Distance Learning Tips
Frequently Asked Questions:
All internet courses require each student to have the following
- Access to a personal computer with Internet access and a web browser / Sun Java installation compatible with the Blackboard Vista course management system. Click Here to view the BB Vista login page and then click on "Run a Browser Check" to verify your system meets the minimum requirements.
- Activate your college issued e-mail account. For instructions on how to activate your account, Click Here.
- Any software peculiar to the course for which you may be registered. For example, as student registering for CIS118 Microsoft Office must have access to the Microsoft Office software. Please refer to the Course Infosheet for any required software for a particular course.
- It is the student's responsibility to ensure that they have the requisite Internet access and any additional software.
- If you are experiencing difficulties in accomplishing course work, don't wait until the last minute to contact your instructor. The instructor's contact information is listed on the course syllabus.
Who can benefit from online learning?
Busy People
And who isn't? Most people are already juggling work, family and leisure...but you can still go to college! With Web classes, you have the advantage of being able to access course materials 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Re-Entry Students
Many people would like to take classes, but they've been out of school for a while. The Virtual Classroom is a great way to re-adjust to college.Almost Anyone...
...who has access to the Internet and wants to take college classes to meet transfer requirements, upgrade their skills, or for personal enrichment.
All you need is a computer, a modem, and an Internet Service Provider. We will supply you with an instructor and the curriculum to begin your virtual learning experience. You choose the time and place to "attend" class. Whether it is from work or home, you simply access your coursework, lectures, and submit your assignments electronically -- at your convenience!
Are online courses different from regular courses on campus?
The course objectives and curriculum for online courses are the same as on-campus classes; it is simply the method of delivery which is different. For your convenience, you can access your coursework anytime 24 hours a day. Once your course begins, you should log-on once a day to check for any new e-mail messages or discussion postings. On average, you can expect to spend 10-15 hours a week on coursework, including accessing lectures, completing and submitting assignments electronically, and reading supplementary texts.Are online courses easier than traditional face-to-face classes?
Online courses are usually harder than traditional face-to-face classes. This is because distance learning students need to be self-motivated and have good study skills. Courses require active participation through frequent online communication with instructors and other students; these courses are best suited for those who can manage their own time and take responsibility for their own education.Isn't classroom instruction "better" than taking a class on the Web?
Many students feel that they are able to contribute more to a discussion in online courses and that the depth of coverage in online discussions yields much more knowledge. Typically the size of an online class is smaller than traditional classrooms providing students with the unique opportunity to share their ideas and work, and to receive individualized guidance, feedback, and answers to their questions.Are online courses accredited?
In a word, yes. Community College of Aurora's online courses are fully equivalent to our traditional courses.What is an online course?
Online courses are regular college credit courses that use features of the Internet rather than classroom lectures as the primary teaching method. They provide flexibility to students with busy schedules and appeal to students who are highly motivated and self-directed. To take an on-line course, you must have access to a personal computer with a web browser and java version compatible with the Course Management System used by CCA.Do I need to visit the campus?
Depending on the course you may need to come to campus to buy textbooks and other instructional materials, attend a mandatory orientation session and to take tests. In some cases, all class requirements may be met at a distance--contact the instructor for details. Is there an instructor? Yes! Your instructor maintains all the on-line course components during the semester. Additionally, your instructor is available by e-mail to answer questions and discuss assignments.How do I take exams?
Most on-line courses allow you to take the exams online from within the course. Others may require that you come to the campus to take exams or allow you to designate a "proctor" to administer the exam at a location near you. Check with your instructor for details.What is a Hybrid Course?
A hybrid class is one that provides instruction to students both on-site and at a distance. The distance component may be delivered online or by means of field study, research, or other methods.How do I know which courses are hybrids?
All hybrid courses have a distinguishing section number. All hybrid course section numbers end in x71 through x75 , i.e., 171, 172, 371, etc. These courses are also identified by the word 'Hybrid' in the Schedule.When does my class meet?
The Schedule shows the scheduled meeting days, times, and location of each course. Some classes meet weekly, some meet for shorter periods of time, some meet every other week, etc. More time is spent on outside-of-class activities versus the traditional classroom lecture/discussion class periods. These classes will usually meet for less time than the traditional classroom-based course, thereby placing more emphasis on self-directed and/or group learning activities.How do I get more information?
A complete listing of all Hybrid Courses offered is in the Schedule and is also available online at: http://www.ccaurora.edu/programs/infosheets/. Select the term and you will go to the list of disciplines that which offer hybrid courses. Select your discipline and it will take you to the list of courses in that discipline. Then select the course information sheet for your section. The course information sheet describes the course content, class schedules, meeting dates & times, locations, etc.What if I have questions?
Additional information can be obtained from each respective Academic Department. Please refer to the current schedule for names and phone numbers of each Department Chair or Coordinator.If you have any questions, contact either Registration at (303) 360-4797 or Distance Learning Team at (303) 340-7221.
