What are Distance Education courses?
VideoConference Courses
The Videoconferencing System is a network of classrooms connected by compressed-video technology. The classrooms are equipped with cameras, monitors, and other equipment that allows teachers and students to interact as if they are in the same room. Instructors can use traditional visuals, such as slides, videotapes, and overhead transparencies. Tuition and registration for videoconferencing courses is handled the same way as on-campus courses.
Telecourses
Through telecourses, Northwest-Shoals Community College extends its academic resources to people who seek college credit toward a degree but cannot easily attend classes on campus. The unique advantage of telecourses is their flexibility. Students are able to select their own hours of study and work at their own pace in surroundings most desirable to them. Telecourses are comprehensive, prerecorded video courses that include video cassettes, student study guides, textbooks, and a variety of additional instructional materials designed to guide students through the courses. Telecourses follow the same strict standards for instruction and grading applied in on-campus courses. Students register for telecourses during the regular registration period, pay the same tuition, have access to the same student services, receive the same credit, and study under the same regulations as all other students.
Web Courses
Northwest-Shoals Community College offers Internet-based online instruction that features courses delivered over the World Wide Web directly to the student’s home or corporate desktop. Students are able to receive instruction, interact with instructors, and complete lessons via threaded discussions and electronic mail. Online courses are designed to accommodate the educational needs of students who have access to and experience with a computer and the Internet. Web courses follow the same strict standards for instruction and grading applied in on-campus courses. Students register for web courses during the regular registration period, pay the same tuition, have access to the same student services, receive the same credit, and study under the same regulations as all other students.
TeleWeb Courses
Northwest-Shoals Community College offers hybrid courses that are a combination of Internet-based online instruction and telecourse videotape instruction. Students are able to receive instruction, interact with instructors, and complete lessons via threaded discussions and electronic mail. TeleWeb courses are designed to accommodate the educational needs of students who have access to and experience with a computer and the Internet and access to a television and VCR. TeleWeb courses follow the same strict standards for instruction and grading applied in on-campus courses. Students register for teleweb courses during the regular registration period, pay the same tuition, have access to the same student services, receive the same credit, and study under the same regulations as all other students.
Web Assisted Courses
Northwest-Shoals offers numerous web assisted courses which are developed in order to provide supplemental instruction to students through the use of a course web site. Students attend an on-campus class and use the web site to access information such as assignments, reviews, and instructor contact information.
Is tuition different for Distance Education courses?
Total tuition and fees for summer semester 2007 will be $90 per semester hour.
How do I register for Distance Education courses?
Registration is the same for on campus and Distance Education courses. If you are a previously enrolled student, you may telephone/web register during the allocated time or register during an on campus registration session.
Do students have to come on campus for anything?
Yes. Most distance courses require on-campus exams and may require an on-campus meeting.
How are exams administered?
Most Distance Education exams are administered in the Competency Testing Lab. Testing Labs are located on both the Shoals and Phil Campbell Campuses and have flexible hours to accommodate student needs.
How do I contact my instructor?
Click here for a list of instructor phone numbers and e-mail addresses.