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Orientation Letters
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Orientation Letters

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Fall Orientation Letters

Fall Orientation Letters

Read your Instructor's letter for information about their course, such as their required textbooks(s), instructional materials, important dates, scheduled online meeting times, proctored exams, or other course requirements for your online & distance learning courses. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face class will be taught via remote instruction, or distance education.

If you do not see an orientation letter for your course, please Contact Us, and we will provide you with your Instructor's email address so that you can contact them directly with any questions. Thank you!

If you do not see an orientation letter for your course, please Contact Us, and we will provide you with your Instructor's email address so that you can contact them directly with any questions. Thank you!

Fall '20 Class Types

In the schedule of classes for Fall 2020, you will see two different types of classes:

  • “DISTANCE LEARNING” 
  • "ONLINE CLASS.”

These are two different methods for teaching and learning when students and instructors are not physically present in a traditional setting such as a classroom. In both cases, instructors will initiate regular and effective contact with students. See below to better understand the difference between these class formats: 

  • What to expect in a Distance Learning Course:

    During the Covid-19 pandemic, Distance Learning refers to courses that have been changed to remote instruction due to Covid-19. Classes designated as Distance Learning are those traditionally taught face-to-face that are being taught at a distance with no physical, on-campus meetings. However, these classes may have synchronous online meetings. “Synchronous” refers to instruction that occurs when students and faculty meet “live” and in “real-time” at the same time through ZOOM or some other web conference platform (e.g. Google Hangout) for live chat, lectures, etc.   

    Students enrolled in Distance Learning classes may be required to join an online lecture at a particular date and time published in the Schedule of Classes. Communication between faculty and students may occur via Canvas, video conferencing, email, or chat applications. This is NOT an ONLINE CLASS, although some instruction may occur through the use of Canvas.

    Be sure to read the instructor's orientation letter for each class you register for, in order to be aware of the type of class you're in, what to expect, and how to best prepare and get started.

  • What to expect in a Online Course:

    Courses identified as an “ONLINE CLASS” in the Schedule of Classes are courses that use Canvas to deliver lessons, activities, assignments, exams, etc. Communication between faculty and students and interaction between students is largely within the learning management system Canvas. Students enrolled in an online class are able to complete all their coursework and activities online without needing to physically or remotely attend a class. These classes DO NOT include synchronous instruction. All instruction takes place asynchronously.

    Be sure to read the instructor's orientation letter for each class you register for, in order to be aware of the type of class you're in, what to expect, and how to best prepare and get started.

Find Your Textbooks: 

COC Bookstore

Find the required textbook before class begins at www.coc.bncollege.com

ZTC Textbooks

Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) are digital textbooks available for free to students.

Online readiness materials to help you prepare for online learning:

Log in to Canvas button

Quest

 Canvas online tutorials button

 Top Canvas Tips

  Three Keys for Online Student Success

 

For Faculty

Instructor Guide to Orientation Letters