Is distance learning for me?
      If you are the type of person who likes to work at your own pace and in your own time frame, and you have good organizational and time-management skills, then distance learning may be right for you.  People with busy work schedules and/or family responsibilities will enjoy the flexibility that distance learning gives them. But distance learning is not for everybody. You must have a high level of self-discipline and self-motivation to be successful in distance learning. In most cases, distance learning courses require more time each week for class assignments and reading.  A way to determine if distance learning is for you is to visit  the Self-Assessments web page on this site: Assessments


What is distance learning?
      There are three types of distance learning @ College of the Canyons; online courses, hybrid courses (online courses with periodic on-campus meetings), and CTV (telecourse) classes. Courses are not self-paced, and follow the same semester system as the rest of the College. Some online courses may be short-term, and may start the first week, or later in the semester. Please check the dates in the current schedule of classes.  Most courses will have deadline dates for assignments throughout the semester. You will not be able to complete all of the work in the beginning, nor at the end of the semester.
      You may be expected to participate in class discussions online.  Some of these may be in real time (synchronous), as in a live, chat-room situation.  Some discussions may be online in written discussion threads (asynchronous), meaning that you may post comments at any time during that assignment. 
 

Are the online courses totally online or do they meet on-campus sometimes?
Online courses do not meet on campus. However, some online classes may require that you take exams in-person, either at College of the Canyons' tutoring center or an appropriate proctoring center close to your home. For details on proctored exams, please see: http://www.canyons.edu/offices/distance_learning/stusupport/proctor.asp. For details on which courses are offered as hybrids and which are fully online, please check the Class Schedule.
 

I have never taken an online course before. What do I have to know before registering?
     For most courses you will need to know basic skills for ordinary computer operation and web browsing. College of the Canyons offers a course for new online students; Counseling 070: Becoming a Successful Distance Learning Student. This 5-week, 1-unit, credit/no credit is offered each semester, provides an informal setting for students to learn and practice what they need to know to take an online course at College of the Canyons. For more information, please contact Renee Drake @ 661-362-3600. 

Do I have to be online at certain times, or can I go online at anytime I want to?
     Most of the courses are asynchronous, meaning that you can go online at any time you want to.  Instructors will issue a syllabus, however, that will specify due dates for assignments.  Many courses are mediated, so that students cannot complete all of the assignments at the beginning, or at the end of the semester.
 

What hardware do I need for online courses?
      Basically, all you need is a computer (or access to one) with a modem and Internet connection. You will need an email account. You will need a connection to the Internet. If using a modem, it can be internal or external. There are many makes and models, but you'll want at least a 56 kbps modem for taking an online course.  You may have a high-speed connection, through either telephone lines or the cable line. Information on these services may be obtained from your local telephone and cable companies.  A faster modem will allow a speedier download and upload of material. This is especially important for courses that may use multimedia in course material. 
     
      In all likelihood, you will need a printer.  You may find it easier to download and print some of your course materials, rather than read them on the computer screen.  Please read the tutorial about printing for some useful printer tips. In some courses, the instructor might provide material in the form of audio files.  If your machine does not have built-in sound output, then you will want to install a soundcard and connect a pair of speakers. 

 
What software do I need for online courses?
      You will need an operating system.  The most common operating systems are Microsoft Windows and Macintosh OS, but others are available.  Some online courses may use software particular to that course.  This will come with installation instructions and a technical support number to call if you have a problem.
 

Does the speed of my connection to the Internet matter?
     The minimum speed suggested for online or hybrid courses is 56 kbps. It is true, that the faster the connection speed, the faster you will be able to download and receive the material.  Some courses may use multimedia to deliver course content. This means, that streaming audio or video, photographs, tables, etc. may be part of the coursework. A slow modem speed may make class difficult for you.


Where are the on-campus computers?
     Student computers are located at several locations on campus. Single computers are located in the library. On the second floor of the library is an open computer lab (room R-210) with 18 additional computers.  S-115 in the Student Center has 20 PCs for student use, and there are 36 PCs in the TLC Lab, room I-209.  The Canyon Country ACCESS Site has an additional 20 PCs in the computer lab there.  Please note that the hours of operation may vary during summer and holiday periods.
 

How do I register for online courses?
     Registration for all distance learning courses is the same as it is for traditional courses. Enter the five-digit course section code on the STAR (telephone registration system), or the online registration system.


Do distance learning courses cost more than traditional courses?
     No. All courses at College of the Canyons are only $20 per unit.  There may be a licensing fee charged at the bookstore for some online courses.  You may be asked to purchase special CD-ROMs for some classes, such as music and chemistry.  This information will be located within the course description in the online and printed versions of the schedule of classes. Your instructor will provide this information.
 

How long do online courses last?
     Most online courses are in session for the semester.  A few courses are offered short-term, which means they may last for only four or eight weeks. Start dates and end dates are listed in the schedule of classes.


During a standard week, how much time does an online course take?
     Every course is different, so a definite time element cannot be defined.  Most 3-unit distance learning courses take 10-12 hours per week to accomplish assignments.
     Traditionally, each hour spent in the classroom is supposed to require two hours of work outside of class. Therefore, you should spend about 12 hours per week for a 3-unit course. Some online courses do require more time than traditional on-campus classes.
 

How many students are in each distance learning course?
     Enrollments differ, depending on individual courses. Most hybrid courses have an enrollment cap of 35 students, but some courses allow a greater number of students. The enrollment depends on the course, the College administration, and the instructor.


Is an online course easier than a traditional course?
     No. Distance learning courses, typically, are more difficult and take more time than traditional courses.  The learning modality is more flexible than a traditional course and students are expected to spend more time reading and researching than they normally would in other courses.


