Distance Learning
Distance Learning FAQs
Wilkes Community College's distance learning program provides services to both curriculum and continuing education students as well as all citizens in our service area and beyond. Distance learning occurs when the instructor and the students are in physically separate locations. Distance learning can be either synchronous or asynchronous and provides alternate course delivery formats, such as Internet courses, courses presented via the cyber classroom, or hybrid courses. Distance education courses are offered to assist students who are time and/or place bound in completing degree requirements that would not be possible with traditional classroom instruction. Some distance education courses may require students to take tests on campus or at a proctored site.
Click here to view a model of an ideal distance learning student. (You will need Flash installed to view.)
The typical restrictions on time and space associated with traditional online courses are largely eliminated. Instruction can be delivered from the instructor's desktop to yours, so your classroom is anywhere you have access to a computer with an Internet connection and the appropriate software. This means you can learn when it is most convenient for you while in the comfort of your home, office, or even listen to lectures while driving in your car. Some courses may require on-site testing or proctored testing, so please check with the instructor to arrange testing if you are unable to physically travel to one of the campuses located in Wilkes, Ashe, or Alleghany Counties.
The division of Instructional Services coordinates activities with Student Services to insure that distance learning students have access to support services. For more information on services provided please refer to the section in the catalog entitled Student Services.
Internet Courses
Online/Internet courses have 100% of the instruction delivered through the Internet. Internet courses are accessed through MoodleTM ( an open source learning management system). There is a link to Moodle on the WCC Prowler (http://www.wilkescc.edu/WCCProwler/). This allows students to access Internet courses at home, at work, at the beach, or via the networked computers located on campus. Internet courses cover the same material and have the same credit hours as conventional courses; however, these courses allow students to access the information at a time and place convenient to them. Moodle can also be accessed from anywhere you have an internet connection at http://moodle.wilkescc.edu
Students may interact with the faculty members teaching Internet courses through email, phone, or by visiting the faculty member on campus.
Mixed Courses
Mixed course have the majority of instruction delivered through the Internet but the instructor might require students to take exams on campus or attend certain events.
Hybrid Courses
Hybrid courses blend traditional face-to-face classroom instruction with on-line instruction. Students in a hybrid class divide their time between classroom and the Internet. The option provides students with face-to-face instructional support and student interaction while allowing more flexibility. Some courses have no actual seat time but require that the student come to campus (or go to a proctored location) to take a test, see a play, or get together with other students at a designated time and place for course-related field trips.
Cyber Courses
Interactive computer equipped classrooms are used to transmit and receive a variety of credit, non-credit, and customized courses. Groups of students from several locations share one instructor, which makes courses available that otherwise could not be offered. In addition to curriculum and continuing education courses, staff development and specialized training activities are delivered using this technology.
To locate other distance learning courses available through the North Carolina Community Colleges visit the North Carolina Virtual Learning Community.
