Distance Learning - What You Need To Know?
How do I know I am ready to take an online course?
Evaluate yourself based upon some of the characteristics many successful online students demonstrate:
- Self-motivated & goal directed
- Strong reading & writing skills
- Organization & good time management
- The ability to work independently without supervision
- Knows how to meet deadlines
- Strong computer skills
Who can take an online class?
The following is NCCC’s policy on eligibility for taking an online course:
“Matriculated students wishing to take an on-line class have to have completed or be concurrently enrolled in ENG 101 - English Composition. Continuing students have to be in good academic standing at the college maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of a 2.0.”
What are the advantages of online learning?
Online courses offer the student the chance to take courses that fit their schedule. Online courses do not have regular meeting times. Students can work on their coursework at times that fit the demands of their lives. If work, family, time, or travel constraints prevent you from pursuing your education in a traditional setting, the online course allows you to create a schedule where you do your work on your terms. Complete your assignments late at night, early in the morning, on weekends or even while on vacation. It’s all up to you! Online courses may also fit your learning style better particularly if you are self-motivated and are a good time manager. Online courses also open up a wider array of courses that you can take at the college.
What online courses are being offered this semester?
A listing of current online courses can be found on the college’s website. From the NCCC home page, click on Registration. This will direct you to all of the college course offerings. Online courses are designated by the letter Z (e.g., ENG 101Z). The same link (Registration) to current course offerings can also be found on the distance learning homepage.
How much does an online course cost?
Tuition costs for an online course are identical to the tuition for on-campus courses. However, just as with art courses or lab courses, there is a distance learning fee attached to taking an online course. This fee is currently $45/course.
How do I register for an online class?
Registration for an online course is identical to registering for any other course. You may register in person on any of our campuses. Further, matriculated students may also register online for courses. A link to registration is on the distance learning homepage. A non-matriculated student registration form is available on the registration link page. This form can be mailed or faxed to the Record’s Office. The Record’s Office can also be contacted by emailing them at records@nccc.edu.
What computer skills do I need to be successful in an online course?
Most online courses require reasonable typing skills and a general familiarity with computer use including:
- Experience with your computer’s user interface (hardware and software)
- Use of Microsoft Windows Explorer or similar Web browser software to access the World Wide Web
- Previous use of electronic mail software
- Understanding of file management to include saving, locating and (re)naming files.
- Basic understanding of file types and extensions.
How do I access my online courses?
NCCC students need to be able to utilize the Student Portal and the school electronic mail system. The steps below will help you gain access to the portal.
- Using a Web browser like Internet Explorer, “go to” http://nccc.edu. The North Country Community college home page will display.
- There are two links from the nccc.edu home page that will route you to Student Portal access. Choose either Current Students (near the top center of the page), or Student Portal (in the alphabetical list on the left of the page).
- If you chose the Current Students link:
- Click on the Student Portal Login link.
- Click Student Portal Login
- Enter your Student Portal log-in name and password.
- The Student Portal home page will display in the same window where the North Country Community College home page displayed.
- If you chose the Student Portal link:
- Enter your Student Portal log-in name and password.
- The Student Portal home page will display in a new window.
- To access your course, either:
- a. Click on the My Courses link on the left-hand side of the page. Locate and click the word select on the same line as the “course.”
- b. Click on the link for your course on the right-hand side of the page.
What is a hybrid course?
A hybrid course has an on-campus component as part of the instruction. For example, a science course may have a meeting time on campus for the laboratory component of the course. Or, a course may require students to meet on campus weekly for a seminar-type session with the instructor. Hybrid courses are designated with the letter H in the course code (e.g., PSY 101H).
How is an online class set up? Can I work at my own pace? Do I need to attend meetings on campus?
Most online courses are set up in a similar way. You’ll access your course through your Student Portal. Once at the course site, you’ll find all the course documents including the syllabus, requirements and grading, course calendar, and assignments. It won’t take long to familiarize yourself with what is expected and the work schedule for the semester. Most courses will have a weekly assignment that is due on a particular day of the week. Upon completion of the assignment, the work will either be emailed to your instructor or uploaded onto your portal. Assignment grades and comments can be accessed through the portal. Typically, online courses do have a structure where you do have to meet deadlines. Although you have the choice during the week to work when and where it is most convenient, you will in the end owe your instructor work at a designated time. This will all be spelled out clearly in your course syllabus. If there are any on-campus requirements, these too would be explained at the start of the course.
How do I communicate with my instructor in an online course?
The primary mechanism for communicating with your instructor is through emails. Your instructor’s email address is listed both on your course website as well as on the college’s website. You will also be given an nccc.edu email to use as a student. As your instructor may send you individual or group emails, it is crucial that you check your emails regularly. Your instructor may also post feedback about your assignments on your student portal. After an assignment grade has been posted, check to see if your instructor has also left specific comments regarding your work.
How do I submit my assignments in an online course?
There are two primary mechanisms used for submitting work in an online course. In some courses, work can be submitted through emails. Work may either be attached to an email or directly copy or pasted into the email. The second method of submitting work is by uploading it through your student portal. If an instructor is using the portal method, you will be instructed on how to upload documents at particular assignment locations. The particular method is specific to each course. You’ll find that some instructors prefer one method over the other. The approach will be explained in the course syllabus.
How do students interact online?
Many instructors use the “Discussion Forum” function on the portal for facilitating student interaction and discussions. Frequently, an instructor will post a weekly topic for students to react to. In addition to your posting, you may also be asked to comment on postings submitted by other students. In this way, you have the opportunity to interact with your fellow students and instructors in a meaningful way other than through emails. Your participation in the discussions is often used as part of your course grade.
How do I take a test in an online class?
Testing varies from course to course. There is no “one size fits all.” Some courses are writing intensive and do not emphasize tests. Other courses, may post weekly quizzes for which you have a certain amount of time to complete it. Some courses may require you to come to campus to take tests as might be the case with a hybrid course. As technology improves, some courses may use online exams that you would submit electronically to the instructor. Each instructor explains testing activities and, more generally, the course requirements, in the syllabus that is posted on the course website.
How do I get my textbooks? Can I buy my books online?
Most online courses require textbooks just like traditional courses. On your student portal you will find textbook information for any book that is required in the course you are taking. You may purchase your textbook(s) directly from the College Bookstore or buy them independently online from another distributor. More information from the Bookstore can be obtained at collegestoremain@nccc.edu.
Is tutoring available?
Yes. The college offers tutoring assistance on all three campuses at our Learning Assistance Centers (LACs) during the Fall and Spring semesters. The process for getting tutoring help for an online course is identical to that of getting help in a traditional on-campus course. Contact the LAC nearest you to arrange tutoring assistance. Keep in mind that you will have to go to an LAC for this additional help. LAC assistance is not available in the summer nor are ADA accommodations provided for online courses (unless an individual is required to take an exam on campus as part of an online course). More detailed information on the services available at the Learning Assistance Centers can be found at http://nccc.edu/learning_assistance_center.aspx.
Are there online library resources I can access?
Yes. On the Online Courses homepage you’ll find a direct link to library resources. Among other resources, you can search numerous databases of current journals in most fields. From these searches, you can access full-text articles that you can use for course assignments or papers. The library resources can also be reached by going to http://nccc.edu/library_new.aspx.
Can I complete my degree online?
No. At this time no NCCC degree or certificate can be completed entirely online. The college policy is that no more than 50% of total credits toward a degree can be completed through online courses.