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Distance Learning

Distance learning is an alternative method of taking credit courses whereby the majority of the instruction occurs when the student and the instructor are not in the same place at the same time.

Information is distributed through learning technologies to students who have time constraints, work schedule conflicts or are otherwise unable to attend classes at a specific college location at a designated time.

Distance learning options include the following class formats:

Online
Students work wherever and whenever they want to learn class material in Blackboard, Wor-Wic's learning management system. Assignments are required to be completed by the deadlines set by their instructors.
Online Course Finder
Virtual
Students and instructors meet on specific dates and times, but in different locations, where they are logged into a virtual learning environment using tools such as video conferencing.
Virtual Course Finder
Hybrid
Classes are a mix of on-campus, online and/or virtual delivery methods that are designated as On Campus/Online, On Campus/Virtual and Virtual/Online.
Hybrid Course Finder
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Distance learning requires you to work more independently than you would in a campus-based course. Distance learning classes are not easier than those offered on campus. In fact, you will need to be more responsible for structuring your time, meeting deadlines and completing assignments than you would in a class that physically meets several times a week.

You should be a mature, motivated and disciplined student in order to succeed. You will also need access to the internet and a computer with Windows 7 or greater, Microsoft Office 2003 Word or greater (not Microsoft Works), Chrome version 63+, Firefox version 57+, Edge 42+ or Safari 12+ (recommended for Mac users).

You should know how to operate a word processing program (preferably Microsoft Word), how to type, send an email, attach files, use a discussion board and complete basic downloads. Depending on the course, you might also need to know how to follow instructions for updating your browser, download and install special plugins and/or how to zip and unzip files.

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All first-time distance learning students are required to complete a one-time online orientation in Blackboard, Wor-Wic's learning management system. This self-paced orientation is available in Blackboard within 24 hours after a student registers for his or her first distance learning course and should be completed prior to the start of classes. First-time distance learning students can access their course in Blackboard only if the orientation has been successfully completed.

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Testing activities (quizzes and exams) for distance learning courses can be completed in our on-campus testing center or in an off-campus proctored environment, which could include the use of proctoring software (e.g., Respondus Monitor) and a web camera. Out-of-state or out-of-county students who cannot come to campus should check with the course instructor before registering to see if accommodations can be made.

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Distance learning students have access to the same services as our on-campus students — free online resources that include career services, enrollment coaching and academic support. Wor-Wic’s electronic library is available 24/7 to meet your academic, professional and personal information needs. Online tutoring is also available 24/7 through a link to Brainfuse, which exists in Blackboard for every class. Help with writing papers or completing other reading and writing assignments is provided by our reading and writing center and help with math is provided by mathematics laboratory personnel. If you are having problems with your Wi-Fi connection, logging in to Blackboard or other computer-related issues, free technology resources are available 24/7.
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Wor-Wic currently offers seven distance learning credit degree programs in:

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SARA logo

We are committed to continually improving our online courses. Wor-Wic participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Some of the benefits for students of our institutional participation in SARA include greater access to online programs, better quality of distance education and reduced institutional costs (which keep everyone’s costs lower).
 
Currently, 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands participate in SARA (California does not participate). The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is a voluntary agreement among its member states and U.S. territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance-education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. For more information on SARA guidelines, you can visit NC-SARA Student Support.

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