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An Orientation to the DL Environment

There are many advantages to distance education, including the convenience and the higher levels of self-confidence you get from achieving goals on your own. Your instructor will provide quality readings, exercises, assignments and quizzes; as with regular classes, what you get out of it is related to how much you put into it.  Expect to spend the same amount of time and energy on a distance learning class; in fact, distance learning classes can take more time and energy than regular classes.

Many classes have separate orientations available on-line which students are required to read and complete at the beginning of the term. Other courses provide face-to-face orientation sessions prior to the start of classes. The dates and times for these sessions are usually posted in Pipeline under your My Courses tab or are distributed through postal mail. If you've never taken a DL course, these orientations can be extremely helpful in getting you off to a good start.

Challenges you may face
Is Distance Learning for you?
Being a successful distance learner
Communicating in DL courses
Technical computer requirements
Course materials, Homework, Tests and exams
Using Technology in your DL Classes
Course Listing

This page developed and maintained by the Distance Learning Program at CCRI. Send comments and suggestions to .  ©2008, Community College of Rhode Island.


This page last modified on: November 18, 2008