What is Distance Learning?

Distance Learning at Quinebaug Valley Community College encapsulates the delivery of educational programs to students through the use of Internet technologies, in particular, the World Wide Web. In most cases, coursework offered through distance learning does not require the student to be physically on campus. Students may take a combination on on-campus courses and distance education courses or may choose to take all of their courses through distance learning. QVCC participates in the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium. Information about QVCC's distance learning program can be viewed at the College's homepage at http://www.qvcc.commnet.edu/qvccdl.

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Why study through Distance Learning?

WIDE CHOICE: Distance Learning provides a wide range of choices in academic programs without the limitations set by geographic boundaries. For example, students anywhere in the country or world can choose to take QVCC's Health Information Technology program without ever traveling to Connecticut . 

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING: Many employers find it difficult to release employees for on-campus study even when it is deemed beneficial professional development. You can get online any time of the day or night for distance learning courses.

NO COMMUTING: For students who are home because of family commitments, disabilities, or lack of transportation, distance learning allows you to study from home.

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Who should study through Distance Learning?

Distance Learners must be highly motivated and self-directed. The student must have the discipline to establish a regular study schedule each week and adhere to it without having to be reminded by an instructor or classmates to meet deadlines. The successful distance learner must be a committed student.

Distance Learners should have some familiarity with computers or ensure that their first course is an introduction to computers. Students are expected to be familiar with e-mail and possess a general knowledge of the Internet. Some knowledge of word processing will also be necessary to compose assignments and send attachments to the instructor.

All QVCC students, including distance learners, must have a high school diploma or GED. In addition, they must meet the prerequisites for the course in which they desire to enroll. Students may be required to take basic skill assessments online prior to registering for courses.

To test your readiness for a distance learning course, go to the CTDLC website and take their self assessment at www.ctdlc.org. Select Students>Self Assessment.

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What special vocabulary do people use when talking about Distance Learning?

There are a number of terms that are used in Distance Learning and in this document that may be unfamiliar if you have never taken a Distance Learning course in the past. This includes:

Online: Refers to course work done through the use of Internet technologies.

On-ground: Refers to traditional course work done on campus.

Chat, chat room: Refers to a type of online discussion with one or more people, often in real time. A chat room can be set up by the web course management system such as WebCT Vista.

Live Chat: Refers to type of online discussion that occurs in real time. Students and the instructor can conduct a live chat at different locations but at the same time.

Threaded discussion: Refers to online discussions on a specific topic that may be set up by the instructor. Students can post messages or respond to messages on an online discussion board provided by the web course management system such as WebCT Vista. The initial message posted by the instructor or a student may be responded to by others. Other students may respond to the response. This establishes a connection between the original posting and subsequent postings, hence the idea of a "threaded" discussion.

WebCT Vista: A learning content management system that is used to deliver online coursework with features that include threaded discussion, calendar, email, learning modules, and chat rooms.

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Email etiquette or "netiquette"

When using email or participating in chat rooms, some standards of courtesy are expected. The QVCC library has suggested the following guidelines for email etiquette or "netiquette" as it is called in cyberspace:

1. Keep acronyms to a minimum. If you choose to use them, include a glossary. For example, IMO (in my opinion), LOL (laughing out loud), and BTW (by the way) are common Internet e-mail acronyms. There are Internet sites that contain glossaries of commonly used terms.

2. Flaming. Showing excessive emotion in your writing is called flaming. For example, never write in all caps. IT LOOKS LIKE YOU ARE YELLING. Use only when necessary. Remember that the recipient of your email message does not know your mood, and if he/she misinterprets your message, he/she may send a hasty response and escalate the situation. 

3. Stick to the subject. Don't ask multiple questions within one email. Send separate emails with a well-defined subject line so the recipient can respond to each question individually. Often someone will hit "reply" before reading the entire message, and many of your questions may be missed.

4. Know your audience. If you are writing to a friend or colleague, it is okay to use smiley faces :) etc. These are called emoticons. If you are writing a formal letter for business or professional purposes, it is best to avoid these forms of friendly intimacy.

