Considerations

Distance courses are delivered within the time frame of a standard semester and must be completed in that time. In addition, students will need to make arrangements to complete any examinations required in the course. In order to be a successful distance student, you should consider the following:

How comfortable are you with using technology such as computers, e-mail and the Internet?

Are you a self-directed, self-motivated and self-disciplined student? It is important to keep to a schedule with distance courses.

Do you like the face-to-face interaction of a traditional course or do you think you would be comfortable with other forms of interaction such as chat rooms, e-mail or telephone calls?

Do you have the time commitment to devote to a distance course? Distance classes require as much or more of your time than traditional classes.

Are you willing to be an active participant and an advocate for your own education? You will need to work according to your own schedule and be willing to contact the instructor or other college personnel when you have questions. It is also important that the instructor have all contact information for you such as name, mailing address, local phone number, FAX number and e-mail address.

Delivery modes

Compressed video. These courses originate from the Torrington campus of Eastern Wyoming College. They can be broadcast to any college or high school in the state of Wyoming. Primary focus is on the EWC service area sites: Torrington, Douglas, Glenrock, Glendo, Wheatland, Chugwater, Lusk, Guernsey, Hulett, Moorcroft, Upton, Sundance and Newcastle. Other sites may be available upon request. These courses have no extra fee.

Some courses may include an online component. EWC uses a course management system called Blackboard. You can check your computer and web browser for compatibility with Blackboard using the Blackboard Browser Tune-up.

For the complete article see the 07-28-2010 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 07-28-2010 paper.

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