FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
                    ABOUT DISTANCE LEARNING

1. What are the benefits of distance learning?
2. What are the drawbacks of distance learning?
3. What technical skills do I need for an online course?
4. Can I use a computer on campus to take an online course?
5. How much do distance learning courses cost?
6. How do I register for a distance learning course?
7. How do I get my textbooks and other course materials?
8. How do I contact my instructor?
9. What library services are available?
10. Where do I go to start my online course?
11. Where do I go to start my telecourse?
12. What do I have to do in a telecourse?
13. What if there is a problem that my instructor can't resolve?

FAQ Answers

1. What are the benefits of distance learning?
    
   You can do much of your coursework anywhere, anytime. Distance learning may be the best option for people who have obligations at work and home that make it difficult to attend regularly scheduled classes. They allow you to work independently, under the direction of your instructor. Many students and faculty feel that they actually have more personal interaction than in traditional classes.
2. What are the drawbacks of distance learning?
    
   There is less (if any) face-to-face contact with the instructor and with other students. Distance learning students are expected to be self-motivating, adhere to guidelines and deadlines, and know when to ask for assistance.
3. What technical skills do I need for an online course?
    
   Before you enroll in an online course, you should evaluate your level of comfort and skills with a computer.
    
   To take an online course, you will need:
   • access to a computer
   • access to the Internet
   • an individual email account
   
   Students in an online course are expected to have a basic understanding of computer usage, know how to access the Internet and how to send and receive email. Some online courses may require that students also know how to use a word processing program, send attachments via email and know how to download software or documents. If you need to "brush up" your skills, consider enrolling in one of the college's short-term computer and/or Internet skills development courses.
4. Can I use a computer on campus to take an online course?
    
   Yes. As a currently-enrolled student, you may use any of the computer labs on campus. Some of them may require you to enroll in a non-credit (free) or low-cost computer lab course. Check with each lab for usage policies and scheduled hours.
5. How much do distance learning courses cost?
    
   The cost per unit is the same as a traditional college credit course, $20 per unit.
6. How do I register for a distance learning course?
    
   The same way that you register for any other course offered at the college. See the Admissions and Records page for further directions.
7. How do I get my textbooks and other course materials?
    
   Textbooks, course materials and supplies may be purchased from the college Bookstore. (Online ordering should be available by the Spring 2001 semester.) Some textbooks may also be available through other online sources. Check with the course instructor.
8. How do I contact my instructor?
    
   You can use email, "snail" mail, telephone, or on-campus office visits. Some courses may also use "virtual office hours" in an online chat room. Check the course syllabus for email address, phone numbers, etc.
9. What library services are available?
    
   The CCC Library website provides: an online catalog to the library collection; a variety of databases with the full text of articles from magazines, journals and newspapers; subject directories to Internet sites; instructional handouts to help direct and/or improve your research; a virtual reference collection; information about the library and its services.
10. Where do I go to start my online course?
     
    Use the course directory to go to the class homepage. Its Internet address may also be listed in the course schedule alongside the section information. You may need to email your instructor once you are enrolled to receive a user name and password, or glean the initial log-in directions from the course's information page.
11. Where do I go to start my telecourse?
     
    Attend the first meeting on the date shown in the course catalog. If you miss the first meeting, you should contract your instructor using the information on the telecourse schedule.
12. What do I have to do in a telecourse?
     
    To get the most out of a telecourse, you should:
    
    • Attend the introductory orientation on campus.
    • Purchase textbooks and study guides, as needed, from the college Bookstore.
    • View all videos
    • Complete all reading assignments and required written work.
    • Attend reviews and examinations on each of their scheduled dates.
13. What if there is a problem that my instructor can't resolve?
     
    If your instructor cannot take care of a problem, he/she should be able to forward you to the correct contact person or resource. If you think that a problem or issue is not being resolved, you should follow college procedure and contact the chairperson of the department next. See the Student Resources page for telephone and email contacts. Make sure that you have all of the facts and information you might need to support your concerns, so that the problem can be effectively addressed.

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Contra Costa College Homepage
Last updated: 20 March 2008
For questions about the website and/or the Distance Learning Program, contact Lynda Lawrence,.