5. Watch what you write. Remember when you send an email it just doesn't go away. Long after you have forgotten about something you wrote the message may come back to haunt you.

6. Sign your name to a message. This is especially true if you are sending a message to a group. You may also want to add your email address to the information following your name. Identifying yourself in this manner helps your message recipient find your email address when hitting "reply" may be inappropriate.

7. Send in plain text. Do not format! You cannot be sure if the recipient's computer has the software installed to support certain "fancy" programs, such as obscure colors or graphics. Your message may come through as garbage if you are overly creative or artistic with your content.

8. Copyright. Copyright laws are applicable to email. Avoid posting copyrighted material. For more information, see the United States Copyright Office at http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright.

9. Respect the privacy of others. Always get permission from the sender of a message if you want to forward that message to others.

10. Responding to a message. When replying to a specific part of an email message, remember to include only the relevant portion of the email in your response. You can delete the irrelevant parts of the original message from your reply.

There are many sites on the Internet that suggest proper etiquette when communicating on-line. The library suggests the following:

From the Library at Yale University : http://www.library.yale.edu/training/netiquette  
This is an in-depth site with a good bibliography. Be aware that it was last updated on 1/20/99.

From the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire: http://www.uwec.edu/jerzdg/orr/handouts/TW/e-mail.htm

From Cornell University: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/email/polite.html This site is Cornell University-specific, but the advice is good.

State of Connecticut (CMAC): http://www.cmac.state.ct.us/policies/netiqu.htm

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What does Distance Learning look like? 

Before registering for a distance learning course for the first time, students are encouraged to access sample WebCT Vista courses, instructions, and help pages. This will help students become familiar with the WebCT Vista interface and navigation. No ID is needed to view a sample course. To view a sample course go to: www.ctdlc.org.  Click on "Students" link and then "Sample Course" link. Select the WebCT Vista sample course.

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What Distance Learning is not

Distance Learning courses are not self-paced. Assignments and homework are due on a fixed scheduled much as with traditional courses. Threaded discussions (defined later) may be required as class participation. While a student may not be required to be online at a specific time in the day, there are deadlines and weekly (or more frequently) required class assignments.

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What about textbooks?

Most distance learning courses require textbooks. These can be ordered from the college bookstore or may be ordered through an online bookstore such as AMAZON.COM. Students ordering through the QVCC bookstore will be charged postage. Colleges near the student's home may also have bookstores that have the required text(s).

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Why take Distance Learning courses at QVCC?

Quinebaug Valley Community College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. This is an assurance of quality in terms of the curriculum and instruction you will receive. Many colleges will grant transfer credit only for course work taken at accredited colleges. Because QVCC is a public community college, tuition and fees are substantially less than through other distance learning programs.

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What if I need academic support?

QVCC participates in a distance learning tutoring program. Help is available in many subject areas. For more information on how you can get tutoring online, go to the Connecticut Distance Learning site and select "Students" at www.ctdlc.org.

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What is required to complete Distance Learning courses from off-campus?

Although students can access computers on the QVCC campus or from many municipal libraries or Internet cafes, QVCC encourages students to own their own computers to take distance learning courses. The College recommends a fairly recent model computer with either telephone or cable network connections to the World Wide Web. 

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Guidelines for a minimum computer set-up include:

• Pentium 90 with at least a 100 MHz processor
• 1 GB Hard drive
• 16 MG RAM (32 MB RAM or more recommended)
• 28.8K, 56k, or cable modem (recommended)
• CDROM drive
• Sound card
• Printer
• Windows 98 or higher operating system

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Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Along with a home computer, students must have an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The College does not provide a dial-in Internet connection. It is possible to come to a QVCC campus to utilize a computer laboratory to complete an online course. In this case you would not need your own ISP. 

Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 & 5.5 SP2 and Netscape Communicator/Navigator 4.5x - 4.77 are the recommended browsers. The Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium (CTDLC) also states that WebCT Vista does not officially support the America Online browser. It is suggested students use Netscape or Internet Explorer after connecting to AOL.

