3 times per week.
- Section "DY (Downtown) or NY (North Campus)" denotes hybrid classes.
- See below (What is an Internet Class?) for the on-line aspect of the class.
"What is an Internet class?"
An Internet class which can also be called an online class provides students with course content through a computer. Course content is housed on a server that the student can access through the Internet.
To be prepared for an Internet course, students will need:
- Regular and reliable access to an off-campus computer with internet access and a browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer (MSIE) preferred or Netscape).
- Note: AOL users should not use the built-in AOL browser; but should connect to AOL, then minimize the AOL browser and use an external browser, such as MSIE or Netscape.
- Mac Users will want to consider downloading Mozilla Firefox to gain full access to Blackboard.
- Since the course will be taught in whole or part using a computer, students are expected to be competent in basic computer skills such as:
- copying and pasting material as attachments
- saving, and printing documents
- composing, retrieving, and sending emails
- surfing the web for information and research and
- protecting the computer against viruses (See the Student Computer Resources page for software suggestions).
All Internet courses have:
- Section "IN" denoted for Internet courses.
- A required text for each course. Some courses may require additional workbooks/study guides, or software. Additional notes are list with on the DL Schedule of Classes.
- A schedule of assignments with due dates in addition to requirements that students login and participate online several times weekly.
- Access to the course materials 24 hours a day/7 days per week.
- Help available from the Blackboard and CampusCruiser Help Desk at 362-7778, or they may access the following website: Blackboard Student Help
General Questions
"How do I register for a Distance Learning class?"
"How do I register for a Distance Learning class?"
Please go to Application/Enrolling
While CFCC does not offer distance learning degrees, it offers distance learning courses in the following areas: Business; Computer Engineering; English; Humanities and Fine Arts; Math (developmental and curriculum); and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
"How do I purchase my books?"
See the bookstore's distance learning page. See also the bookstore's webpage.
"How do I withdraw from class?"
"How do I withdraw from class?"
Local Students - If you wish to drop/withdraw from a course during the drop/withdrawal period, you MUST go to the Admissions Office to obtain a Withdrawal Form and follow procedures for drop/withdrawal of a course. You CANNOT drop or withdraw from a class by email or phone.
Non-Local Students - If you wish to drop/withdraw from a course during the drop/withdrawal period, you MUST notify your course instructor. (Each instructor may require different methods of notification). Your instructor will then complete the withdrawal form and submit this to the Admissions Office.
The proper way to withdraw from class and avoid a punitive grade is as follows:
- Make certain that you are passing the course and avoid excessive absences.
- Check the current CFCC catalog for withdrawal dates.
- Contact your instructor about withdrawal from your course.
- Non-local DL students will need to contact their instructor for instructions on how to complete the withdrawal online.
- The form will be processed and then submitted to the Registrar's office.
"Will I have access to my instructor?"
"Will I have access to my instructor?"
Yes! You may email, phone, or visit your instructor. All instructors have email addresses found in the DL Schedule of Classes or in the Faculty and Staff Directory . Additionally, instructors contact information is found on the syllabus that is distributed to students on the first day that the class meets, either face-to-face or online.
"What happens if I have problems with my computer?"
"What happens if I have technical problems with my computer?"
- Should first check to be sure that they have a connection to their Internet Service Provider (ISP) who can also help with technical and hardware problems.
- May also get assistance from the Blackboard and CampusCruiser Help Desk at 362-7778, or they may access the following website: Blackboard Student Help or from the Learning Lab, telephone number 362-7137.
- May access computers at the Learning Lab on a temporary basis if needed. A student ID (obtained in Room L112B) is needed to access computers.
"Suppose I can't find my instructor and get my financial aid or withdrawal forms signed?"
"Suppose I can't find my instructor and get my financial aid or withdrawal forms signed?"
Contact your instructor by email or phone. This information is located within your course under Staff Information. In addition, if you are on-campus, each distance learning instructor maintains at least one office hour per week for students. You must locate your instructor within the specified time so that your forms will be signed; otherwise, you delay the processing of your paperwork. The distance learning department chair is not authorized to sign financial aid or withdrawal forms.
"What if I use a Mac?"
If you are using a Mac and have trouble accessing Blackboard with your browser, try downloading Mozilla Firefox to correct this problem.
Getting Started
"I am taking a Hybrid and or Internet class. How do I get started?"
"I am taking a Hybrid or an Intenet class. How do I do to get started?"
Go to Getting Started In Your Hybrid/Internet class if you are registered for a Hybrid or an Internet class.
Orientation
"What occurs at the on-campus orientation?"
"What occurs at the on-campus orientation?"
- Internet courses do not require a face-to-face orientation, although some do offer an optional meeting. Check Course Listings for your instructor name if you have questions. The majority of information about your course will be provided to you WITHIN your course. Login information is found on the DL pages and in "How to get started in your Hybrid/Internet Course".