Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Distance Education”?
Distance Education is a planned teaching/learning experience in which the instructor and students are separated by physical distance and/or time and use a wide spectrum of media to communicate. Distance Education courses are comparable to courses taught in a face-to-face classroom environment at NCC. They are taught by NCC instructors, carry the same number of credits, can be applied to degree or elective requirements and are accepted for transfer.

It is important to realize that courses offered through Distance Education are NOT easier than courses provided through face-to-face instruction. Students need to be motivated and disciplined, and they may be required to submit assignments, participate in threaded discussions and complete examinations by designated deadlines.

NCC provides two types of distance education courses: online approaches and telecourses.

Online Courses
Fully online courses are classes in which the course content and instruction are delivered entirely through the web using the learning management system, Blackboard Learn 9.
Note: Students may be required to take proctored midterm and final examinations.

Hybrid courses combine face-to-face classroom instruction with online learning. The coursework is evenly divided between on-campus meetings and web-based activities.

Telecourses
Telecourses combine the viewing of television and radio programs and audio/video resources with learning activities and assignments. Students communicate with the instructor via telephone, email, and on-campus appointments. Additionally, some telecourses make use of the online learning management system, Blackboard Learn 9.
Note: A minimal number of on-campus meetings may be required.

Programs may be broadcast on WLIW-TV21, Public Access Television Channel 20 and on NCC’s campus radio station, WHPC 90.3. In addition, a full selection of telecourses is maintained on reserve at the College Library. The Office for Distance Education offers a video rental service for telecourse material. A twenty-five dollar ($25.00) rental fee per course will permit students to borrow CDs/ DVDs for the entire semester. Checks and money orders are the accepted form of payment. CASH CANNOT BE ACCEPTED FOR PAYMENT. The checks should be made payable to NCC.
Note: Refunds for the rental fee are subject to the College's refund policy for courses. Rental fees are not typically refunded if more than seven (7) days have elapsed since the beginning of the semester. Student records may be impounded for failure to return CDs/DVDs at the end of the rental period.

How can I register for Distance Education courses?
Students who have been admitted to NCC can register for Distance Education courses as part of the normal registration process. Most students will be able to register through the Student Information and Registration System (referred to as “MyNCC”). Academic advisement information will be sent through NCC email accounts in advance of the time to register. The registration priority window is based on earned credits and gives students with more credits the opportunity to select courses before students with fewer credits. It is imperative that students register as soon as they are allowed, before the next credit priority begins, as course availability will become restricted. In addition, students who are only registering for Distance Education courses may call the Office for Distance Education to register by phone (516.572.7883). Normal office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

What do I need to access the course?
Students in online (fully online and hybrid courses) MUST HAVE access to a computer which has a connection to the Internet. The computer can be a PC or a Macintosh. In addition, access requires a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari. Students in telecourses may need access to video and/or audio playback devices, as well as computer access. Access to audiovisual devices and computers is also available in our College Library for students who need additional support.

How do I take examinations?
Some online courses and telecourses may require students to come to campus for a mid-term and final examination or schedule a proctored exam. The Office for Distance Education may serve as a proctor for examinations taken outside faculty-scheduled times. Proper college identification will be required at testing sessions. Students who cannot come to campus may make special proctoring arrangements with the Office for Distance Education and their faculty member.

How is an online course conducted?
An email will be sent to all registered online students about a week before the class is scheduled to begin. At that time students will be informed about how to log into their online course. Blackboard Learn 9 provides the instructor with a wide variety of features to create an online course including discussion boards, chatrooms, web links, and assignment and assessment tools.

Are online courses for me?
To be successful in an online course, students should be:

• comfortable using a computer
• understand how to navigate web sites
• able to communicate well in writing
• self-motivated and self-disciplined
• able to commit from 9 to 12 hours per week per course
• willing to participate in online classroom discussions

How can I find out more about specific courses?
Additional information about course content and requirements is available from individual academic departments. The best time to call is between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

How can I withdraw from a class?
During the first three weeks of the semester:
Students can withdraw online from a course through MyNCC without completing a form.

After the third week of the semester:
Students must obtain the instructor’s signature to officially withdraw and a completed Drop/Add Form must be emailed to the Office of Distance Education: distance.ed@ncc.edu. An email from the instructor's NCC account can serve as formal notification for the signature. The documentation should be emailed from the student's NCC account to the Office of Distance Education which will then be forwarded to the Registrar. Students should check the Academic Calendar for the relevant college deadlines.

Note: To avoid any liability, classes must be dropped before the start of the semester.