Browser settings require Javascript enabled, Java enabled, and Cookies enabled. Some students have computers with Javascript turned off as a security measure. Some of the menus and links on both QVCC's homepage and WebCT Vista will not work if Javascript is turned off.

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Virus Protection

Virus Protection is very important. Many computer viruses can cause both the student and the college to lose work and time. It is absolutely imperative that any computer used by a student have virus protection software installed. The two most commonly used applications are McAfee Virus Scan and Norton Antivirus. The cost is usually in the $50 range and is available at computer stores everywhere. Many newer computers include virus protection for a small fee or for free at the time of installation. 

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Firewalls and Pop-Up Blockers

Firewalls or pop-up blockers, computer and Internet safety and protection systems, may impact on the transfer of information in distance learning courses. CTDLC provides technical support if the student is having difficulty receiving and sending information over the Internet. 

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Degrees and courses offered through Distance Learning at QVCC

Certificate Program: Health Information Management Technician (HIMT)-Certified Coding Specialist

This certificate is designed to prepare students to work in hospitals, physicians' offices, insurance settings, or clinics organizing and evaluating medical records.

Learners who complete the Health Information Management Technician: Certified Coding Specialist will:

• Demonstrate and utilize appropriate medical language and abbreviations
• Demonstrate an understanding of management of health care data
• Demonstrate the ability to abstract information from various sources and utilize various coding classification systems
• Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate and effective application of legal and ethical standards of practice
• Analyze and utilize medical record science and apply knowledge to various health care delivery systems

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HIMT required courses include: 

BOT* 280 Medical Transcription & Document Production; 3 credits
CSA* 105 Intro to Software Applications; 3 credits
ENG* 101 Expository Writing; 3 credits
HIM* 102 Introduction to Health Systems; 3 credits
HIM* 210 Coding I; 3 credits
HIM* 211 Advanced Medical Coding; 3 credits
HIM* 201 Health Information Management Principles; 3 credits
HIM* 254 HIMT Practicum; 4 credits
MED* 125 Medical Terminology; 3 credits

Total Credits: 28

Detailed descriptions of courses offered in the current semester can be found at the end of this document. For other courses review the online catalog at www.qvcc.commnet.edu and click the button for college catalog.

For more information on the HIMT program or questions regarding these courses, contact Cheri Goretti at CGoretti@QVCC.commnet.edu .  

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Additional Distance Learning Courses

In addition to the certificate program, QVCC offers courses online in an array of programs. For a listing of what is offered each semester, go to the community college online website: www.online.commnet.edu.  Choose "Public Area: Class Schedule." You can then choose term, college, type of subject, credit, etc. Under type of instruction, click down to "Distance Learning." Then click on "Get Courses."

Spring 2006 Courses

Course #	Course Title	Instructor	Credits
ANT 133	Peoples of the World	Lynch	3
AST 111	Introduction to Astronomy	Emigh	4
BOT 251	Administrative Procedures	Sherman	3
BOT 280	Med Transc & Document Prod	Brassington	3
BOT 281	Advanced Medical Transcription	Brassington	3
BBG 101	Intro to Business	Oliver	3
BBG 215	Global Business	Staff	3
BMG 202	Principles of Management	Staff	3
EDUC 200	The Peer Educator Experience	Staff	3
ENG 110	Introduction to Literature	Sokenu	3
HIM 102	Intro to Health Care Systems	Goretti	3
HIM 201	Health Info Mgt Principles	Staff	3
HIM 211	Advanced Medical Coding	Staff	3
HIM 254	HIMT Practicum	Goretti	4
MED 125	Medical Terminology	Brassington	3
SCI 103	Recent Discoveries in Sci I	Philion	3

For detailed descriptions of these courses go to www.ctdlc.org

1. Click Courses button on the left column.
2. Select "Search for Courses" link
3. Select " Quinebaug Valley Community College " in the Institution box.
4. Select a semester in the Semester box.
5. Click "Search for Courses" button.
6. Click a course to view the course description and other information about the course.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Distance Learning

Can you start anytime?
No, all courses run a typical 16-week semester.

Are the courses self-study?
No, they are all professor-driven. There is interaction between the students and professor.

