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How online/distance learning works!
In the Fall of 1998, Iowa Valley Community College District offered its first college credit course over the internet. In 2007, IVCCD received accreditation of its online Associate in Arts degree from The Higher Learning Commission ... we've come a long way!
Advantages of online education – Online classes have the flexibility to allow students to complete their work at times that are convenient for them. Students are able to contemplate their answers before submitting assignments, which allows for more thoughtful answers. Students who are typically shy in class are able to voice their opinions and “be heard.” Online students become part of an online community and typically enjoy sharing ideas with others in the class.
Technical Requirements – Students are responsible for providing the proper hardware and software required for online courses in which they enroll. They should check with the instructors regarding what programs they will need to successfully complete the program. When using programs such as WebCT, Blackboard, and PageOut, students must remember that the instructor is NOT required to provide technical support. Online classes typically require a high speed internet connection, a media player, an Internet browser, a word processing program that allows saving in Word or RTF format, an Acrobat Reader, and a sufficient amount of RAM.
We encourage you to preview our online classes by reading more or clicking the links below. Each online course contains email links that can be used to contact the instructor directly or search for more information!
Online courses
We are currently accepting registrations for our online and in-class courses at both Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls and at Marshalltown Community College in Marshalltown and Iowa Valley Grinnell. In addition, we offer several adult and continuing education classes online via Iowa Valley Continuing Education. Click on the appropriate link below for our current online course schedules.
How to succeed as an online student
An online student is expected to:
- Participate in the virtual classroom 5-7 days a week
- Work with others in completing projects
- Use the technology properly
- Meet the minimum standards set by the institution and instructor
- Complete assignments on time
- Communicate well in writing
What the online student needs in order to prepare for the online learning experience:
- Physical learning environment
- Have a place set up for your computer, papers, books and notes
- Have your computer environment in working order
- Know how to use your software
- Make backups of files to an outside medium such as diskette, CD, or flash drive
- Time
- Set a time aside each day for logging-in to check mail, activities, etc.
- Plan 6-12 hours of time per week for working on the course
- Do not allow interruptions ... you need time to read, think, and reflect on materials and ideas
- Check the calendar for class meeting dates and times
- Follow the schedule
- Do not fall behind or work far ahead of your classmates
- Keep an electronic portfolio
- Keep an electronic portfolio on disk of all class contributions and other pertinent materials
- Keep a back-up copy of your portfolio
- Technical skills
- Students need to feel comfortable using a computer
- Students should have the following technical skills:
- Keyboarding proficiency
- Emailing, including using attachments
- Uploading and downloading files
- Contributing to a discussion thread
- Using search engines
- Participating in a chat room
- Using the copy and paste functions
- Navigating the course web site
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about online/distance learning.
Getting started with admissions
Getting started with our online courses all begins with the admissions process! You can contact the friendly staff in the Admissions Office directly or just fill out our online application form. All of our admissions links are in one place at our Admissions Offices (click on the appropriate link).
Ask us!
While online classes are not all that new, the problems that come up are. We are committed to working with you in any way we can to make your online course a valuable experience. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please email Mandy.Pohle@iavalley.edu. We are always looking at new ways to make your Online/Distance Learning experience better!
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