What is Distance Learning?
Distance Learning (sometimes referred to as "DL") is another name for taking classes online.
Traditional classes may often provide information online, but to be a "distance learning" class, at least some of the time you would spend in the classroom is instead carried out online. DL classes offer flexibility for students, who can complete the class from anywhere, but these classes are not self-paced. They still have a professor who is facilitating the class. Students are expected to complete work according to a schedule set in the syllabus and to interact with professors and other students.
Mt. SAC Online Course Types
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Online Classes
Mt. SAC offers Online classes that are conducted 100% online (no on-campus requirement). They may be "synchronous" which means there are still meetings online via video conferencing that are at specific times, or they may be "asynchronous" which means there are no meetings for the course.
Key things that make Online Classes unique:
- delivered entirely via the Internet
- no required meetings on campus
- may require exams be taken on campus. **Check with your professor for clarification
- exams are usually available for a range of time, such as a week or more
- it is the student's responsibility to check with the instructor about scheduled on-campus exams for each online class
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Hybrid Classes
Mt. SAC offers Hybrid classes that are conducted partially online and partially on campus like a traditional class. What portion of the course is online and how many meetings are on campus varies with each course. This information can be found in the class schedule.
Key things that make Hybrid Classes unique:
- delivered mostly or partly via the Internet
- one or more required meetings on campus
- required on-campus meetings may be spread throughout the class
- hybrid classes typically include a combination of on-campus and online requirements to pass the class
- ask the professor for information about campus meeting times and requirements to make sure you can complete the class successfully
When searching for classes how can I tell if a class is Online?
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Well that depends on if you're using the Basic Online Search or Extended Online Search. Don't worry, the graphics to the right illustrate how to tell if a class is Online when using both methods. Simply click on the image for a larger version!
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EOkay, and what about Hybrid?
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Once again that depends on if you're using the Basic Online Search or Extended Online Search. The graphics to the right illustrate how to tell if a class is Hybrid when using both methods. Simply click on the image for a larger version!
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ESeems simple enough, anything else I should know?
We are glad you asked:
Online and Hybrid classes are NOT designed to be easier!
In fact, many people who have taken Distance Learning classes would argue they are
more difficult! DL classes are designed with the same content and academic rigor as
regular classes; the only difference is the delivery method.
Students succeed in DL classes when they manage their time well, log into DL classes
regularly, submit completed work on time, and meet class expectations. Communicating
with the professor in a timely manner when there are questions or problems is also
critical to student success.
Checkout our Online Readiness Assessment page to find out if distance learning classes might work well for you.
