Stanly Online—How does it work?

Distance learning offerings include three delivery methods: online courses, hybrids, and videoconference courses:

Online Courses

In a continuing effort to better serve the student, Stanly Community College offers selected courses for delivery over the Internet. The student enrolled in an online course has access to a “virtual classroom,” which is available to the student 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All lectures and instructions needed for the course are available in the virtual classroom; links and references to learning materials are found there also. Some labs associated with online classes may require attendance on campus. Students have the opportunity to ask questions of the instructor via e-mail, discussion boards, and chat rooms. In turn, the instructor answers student questions and makes assignments through the same multimedia options. Online synchronized chat sessions may be arranged for student discussions, and instructor online office hours may be scheduled at the discretion of the instructor.

The “virtual classroom” is designed to simulate the classroom experience for those students who do not wish to attend a traditional seated class. This offers flexibility to the student in terms of not having to attend a class at a set time each week as well as being able to spend whatever time is necessary on each instructional topic. The successful student in an online learning situation is one who is self-disciplined and self-motivated. The student must also possess good problem-solving skills. A student considering taking classes via the Internet should examine his or her learning styles and consult his or her advisor.

Each student who enrolls in an online course must have independent access to the Internet and must have an e-mail account. In addition, the student must have a working knowledge of a word processing application, the operating system, and the Internet.

Online courses have very high demands, and many students register for them who do not have the computer skills or hardware and software necessary to succeed in the course. Additionally, many online courses are taught by faculty who do not live in North Carolina; so students cannot rely on the one-on-one, face-to-face help they may otherwise receive. An on-campus orientation may be required at the beginning of the semester.

Hybrids

Hybrids are designed to incorporate a variety of delivery methods, such as online, NCVIP, and/or traditional seated classes. Students need to seek the advice of the appropriate program head and the instructor of the multimedia delivery course to determine what learning style is most successful for the student.

North Carolina Video over Internet Protocol (NCVIP)

NCVIP courses provide unique opportunities to deliver or receive courses to or from other colleges. Students will receive instruction via the traditional seated classroom with the instructor or other groups of students located at distant sites.

All NCVIP courses are conducted in the interactive video rooms located in the Snyder Building and the Crutchfield Education Center. Students interested in NCVIP courses should contact the appropriate program advisor for information and registration.