• Distance Education
• What Is Distance Ed
• Is It For Me?
• Online Programs
• Search For Courses
• Apply Now
• Support For Students
• Support For Faculty
• Technology@Wayne
• Distance Ed Resources
• FAQ
• Staff And Contacts
• Wells Fargo Partnership East

 

 

Online Learning and Distance Education - Is it for me?

Earning college credit by taking distance courses is convenient and flexible, but responsible study habits and the ability to learn independently are a necessity to successfully complete the course. Distance courses are most appropriate for disciplined students who can work independently and complete course work on time.  Online Course study requires self-motivated, self-disciplined, and organized students.  Ask yourself the following questions: 

• Do I have college-level writing and reading skills?
• Can I devote 10-15 hours, per week to 1 online class?
• Do I have access to a reliable computer with Internet access?
  (can you stay connected for at least 2 or more hours)
• Can I send, receive, and attach files using email?
• Am I proficient using a web browser and downloading files?

If you answered yes to the above questions, you may find that distance education and online courses may be the best learning environment for you.

Online course study requires independent learning and strict adherence to a structured schedule.  You will need to a balance your time around the requirements of the course. Course materials may include other resources outside your online class such as:  textbooks, online video and audio, Internet articles and research, notes from lectures, etc.

Students are expected to complete all coursework.  In order to remain enrolled in the online course, students must maintain academic progression. Students who have not accessed and/or participated in a course in any two week period may be dropped.

Remember: the distance learning environment does not have the face-to-face interaction with classmates and instructors, therefore communication will be web-based in the form of e-mail, discussion boards, chat rooms, live video chats, etc.

Let us pause a minute to be sure you know what distance education is and how courses are offered? Visit the What is Distance Education? page for a more detailed explanation.

Do I have what it takes? Here is a quick rundown of the requirements / recommendations for online learners to help students prepare for online learning. Information ranges from prerequisites to Internet connections.  Take a look at the information below:

Students should meet the following for online courses:

1. It is recommended (but not required) that students have satisfactorily completed or tested out of RED 090.
2. Met one or more of the following recommendations: satisfactorily completed or tested out of CIS 070 or CTS 080, successfully completed an online or hybrid course at WCC, or developed the necessary computer skills through other computer-related courses/training (i.e., continuing education, on-the-job, etc.) 
3. Have access to a reliable Desktop or Laptop computer with Windows XP or better with a minimum of 512mb of RAM and 2G of free hard disk space.
4. Have access to a reliable Internet connection with at least a 56K modem.

Students should have the following skills/abilities and be able to: 

1. Use an Internet browser.
2. Conduct Internet searches using various search engines.
3. Compose, send and receive e-mail with attachments. 
4. Use Microsoft Word.
5. Save files in various formats.
6. Download and upload files from the Internet.
7. Allocate the time needed to participate in an online course.  
8. Obtain and install software required for the course.
9. Maintain academic progression through the duration of the course.

If you think your are ready to sign up for online courses take the Distance Learning Orientation now, click the button on the left now!

Want more?

For more information on Admissions and Registration, Schedules & Calendars, Course Search, Non-Credit courses, Student Services, Bookstore, WCC Technology Services, Policies, etc. view the Distance Education Resources page. Distance Education courses, policies, and enrollment and login instructions are defined the WCC Schedule of Courses.

Ready to Apply?

Registration for an online course is the same as registering for any other course the college offers. For admission info, please call 919-735-5151ext 6720 or click here for admissions info.

Recipients of veterans educational benefits must see the coordinator of Military Assistance Programs before enrolling in a distance education course.

Have some questions?

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions!