How Does Online Learning Work?
Online courses are designed such that you will be given some flexibility in your ability to access course content, submit assignments, and interact with your instructor and fellow students. THESE COURSES ARE NOT SELF-PACED. You will be given deadlines for when your assignments need to be submitted to your instructor and for when you will need to participate in your course using discussion boards.
The Office of Online Learning offers two types of online learning courses. Internet courses are offered 100% online and have section labels that begin with “W” or “V”. Sections labeled with “W” begin at the start of semester and “V” sections, unless otherwise indicated, begin 6 weeks later.
Online learning offers 5 semester starts, including a regular and late-start during the fall and spring and a 10 week summer semester. The regular-start courses will be 16 weeks in duration while late-start courses will be 10 weeks in duration.
A second type of online learning course offered at Northampton Community College has a mix of online interaction, assignments, and assessments as well as some on-campus meeting times. These courses include some of the science courses in biology and chemistry and speech communication. Online learning courses that have a mix of online and on-campus time will be denoted with sections beginning with “Y” which will indicate they are hybrid courses.
Our Students
Online Learning students are a more diverse group than traditional students. This group ranges in age from traditional students, 18-25 years, to students who are older. Traditional, full-time students enroll in Online Learning courses to resolve course conflicts or to earn credits while working or traveling during the summer. For example, an NCC student who spent her summer in Japan continued her studies through Online Learning courses.
Online Learning is especially valuable to the non-traditional student who is employed full-time with family obligations preventing enrollment in on-site courses. Such students can finish their degrees or begin other course-plans by enrolling in Online Learning. Individuals who either have never taken, or for some time have not taken, college courses take a Online Learning course as an introduction to college. Finally, Online Learning serves students interested in NCC programs, but who can not commute. The department is designed for and welcomes this diversity.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if special accommodations are needed, please call 610-861-5342 or TDD 610-861-5575. You may also visit Northampton's Disability Services home page for more information.
