General Information on Online Classes offered by the Department of Writing, Literature, Media Communications & Learning Strategies

Definition:

Online classes (also referred to as "distance learning") are classes in which a personal computer and an Internet connection take the place of the traditional on-campus classroom.

How online classes work:

As noted above, students do not gather in a classroom with a professor and fellow students at scheduled times. Instead, all interaction with their professor and fellow students takes place via an online course management tool called Blackboard CE (formerly WebCT). Students receive their coursework (syllabus, assignments, course calendar, quizzes, tests etc.) by logging onto Blackboard CE, and they transmit their completed assignments the same way. IMPORTANT CAVEAT: Each professor will have his or her own procedures for submitting assignments, taking tests and frequency of communications. Students need to carefully follow the instructions provided by the instructor.

While online classes provide a tremendous amount of flexibility for the student, they are not self-paced. Online courses have deadlines just like regular classes, and professors monitor how often and for how long students log on. Students who do not access the course by a specific date set by the professor will be dropped from the class.

Enrolling in an online class:

The enrollment process is the same as for traditional classes, and the same prerequisites apply. However, online classes tend to fill up very quickly, and early enrollment is strongly advised. The Department of Writing, Literature, Media Communications & Learning Strategies does not grant waivers for additional enrollment once a course has been filled. For instructions on how to access course materials in Blackboard CE (formerly WebCT), please click on the Letter to Online Students below.

For more information, please go to the Distance Learning Homepage and read the Letter to Online Students.

last updated 2/18/08 blove@jccc.edu