Distance Education Frequently Asked Questions
- Is an online course harder than a traditional course?
- What equipment is required for an online course?
- How do I enroll in an online course?
- When do online courses begin?
- When do I come on campus for orientation?
- How do I purchase my textbooks?
- What if I have technical problems accessing Blackboard?
- Does a hybrid course work the same as the online course?
- Can I use the computer lab to complete my online assignments?
- What is an NCIH course?
- What happens if I am not doing well in the course?
- 1. Is an online course harder than a traditional course?
- Some students find that the distance learning courses are more rigorous and require more preparation than traditional courses. Courses are structured so that the learning outcomes are comparable to those in traditional classroom settings. Students should consider their learning styles before undertaking an online course.
top- 2. What equipment is required for an online course?
- Students' computers must have enough memory and disk space to support the operating system and browser used and any application software. Each course may require different software applications. View Course Requirements for a list of the courses and their software requirements.
- 3. How do I enroll in an online course?
- New students should complete an admissions application, provide copies of official transcript(s) to the Admissions Office and schedule a placement test. Returning students may need to update their application if they have not attended RCC in the past academic year. Registration for online courses is handled the same as traditional courses. Check the College's calendar for registration dates.
- 4. When do online courses begin?
- Online courses begin at the same time as traditional courses. Check the College's calendar for the beginning of each semester. Online courses are not available until the semester begins.
- 5. When do I come on campus for orientation?
- Orientation for Blackboard is online and available after login. A face-to-face orientation is held at the beginning of each semester, check the website and CampusCruiser for dates and times..
- 6. How do I purchase my textbooks?
- Textbooks for online courses are the same for traditional courses. Textbooks can be purchased from the RCC Bookstore. You may contact the bookstore directly regarding pricing and shipping of textbooks (910)272-3521.
- 7. What if I have technical problems accessing Blackboard?
- Any technical questions should be directed to the RCC Helpdesk via email IT_Helpdesk@robeson.edu or telephone (910) 272-3566.
- 8. Does a hybrid course work the same as the online course?
- Hybrid courses are composed of face-to-face and online components.
- 9. Can I use the computer lab to complete my online assignments?
- Students should not depend on the campus computer lab to complete online assignments. Students sign an enrollment policy form indicating that they have access to a computer and the Internet off-campus.
- 10. What is an NCIH course?
- NCIH classes are held on campus, but the instructor may be located at another institution. Both the students and instructor are visible through monitors/projection system.
- 11. What happens if I am not doing well in the course?
- As with all RCC students, contact your academic advisor. You could also contact The Learning Center or the Counseling and Career Center.
If students have additional questions, direct them to an online instructor or to the DL Coordinator at moxendine@robeson.edu or call 910-272-3441.
