Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions students have regarding Colorado Mountain College distance learning courses. They cover such topics as computer knowledge/requirements, campus visits, and acquiring course materials/information. Please visit the pages for each type of course. If the items contained here or on the other distance learning pages do not answer your questions, please feel free to contact any one of the following people.

For more information about:

IVS Courses, contact: Daryl Yarrow
TeleWeb Courses, contact: Joe Jones
Web Courses, contact: George Bagwell,
(Click here to visit Prof. Bagwell's Homepage [opens a new window])

General Questions About Distance Learning @ CMC contact: Daryl Yarrow

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT DISTANCE LEARNING:

Can Anyone Take Distance Learning Courses?

Yes, but distance learning courses are not for everyone. To be able to successfully complete a web or TeleWeb course, you need to be self-motivated. You will not regularly attend class on campus. Some people learn best by interacting face to face with other students. Interaction in a TeleWeb Course or Web Course is achieved via writing and e-mail. Students benefit from greater freedom to schedule their time and complete their educational goals by working independently from home or work.

Interactive Video System classes are different from TeleWeb and Web Courses in that all students can see and hear the instructor. Therefore, IVS Courses require classroom or site attendance during all scheduled times. You need to have available time during your schedule to attend class in one of the designated locations at the scheduled times.

Where Can I Find A Listing Of All Current Distance Learning Courses?

There are a couple different ways to find out what distance learning courses are currently being offered.

1. CHECK HERE for a listing of current and upcoming distance learning courses.
2. Distance Learning courses are also listed in each campus/site bulletin just like any other course.

How Competent Do I Need To Be With My Computer If I Take A Web Course?

Students considering modem-delivered classes should be comfortable with the following computer skills:

• Familiar with the operating system used on your computer or the computer you will be using.
• Be comfortable with word processing software.
• Understand terms such as mouse, drag, drop, open, select, file, choose, double-click, download, upload, send, etc.
• Understand how to use the following features:
  
  1. Installation of new software
  2. Pull down menus and directories in Windows or folders on a Macintosh
  3. Save/Save As (files)
  4. File naming conventions (number of characters, extensions, text only, etc.)
  5. Use of ALT + Tab in Windows or the FINDER on a Macintosh (to switch between applications)
  6. Copying files between directories and drives, or folders and drives
  7. Finding files on the hard drive or on disks
  8. Minimize and maximize Windows
  9. Copy and paste text or graphics across applications (using the clipboard)

How Will I Find Out The Course Information?

Most web-based courses have telephone or on-line orientations, that students are required to complete at the beginning of the term.

TeleWeb courses have a required orientation which takes place the first week of the term. Instructors review the course outline, objectives, answer questions and give feedback to their students.

The course syllabus will also provide you with all course information, including the contact information for the instructor if you should have any questions. All instructors want to be sure that you know to call them when you may have questions so that you get the most out of your course and distance learning experience.

How Will I Be Able To Obtain The Required Materials Such As Textbooks?

Students enrolled in TeleWeb, IVS, and Web courses will be responsible for acquiring the required text on their own. When students download/pick up a syllabus it will have book information included. All books for IVS, Web and TeleWeb courses are purchased through MBS Direct. Students should place orders directly through MBS Direct by internet, phone, fax, or mail. For more complete information and ordering instructions go here.

How Are Exams And Homework Handled?

TeleWeb course exams are distributed to each site and each site has a person assigned to proctor the exams at an arranged time with the student. Some instructors will use take home exams rather than this procedure.

Most Web Course lessons and assignments are done on-line using a variety of evaluation tools including Blackboard. Some instructors may give midterm and final exams on campus. Some classes substitute projects or papers in lieu of exams.

Homework for Web Courses is submitted via your computer in a variety of methods. Most often this involves sending email to your instructor. Email and/or threaded discussions are sometimes used as well. Assignments are usually listed on the web or in the syllabus you receive.

IVS exams are performed during class time and are proctored by the instructor.

If I Am Taking A Distance Learning Course, Will I Have To Go To Campus At All?

If you are enrolled in an IVS course-- yes! IVS Courses require classroom or site attendance during all scheduled times. This class is similar to any regular class, except for the fact that some students are at different sites seeing, hearing, and interacting with the class via live interactive video.

If you are enrolled in a TeleWeb or Web Course--possibly. Students may be asked to visit their local CMC campus to view or check out videotapes and utilize library resources. This information is also given to you at the orientation or in the syllabus.

Questions or comments regarding the Distance Learning website: Email distance@coloradomtn.edu