Notice: Beginning with Spring 2010 semester, students 'new-to-online' learning must plan to login to the Virtual Campus in D2L and participate in the 'Student Orientation' starting with Priority Registration in November.
Distance education is defined by Suffolk County Community College in its broadest context to be inclusive of those teaching/learning methodologies and strategies that are computer-based and technology-mediated. The basic premise of distance education is to allow students to participate in the learning process from a distant location and not necessarily in real time. Synchronous distance education courses are, in fact, conducted in real-time and at more than one campus location. Asynchronous courses are those in which the course content, assignments and all student/student or student/faculty interactions are conducted online via computer over the Internet. Blended/Hybrid courses meet both on-campus and online during the semester. Telecourses require class meetings on-campus and viewing of video materials independently. Distance learning courses, then, are intended for students who may find that distance education suits their learning needs or lifestyles better than traditional on-campus instruction and these courses are offered to ensure maximum accessibility to Suffolk County Community College’s extensive educational opportunities.
Distance Educationcourses are attractive options for individuals
who are self-motivated and can work independently in a less
structured learning environment. Distance Education courses are fully
credited college courses. There is no difference in WHAT you are
expected to learn. It is the WAY you learn that is different.
Who should enroll?
As with any college course, you should enroll in distance education courses only if you are serious about studying college-level material each week without leaving your home to come to campus. When taking a telecourse, for example, you are required to view all of the video lessons, complete all assignments (e.g., essay exams, research papers, etc.) and read all printed material. Many students report that distance education courses actually require MORE work than traditional on-campus courses. These same students also report that they learn just as much, if not more, from a distance education course.
Those who succeed as distance learners
·are highly motivated
·are independent
·are active learners
·have good organizational and time management skills
·have the discipline to study without external reminders
·can adapt to new learning environments
The above are precisely the qualities needed to succeed in any learning environment, but the distance learning context puts special pressures on learners to be both independent and self-disciplined. Success in fully online asynchronous courses, as example, depends on a combination of personal motivation, the ability to understand and use computer technology, self-direction in managing coursework deadlines, and a willingness to use solely the written word to communicate with both the instructor and classmates.
