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 hybrid 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?
      Currently, many online courses have a mandatory on-campus orientation and are termed "hybrid." Understanding that not all students will be able to attend the orientation, allowances may be made on a case-by-case basis for students to meet with the instructor at another time, convenient to the instructor. Students must remember that it is important to have this face-to-face meeting.  Many courses require students to come to the campus for testing as well. Some courses require more than one meeting, and courses requiring labs meet weekly.
        There is a large selection of online courses that have no on-campus meetings. For more information, see the Class Schedule and  Online AA Degree information.
 

 What is a mandatory on-campus orientation?
      It is important for instructors and students to meet and acquaint themselves with each other and the technology used for the course.  This includes the online platform used in online and hybrid courses.  This is an excellent opportunity for the instructor and students to become acquainted. Many instructors of online courses will want to guide the students in their initial log-on onto the course management system used for that course. There is an online tutorial to help the student become familiar with the Blackboard Course Management system, which is used in most of the online and hybrid courses at College of the Canyons.


Will the required meetings be at the same place, day and time of week as the orientation?
     Yes, with a few minor exceptions.  Online courses do not meet on campus, but hybrid courses will have on-campus meetings.  Each instructor will advise you of required on-campus meetings at the face-to-face orientation meeting or in their online orientation letter which is posted at the distance learning website.  All hybrid lab science courses have required weekly labs which will meet on campus.  The times of these meetings will be in the schedule of classes and available from your instructor. As of fall 2007 all non-lab distance learning courses will hold all on-campus meetings at the Canyon Country site. 
 

I have taken online and hybrid courses before.  Do I still need to attend the mandatory on-campus orientation?
      Yes.  All courses are different; and, as explained above, this is an excellent time for students to ask questions and to meet your instructor face-to-face.    Please contact your instructor for more information @ Distance Learning Faculty Contact information.
 

I have never taken a hybrid course before. What do I have to know before registering for a hybrid course?
     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 hybrid 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 hybrid 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 hybrid 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 hybrid courses last?
     Most hybrid courses are in session for the semester.  A few hybrid 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 a hybrid 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 and hybrid 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 a hybrid 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 hybrid 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.