Distance Learning at RACC
FAQ's
- What is Distance Learning?
- Is Distance Learning right for me?
- How do I sign up for Distance Learning courses?
- Whom can I contact about Distance Learning?
What is Distance Learning?
Distance Learning uses technology to allow students flexibility to complete all or some of the requirements for a course without coming onto campus. There are two main types of credit distance learning courses now available through Distance Learning including
- online courses in which requirements are met through the use of ANGEL® Learning and the Internet
- telecourses in which requirements are met through the viewing of DVD lectures but you must come to campus to take tests. The DVD sets are borrowed through The Yocum Library
Is Distance Learning right for me?
Distance learning classes are flexible. You can learn at times that are more convenient to you although distance learning courses follow the same schedule (that is, start and end dates) as campus-based courses.
Students who tend to be most successful are those individuals who have:
- Motivation -- While some people need teachers to keep them motivated and on-task, successful distance learners are able to motivate themselves.
- Time management skills -- Distance learning requires more self-discipline than traditional learning. Managing your commitments is critical to being a successful distance learner. Successful distance learners rarely procrastinate.
- General study skills -- Having good reading comprehension, writing, and exam taking skills are critical to success in the distance learning environment. There are many books and web sites that are dedicated to helping students review and improve their study skills such as http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/stdyhlp.html RACC also offers COM 031 Basics of College Study Skills.
- Technology skills -- Online and hybrid courses require a computer with Internet access and some computer skills including mousing, keyboarding, email, Windows, word processing, and Internet skills. Telecourses only require a DVD player. Computers and DVD players are available in The Yocum Library of RACC.
How do I sign up for Distance Learning courses?
You register for Distance Learning courses as you would any other type of RACC course. First you must be admitted to RACC through the Admissions process http://www.racc.edu/Admissions/apply.aspx
After you are admitted, you can register for Distance Learning courses by using WebAdvisor. When searching for Distance Learning courses available on WebAdvisor you can search either as a “Current Student” or as a “Prospective Student.” Choose “Search for Sections” and then enter the semester or session you need at the top of the search screen and “Distance Learning” as the “Location” at the bottom of the search screen. The middle column, “Meeting Information” will tell you which type of distance learning course it is - online or telecourse.The orientation information about your course is in the link above.
Whom can I contact about Distance Learning?
For general information contact Mary Ellen G. Heckman, Assistant Dean of Library Services & Learning Resources 610-372-4721 ext 5061 or 800-626-1665 ext 5061.
For Student Services
For questions about your ANGEL® Learning account or computer needs, contact The Yocum Library Technology Specialists, Jose Alby Fabiani, 610-372-4721 ext 5054 or 800-626-1665 ext 5054 (Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) or Dave Pennypacker, 610-372-4721 ext 5552 or 800-626-1665 ext 5552 (Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. & Monday through Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.). On Saturdays contact The Yocum Library Reference Desk from 8:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. at 610-372-4721 x 5052 or 800-626-1665 ext 5052. You can also email library@racc.edu
For questions about your course requirements, contact your instructor.
For questions about your textbooks contact the RACC Bookstore.
For questions about your telecourse DVDs or help using library resources contact Patricia Nouhra, Distance Learning Librarian, 610-372-4721 ext 5053 or 800-626-1665 ext 5053 (Monday through Thursday from 12 noon to 8:00 p.m.) or Kim Stahler, Reference/Instruction Librarian, 610-372-4721 ext 5057 or 800-626-1665 ext 5057 (Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. & Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). You can also email library@racc.edu
For Faculty Services
For general information contact Mary Ellen G. Heckman, Assistant Dean of Library Services & Learning Resources 610-372-4721 ext 5061 or 800-626-1665 ext 5061.
For questions about your ANGEL® Learning course design, account or computer needs, contact RACC's ANGEL Administrator, Jose Alby Fabiani, 610-372-4721 ext 5054 or 800-626-1665 ext 5054 (Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) or Dave Pennypacker, 610-372-4721 ext 5552 or 800-626-1665 ext 5552 (Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. & Monday through Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.). On Saturdays contact The Yocum Library Reference Desk from 8:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. at 610-372-4721 x 5052 or 800-626-1665 ext 5052. You can also email library@racc.edu
For questions about your telecourse DVDs contact Mary Ellen G. Heckman, Assistant Dean of Library Services & Learning Resources 610-372-4721 ext 5061 or 800-626-1665 ext 5061.
For questions about your course textbooks or study guides contact your Division secretary.