NOTE: Check your Lion Mail for your WebStudy password and other instructions for logging into distance learning courses.  For additional help, please click on the Login Information button at left.

To see registration dates for Summer 2012 and Fall 2012 terms, click the Getting Started button at left.  For information about student orientation sessions, including our online WebStudy training course, scroll down.

Scroll down to see Online Student Orientation dates for Summer 2012.

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What is distance learning?

Distance Learning courses are offered over the Internet, with student access via a web browser.  Distance Learning courses allow students to complete course assignments from home, work, or a library.  Course work includes reading, viewing and listening to content, written and/or audio discussion, assignments, quizzes, and exams.  Because Distance Learning courses involve more "reading and writing" and less "speaking and listening", they are usually more time consuming than onsite classroom courses.

Distance Learning course work is usually asynchronous (not at the same time).  Students participate on their own time schedules within the week that a given lesson is available.  Some classes utilize synchronous (same time) presentations.  In this case, the instructor will find a day and time each week when everyone in the class can participate.

In May, 2011, RVCC began using a software package called WebStudy to facilitate and support our online and hybrid courses.  WebStudy courses use a "timeline" consisting of a "session" for each lesson.  Please visit the WebStudy Login Page to learn more about WebStudy. 

See below: Am I ready to take a distance learning course? What types of courses can I take?
Student Orientation sessions and testing center hours for fall 2011 Additional information for distance learning students

Am I ready to take a distance learning course?

Please review these statements to see if your learning style and environment are compatible with the dynamics of distance learning. If so, these tips will help you to be a successful online student.

What types of courses can I take?

Online course...

Offered over the internet, with student access via a web browser. Attendance at the College is not usually required, however, students are encouraged to attend orientation sessions at the beginning of the semester.

Hybrid course...

blended mode of instructional delivery which combines features of traditional and distance education, is a course in which in-class instructional time is reduced 25% or more and replaced by online instruction and activities. Please note that hybrids are complete courses; there is no reduction in workload.

Telecourse...

Allows for independent study through the viewing of video presentations via cable broadcasts, or review of video on DVD. Some of these courses may require attendance at the College for orientation sessions, exams, and other meetings.

Student Orientation sessions and testing center hours for fall 2011

Additional information for distance learning students

See the menu at the left side of this page for:

• Getting Started - admission, registration, tuition, financial aid, distance learning course search
• Login Information - prepare your computer, how to login, contacts for login help
• Course Information - orientation information, textbook search, instructor contacts, specialized information for specific subject areas 
• Technical Support - common problems, contacts for technical help
• Academic Resources - testing center, tutoring center, disability services, library, open computer labs, wireless access, bookstore
• Campus Resources - advising and counseling; career services, student life, other services