Do I still need a textbook in my online course?
     Yes, most courses require a textbook.  Most hybrid courses require a textbook that may or may not include the licensing for the course.  More information will be available from your instructor.
 

Is it possible to get an AA Degree online?
     Yes. A transferable AA degree is possible online. Each semester additional courses will be available so that the process may be completed in two years. For more information, please contact the distance learning office or visit the Online AA degree page.
 

If I have more questions, who can I talk to?
     For most distance learning questions, you may contact Renee Drake by email or by telephone at 661-362-3600.  For additional contacts, please click check the "Contact Us" page.

1. What can I study in the Online Degree Program? 

You can earn an Associate of Arts degree in Transfer Studies, as well as meet the CSU General Education requirements for transfer. By taking a full-load of classes, you can complete your AA in two years. At least four classes are offered each spring and fall semester, with fewer in the summer. Classes are fully online, and are usually offered using the virtual classroom Blackboard. 
 

2. What is Transfer Studies? 

The Transfer Studies major is designed for students planning to transfer to either the University of California or California State University. To earn the Associate of Arts degree with a Transfer Studies major, students must complete either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) UC or CSU option or the CSU General Education Certification pattern. This latter option is offered through the College's Online Degree Program. 

Although the associate degree recognizes the completion of lower division general education requirements, it does not guarantee admission to a specific campus in the CSU or UC system, nor does it guarantee admission to a specific major. Some majors and schools require a higher GPA than is necessary for the associate degree. Students should meet with a counselor to determine the lower division major preparation needed for their intended transfer school.


3. Will there be any other online AA degrees in the future?

College of the Canyons is developing future online AA degrees in the areas of English and Social Sciences.
 

4. Why pursue a degree fully online? 

Online learning offers you an opportunity to achieve your educational goals without coming to campus. If you have an irregular schedule, challenges with child-care work, or are required to travel regularly, online learning might be for you. To determine whether online learning is the best way for you to complete your education, click here: Readiness Assessments

5. How will I know if a course is online or hybrid in the class schedule?

The Distance Learning website’s class schedule will differentiate between online courses and hybrid courses.


6. If there is no initial class meeting, how will I find out when to start my online course?

Online orientation information will be provided for you in an orientation letter that will be posted online. These letters will be posted here: Orientation Letters
 

7. How will I take my exams? 

Just like in face-to-face classes, instructors will determine the most appropriate method of assessing students for each class. Some typical methods include:

Proctored exams in an approved testing center.

1. If you live close to Santa Clarita, you may be able to take the exam in COC’s Tutoring Lab.

2. If you live outside the Santa Clarita area, you will need to find an approved testing center, such as a local college or university. You must inform your instructor at the beginning of class that you will need to arrange for a proctored exam. It is YOUR responsibility to set up the appointments for proctoring exams with both institutions.

3. The TLC lab personnel will contact the local institution to confirm that the proctoring arrangements are appropriate and conform to standard practice, and inform the instructor. The instructor will inform you that the institution has been approved. The instructor will provide the exam to the TLC Lab personnel, which will send it to the proctoring institution. Take the exam and leave it with the institution. they will send it to COC's TLC Lab personnel, who will return it to your instructor.

4. If you are serving in the US military and are based outside the Santa Clarita area, you may arrange for a commanding officer to proctor your exam. Again, you will need to inform your instructor of this at the beginning of class.

Timed exams online. Some instructors may ask you to complete exams online, in a timed setting that ensures you will be focused completely on the exam. 

Take-home exams. Some instructors may ask you to complete your exams in a take-home fashion. While you would be able to do additional research on a topic, you would also be held to a higher standard of analysis, writing, and research. 

See your instructor’s orientation letter for details on testing.


8. If I have taken other online courses at College of the Canyons, will they count toward my Online AA degree?

Yes; all online courses at COC, even the hybrid online courses, have equal weight toward your matriculation. You are not required to take all of your courses online.
 

9. Is the Online Degree equivalent to other College degrees? 

Yes, the COC Online Degree is equivalent to other degrees offered by the College. The same low cost of $20 per unit applies, and financial aid is available.
 

10. What other programs does the College have that might meet my needs? 

PACE is an accelerated educational format for working adults to achieve their educational goals while meeting the demands of their busy lives. Most classes meet one evening per week and on selected Saturdays. While the traditional semester lasts for 16 weeks, most PACE classes last 8 weeks. If you take two classes at a time, you can complete 12-15 units per semester. 

In only 5 semesters, taking 2 courses each session, you can fulfill most requirements for your associate degree and prepare to transfer to a university.  

Current majors in PACE are:

·        Business Administration

·        Liberal Studies

·        Transfer Studies (hybrid: online + Saturdays) 

See www.canyons.edu/offices/pace 

Weekend College offers blocks of classes on Friday evenings and all day Saturday, during a 12-week session. You can take 1, 2, or 3 classes each session.  

Contact the Instruction Office: 661.362.3640. 

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 Advisory to students on the online track

Online courses are very different than traditional (on-campus courses). The material covered is delivered in a different manner, and the student is responsible for learning the material without constant “face-to-face” interaction with an instructor. 

Online courses are not for everybody. To be successful in online courses the student must be a better-than-average reader, with a learning style conducive to reading and visual stimuli, rather than auditory and verbal stimuli.  

Online courses, generally, take more time than traditional courses. The rule of thumb in college education is that for every hour spent in the classroom, the student should complete three hours of homework/research. A 3-unit course produces 12 hours of course material per week for a standard course. Online courses, as a rule, require more that 12 hours per week.  The online student must be able to manage the larger workload. Managing one’s time and keeping to a set schedule will assist in  the student’s success in online courses. 

Still don’t know if you are a good candidate for the online course schedule? Take the distance learning assessments here.