Distance Learning

The Need For Online Courses
At Rockingham Community College, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to advance by furthering his or her education, but we understand that many people have limitations on their time or difficulties getting to our campus. That is why we offer distance learning – online courses that allow you to take certain classes on your schedule, right from home. Best of all, there are no additional fees to take online courses. Students enrolling in online courses should have the necessary computer skills and access to a personal computer with the minimum computer system and browser requirements listed here.

Are You Suited To take Online Courses?
Online courses are not for everyone. There is often a misconception that an online class is "easier" than a traditional class, but this is far from the truth. In fact, students often find they spend more time actively working in an online class. To find out if you are ready to take an online class, take this quick assessment.

Students who are considering distance learning as an option should schedule an appointment to discuss this option with their academic advisor. In order to be eligible for an online course, students must either pass the Computer Competency test with a score of 80 or above, or successfully complete CIS 070 – Fundamentals of Computing.

How Online Classes Work
Online students "attend" class by accessing the class and completing assignments according to the class schedule. Students are required to complete assignments according to the class schedule, to maintain regular contact with the instructor, and to participate in online class discussions. Online courses run on the same semester schedule traditional classes. Students enrolling in distance learning courses follow the RCC Academic Honesty Policy.

Student Orientation
At RCC, we offer online classes through a program called Moodle. If you decide you want to take a course online, you will be required to complete the Moodle Student Orientation before you will be able to register for it. Once you are accepted at RCC, you should be automatically enrolled in the course when your account is created. Information about Student Orientation can be found here.

Students are advised to contact Curtis Dunlap, Distance Learning Specialist at dunlapc@rockinghamcc.edu prior to the start of the semester registration for specific orientation details.

Types Of Distance Learning Courses

Online: A course where 95%-100% of the instruction is delivered through the Internet. Students may be required to complete tests in a proctored environment.
Hybrid: A course where the primary delivery is online with a requirement that students also meet in traditional face-to-face sessions. 30%-94% of the instruction is delivered online.
Web-Assisted: A course where the primary delivery is via traditional face-to-face method with a requirement that students have Internet access as a supplemental part of the course. 1%-29% of the instruction is delivered online.
Video conferencing: A course where 100% of the instruction is delivered by two- or more way video. Students may also be required to have Internet access as a supplemental part of the course.
Telecourses:A combination of video cassette or DVD and typically Internet instruction The content of these courses is equal to traditional courses, require the same academic rigor, and offer the same semester credits as traditional courses.

Courses Available
Distance learning courses are integrated into existing curriculum programs. Currently there are some programs that can be completed by taking half of the required courses online. You can see the complete list here.

Resources For Students

Resources For Faculty

Credit Programs

Distance Learning