• What is a distance learning course?
• Are distance learning courses more expensive?
• How does a distance learning course work?
• Are distance learning courses easier?
• How often does a distance learning student have to come to campus?
• What is the distance learning orientation session all about?
• What are the review sessions?
• How are tests administered?
• What can I do if I can't make one of the distance learning orientation sessions?

What is a distance learning course?

A Distance Learning course is a course that is delivered, by means of technology, at a place and time that is convenient to the student, usually at home or at work, rather than in a campus classroom. Distance Learning classes are particularly attractive to working adults with job and family responsibilities who find it difficult to attend campus classes.

Distance Learning courses are fully-accredited college courses. They present a body of knowledge through extensive reading assignments coordinated with additional content delivered through any of a variety of communications technologies. The most common delivery technology is video tape. Many courses are also delivered by multiple media course packages which combine printed materials, videos, DVD's and computer software. On-line delivery, often via Internet, is yet another rapidly growing delivery method. For more information on how MCC's distance learning courses are delivered see modes of delivery.

Distance Learning courses have review sessions and proctored examinations. A Mott Community College instructor manages each course and is available by phone, email or in person during published office hours.

No. Distance learning courses have the same tuition rate as on-campus courses, along with related lab and student fees. For telecourses, there is an additional fee if a student wants to check out the entire collectin of video tapes or DVD's. Instructional material lab kit fees may also apply. The course catalog will inform you if this fee applies to your course. All lab fees must be paid at the cashier office before the lab kits are distributed.

How does a distance learning course work?      top

Distance Learning courses are highly structured, each step of the course is spelled out in a syllabus prepared by the instructor specifically to meet the needs of distance learning students. When you enroll in a Distance Learning course you'll receive detailed course information, including a course syllabus, a viewing schedule, and an examination schedule. Your books may be purchased at the MCC bookstore.

You will meet with your instructor in an orientation session before your course begins. You may also meet in discussion/review sessions during the semester, usually just before each test. Your instructor and the Distance Learning Office staff will always be available by email, and by phone during office hours, to answer your questions and assist you.

No. Distance learning courses cover the same material and require just as many hours of work as the same course taught in a classroom. Moreover, the courses require independent study. Independent study requires self-discipline, motivation and time-management.

How often does a distance learning student
have to come to campus?      top

On the average, students are required to make only six or seven trips to campus in the course of a semester (compared to 32 to 48 for a three credit hour course on campus). Students will be obliged to come to campus to attend a distance learning course orientation session, obtain texts and study guides, and to take tests. Students are also required to attend a review session.

At the orientation session, students will meet their instructor. Distance Learning orientation sessions usually last one hour and consist of an explanation of course requirements and procedures. Students who are unable to attend one of scheduled sessions must arrange for an individual appointment.

At review sessions, distance learning course instructors answer student's questions as well as review and emphasize material in preparation for tests. Each course will have from two to four review sessions. Students are encouraged to attend review sessions.

Distance Learning students mayl be required to come to campus to take tests. The instuctor will schedule a testing period of approximately one week during which the student may come into the testing center at his or her convenience to take the test. Students should consult the Course Syllabus or Outline for testing schedules as well as what materials or supplies are needed to complete the test ie. scantrons, calculator etc. and the Distance Learning Handbook for testing procedures.

What can I do if I can't make one of the distance learning orientation sessions?      top

All Distance Learning faculty are requested to either audio tape or video tape their orientation sessions. These tapes may be listened to or viewed in the Mott Library. If you cannot make the live orientation, go to the Distance Learning Office and pick-up your Orientation Packet. Go to the Viewing Listening Center in the MCC campus library, listen to or view the tape, and then call or visit your instructor during his/her office hours to ask any questions you may have. Orientation packages are not available to be picked up until the instructor has completed their last orientation session.