What is Distance Learning ?

In a traditional classroom you have lectures, you discuss material with other students, you write papers, you take tests and quizzes. In a distance-learning class,however, you discuss material with other students, you write papers, you take tests and quizzes! So what's the difference? The difference is only in how the class is 'delivered.'If you take one of College of the Canyons' College by Television classes, some of your course will be delivered over broadcast television; If you take one of COC's computer-enhanced courses, some of your class sessions and assignments will occur using the Internet and a computer.Who knows, one of your online class sessions might be taking place as you sit at home in a comfortable chair, a cup of hot coffee next to you, in front of your computer !

Presently COC offers several classes that have some of their sessions online (see the course list below ) . In the near-future, we expect to offer classes where all of the sessions are delivered over the Internet. Students, perhaps like yourself, who have difficulties juggling a work schedule with their class schedule, might find this an attractive option. This doesn't mean that online instrucion is 'watered-down' or any less rigorous than the same course taught in a traditional classroom setting. It does mean that you will generally have the ability to study the material, attend the'lectures', and proceed with the assignments at a more flexible pace.

So would this sort of course be right for you ? Follow these links to find-out. The first link provides some basic information about distance-ed courses and skills that are useful for taking an online course ; the second link lets you assess your readiness for a distance-ed course; the third link is a list of distance-ed courses available for Fall'99; and the last link is a valuable collection of student resources, references,and guides available online.