Do I have to have a computer at home to take this course?
No, you can use the computers in the computer lab at the College to do your online course. The College's computers will allow you to access WebCT Vista. Each WebCT Vista course provides you with an internal email account for that course.

How do I take exams?
Although individual courses may have different evaluation methods, some online courses have self-tests that students take and get instant results. Other courses require final exams that are taken on campus or proctored by an approved proctor.

Who can serve as an approved proctor?
Usually proctors are professors or staff members at a college campus in the student's area. Your instructor will need the name, title, address, phone number, and email of your proctor. The instructor will send the exam and instructions for proctoring.

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How to get started taking distance learning courses at QVCC

There are several ways you can access the admissions application:

• Online at http://www.qvcc.commnet.edu/admissions.html. Follow instructions including payment of a $20.00 application fee by credit card. Online applications are accepted only until certain dates in the semester. Please check the QVCC website for deadline dates.
• You can also download the admissions form from the website, print and mail it to QVCC with your $20.00 fee.
• You can use the application found in the schedule of courses or catalog and mail it in with your $20.00 fee.
• You can request that an application be sent to you via regular mail or stop by and pick one up at the Learning and Student Development Office.

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Required Materials for Admission

Mail QVCC proof of high school graduation or completion of a GED program.

1. Have all previous colleges that you have attended submit official copies of your transcripts.
2. Provide us with your email address and communicate your intention to be an exclusively online distance education student (no on-ground attendance)
   Note: Immunization records are not required for students taking all coursework online.

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Requirements for Online Registration

First time QVCC students taking courses only online may register through the online registration process after the registration period for continuing students has concluded.  New students must have an alternate pin number to register online.  The alternate pin number will be provided by your college adviser.  Be sure the college has your email address. Click here to view Spring 2006 online courses.

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When a new student has received both his or her Banner ID number and Alternate Pin number, he or she may register online.   Go to www.online.commnet.edu and follow the instructions below:

1. Click Login link
2. Enter Banner ID#  (include @ symbol) in User ID field
3. Enter your date of birth (mmddyy) as your initial PIN (to be changed later) Note: You will be asked to create a new PIN number
4. Enter old PIN (date of birth)
5. Enter a new 6 digit PIN (letters or numbers)
6. Click Login button 
7. Enter a Question and Answer.
   Note: It is important to complete this section in case you forget your PIN *
8. When login is complete, select QVCC from college list
9. Select "Registration/Student Records/Financial Aid"
10. Select "Registration and Payment"
11. Enter your alternate PIN number if a new student
12. Select Register (add/drop) Classes
13. Select the Term, Spring 2005, click on Submit Term
14. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter the CRNs and register
15. To print schedule, select "Student Detail Schedule"
16. Select "Semester" (e.g. Spring 2005); term and press Submit
    or
    Select "Student Schedule by Day & Time"
17. Select Print

Recommended: Go to the "Personal Information" area and check your address.  Also, enter an email address if you have one. 

*If you cannot remember your PIN and did not complete the question and answer, it will be necessary to contact QVCC to have your PIN reset to your birthdate.  On the Danielson campus call (860) 774-1130.  For Willimantic, call (860) 423-1824. Ask for a staff member with clearance to reset your PIN.Note: You will need your PIN to access WebCT Vista classes.

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Basic Skills Assessment

Students who have not taken a college English or mathematics course prior to enrollment at QVCC will be required to complete a basic skills assessment (BSA). When a student has been admitted to QVCC and has received a Banner ID number, he or she must contact QVCC's Learning Center to make arrangements to complete the BSA on campus or through a distance learning format.  Contact Helen Downs in the Learning Center at (860) 774-1130 ext 405 or email HDownsl@qvcc.commnet.edu.

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Financial Aid

QVCC currently participates in the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium's Demonstration Project for Federal Financial Aid that makes it possible for Distance Learning Students to be eligible to apply for financial aid. Students must be matriculated and enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program. For information on applying for financial aid, consult the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium website at www.ctdlc.org.  You may also go directly to the federal financial aid site to apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (860) 774-1130 or email at information@qvcc.commnet.edu.

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