About Distance Learning
Distance Learning (DL) at its most basic level, takes place when teachers and students are separated by physical distance and/or time. At CCRI, we currently offer three different course formats: online or web courses; hybrid courses; and telecourses. Distance Learning options make it easy and convenient to take classes even if you can't get to campus. These courses contain the same content as the on-campus offerings, but are available in an anytime-anywhere format.
- Online or Web Courses
- Hybrid Courses
- Telecourses
- Web-Enhanced Courses
- Registration
- What Courses are Offered Through Distance Learning?
- What are the Costs for Distance Courses?
- What Are the Requirements for Taking DL Course?
Online or Web Courses
Online courses take place via the Internet. Most web courses use the college's learning management system called Blackboard. The learning management system allows instructors to place course content in a password-protected site that only students who are registered for the class can access. Students can access these courses from any computer that has a connection to the Internet at anytime day or night. As with an on-campus class, you will have assignment due dates and if your class has online exams, exams may have due dates as well. Students and Instructors will typically interact with each other via e-mail and postings on discussion boards. At CCRI, courses are classified as Online or Web courses if 80% or more of the course content is delivered online. These classes may have a few on-campus sessions required (no more than three) and some of these classes may require the student to come to a campus for a proctored examination. NOTE: Online courses are designated with a section number starting with a "6" such as "600" or "601".
Hybrid Courses
Hybrid courses combine online instruction and on-campus instruction. Hybrid course may meet every other week or every third week or on another schedule set up by the instructor. The instruction in between class session is delivered through the Internet using the college's learning management system. A hybrid course is not limited to the number of on-campus sessions that the instructor may require as are online courses, so student wishing to take hybrid courses must make sure that they will be able to attend the required on-campus sessions. For those student who need more flexibility in their schedules, but are hesitant to take a fully online course, a hybrid course may well be the best fit. NOTE: Hybrid courses are designated with a section number starting with a "7" such as "700" or "701".
Telecourses
Telecourses (TV courses) are classes viewed on cable television with the primary mode of communication between students and faculty being through email. Telecourses will require some on-campus examinations be taken. Often the television showing for a telecourse is repeated twice within the same week. NOTE: Telecourse courses are designated with a section number starting with a "37" such as "371" or "372".
Web-Enhanced Courses
Many instructors are now offering web-enhanced courses that use the college's learning management system as a supplement to their regular on-campus courses. In some cases, the instructor may have the students taking tests online and submitting assignments through the learning management system for their on-campus courses. Although these courses are not considered Distance Learning courses, they have the benefit of getting student accustomed to using the college's learning management system, and serve as a gateway for students considering taking online classes.
Registration
Students register for online courses, hybrid courses and telecourses the same way they register for online courses. For more information, please view the "Getting Started" module.
What Courses are Offered Through Distance Learning?
The number and variety of distance courses changes every semester. View course schedules for updated information.
What are the Costs for Distance Courses?
The costs for distance courses are similar to on-campus courses. In some instances there may be an additional licensing charge for publisher content.
What Are the Requirements for Taking DL Course?
In addition to having access to a computer with an Internet connection for web courses and access to cable TV for telecourses, succeeding in DL courses requires some different skills. To see if you are a good candidate for distance learning see our distance learning orientation.
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