Distance Learning

Richmond Community College actively participates in the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) Virtual Learning Community and continues to expand its Distance Learning effort via the Internet and an interactive distance learning classroom. Each semester, the distance learning opportunities are listed in the published course schedule with the general course offerings and are usually designated with a "W#" section designation (sections might be assigned second numbers: W1, W2, etc.).

When a course is part of a degree requirement assigned to a particular semester of study, the distance learning sections may be offered in addition to traditional classroom sections so that students unfamiliar with Internet delivery have the traditional classroom option.

The RCC Homepage on the Internet (www.richmondcc.edu) provides a quick link to internet courses and to the distance learning home page. In these distance learning courses, the Internet provides the primary communication link between the student and the faculty member assigned to the distance learning section.

Students with strong understanding of the workings of the Internet may find this mode of course delivery an invaluable aid in completing degree requirements; however, please note this general guideline: Students who enroll in Internet courses should be extremely self-motivated and self-disciplined. Students work independently and communicate with the faculty member and classmates via email, list servers, online classrooms, group pages, and chat rooms. They also have access to library materials via the Internet through RCC's Learning Resources Center (LRC) link on the RCC Homepage. Please note that students must visit the LRC for an access password to some areas of research.

In addition, newcomers to distance learning courses must complete an online orientation session at the beginning of the semester to familiarize themselves with the delivery system.

RCC also offers a number of courses in a "hybrid" distance learning format. In a hybrid class, students meet in a traditional classroom setting for usually 50% of the assigned contact hours for the course, then complete the other assigned contact hours online in an Internet delivery format parallel to that found in the standard distance learning classes. Each semester, the hybrid learning opportunities are listed in the published course schedule with the general course offerings and are usually designated with an "H#" section designation (sections might be assigned section numbers: H1, H2, etc.).

RCC also offers a number of courses in a "flexible" distance learning format. In a flexible class, students may choose a traditional classroom setting or a totally online format, or a hybrid format. Students may change the method of study at any time as long as they maintain regular communication with the instructor. Each semester, the flexible learning opportunities are listed in the published course schedule with the general course offerings and are usually designated with an "F#" section designation (sections might be assigned section numbers: F1, F2, etc.).

Students enrolling in distance, hybrid, and flexible courses must follow the regular admissions and registration processes, pay regular tuition and fees, and meet all course prerequisites.