|
|
DISTANCE LEARNING
For more information, call (386) 312-4211.
Many students have difficulty meeting educational goals because other responsibilities prevent
them from taking courses in the traditional manner. Distance learning is often the tool that enables these students to make their dream of
a college education a reality.
Distance learning is simply learning that takes place when the instructor and the students are in physically separate locations for
some or all of a course. Distance learning allows students to take college courses from home and accommodates students who have work or
home schedules that would prevent them from being able to attend a traditional on-campus class.
Distance learning at SJRCC consists of:
Online Courses
IS DISTANCE LEARNING FOR ME?
At SJRCC, we believe in distance learning because it helps people continue their education even when they can't regularly come to
campus. For some, family and work obligations keep them out of the classroom. For others, commuting or physical disability prevents
attendance. The college is committed to offering quality distance learning courses. National and local studies show that distance
education students can be just as successful as students in traditional classrooms. To be honest though, distance learning is not
right for everyone. Before deciding to take a distance learning course, you should ask yourself these questions.
Am I a self-starter?
The importance of self-motivation to success in distance learning courses cannot be over emphasized. Traditional classes provide
regular meeting dates and times with the opportunity to have discussions with your classmates and instructor. It is different when
there are no required class meetings or scheduled contact with your classmates and instructor. You are responsible for following the
study schedule recommended by the instructor. You have to take much more responsibility for contacting the instructor when you have
questions or problems.
How do I learn best?
Some of us learn best working in a group; some of us learn best working alone. Distance learning is a good choice for people who
are good at learning independently. Some of us also have a strong preference for auditory, visual, or kinesthetic (hands-on) learning.
Auditory learners do better when they hear information presented. Visual learners do much better reading. Kinesthetic learners learn
best when there is an actual hands-on task they can accomplish. Much of distance learning requires students to be strong visual learners.
What does this mean for distance learners?
DVD courses and telecourses have about the same balance of visual to auditory learning as a traditional face-to-face class, as long
as you have the self-discipline to follow the instructor's recommended viewing and reading assignments. Internet-delivered courses,
however, require you to be a good visual learner because of the large amount of reading and writing. If you have a strong preference
for kinesthetic learning (learning things hands-on), distance learning is probably not a good choice for you.
What is my motivation for taking this course?
If you really want the course, and this is the best or the only way for you to take it, none of the other considerations may matter.
HELPFUL LINKS...
SJRCC Bookstore
Required textbooks, study guides, and other materials required in distance learning courses are available for purchase at all SJRCC campus bookstores. Please see the bookstores Web page for more information.
Florida Distance Learning Consortium www.distancelearn.org
Visit this site and use the search engine to find out what distance learning courses and programs are available from the 28
colleges of Florida's public community college system.
Southern Regional Education Board's Electronic Campus www.electroniccampus.org
Visit this site and use its search engine to discover what distance learning courses and programs are available from the
colleges and universities that are members of SREB.
font color="red">
For more information on Distance Learning at SJRCC, contact:
Dr. Melanie Brown, Dean of Distance Learning
E-mail: OpenCampus@sjrcc.edu
5001 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 312-4211
|
|
 |
