eLEARNING
Howard Community College delivers its academic programs in a variety of ways so students can have flexibility in where to take their courses, reduce or eliminate the need to physically come to campus, or accelerate their course completion. eLearning courses include alternative formats and flexible scheduling options. Our flexible learning formats include scheduled remote, flexible online, hybrid, open entry, and FastTrack courses.
All eLearning courses meet the same objectives as the on-site course, are as academically rigorous, and transfer to other institutions. HCC recognizes that providing eLearning opportunities allows for more people to receive a quality education. Check the schedule of classes for a complete listing of the current semester’s offerings. For more information, visit www.howardcc.edu/elearning.
Online Courses
In an online course, instruction, learning activities, and interactions between faculty and students take place online in our Learning Management System (LMS). Taking an online course has many advantages, including increased flexibility in completing homework assignments, the ability to communicate with your classmates and your instructor from the convenience of your own home or workplace, and enhanced access to written materials ranging from discipline-specific internet resources to discussions and instructors’ announcements. However, an online course is not for everyone. Online learning often takes more time to engage in coursework than on-campus learning. Whether working in a Flexible Online or Schedule Remote class, students must stick to due dates for assignments. Successful online students have good time management, self-discipline, and organizational skills. If you need the discipline of meeting in a classroom setting, the Scheduled Remote, a hybrid, or in-person options may be better for you.
Many online courses may require you to take proctored exams onsite at the HCC Test Center, at an approved alternative location, or via a virtual proctoring service. A basic understanding of the internet and web browsing are required. Online course activities may be completed at any location with a computer and internet connection. Please refer to the technical requirements needed for online courses. Check the Schedule of Classes for the start date of your course. When online course registration is complete, you may log on to your password-protected course website beginning on the first day of the semester
There are two types of online classes at HCC.
Scheduled Remote (synchronous)
Scheduled Remote (SR) classes meet at designated times in an online classroom. Faculty and students interact via video conferencing in real time at the times listed in the Schedule of Classes.
Flexible Online (asynchronous)
Flexible Online (FO) classes allow students the flexibility to work with greater independence and self-direction to meet course deadlines. Students communicate with each other and their professor in Canvas through messages, online office hours, and online discussion boards.
Hybrid Courses
Hybrid courses blend face-to-face classroom and online instruction. For many students, it is an ideal combination of classroom interaction and online support. Because so many of the course interactions are conducted online, the amount of class meeting time is a percentage of the traditional onsite version of the course. For online course interaction, a basic understanding of the internet and web browsing are required. Online activities may be completed at any location with a computer and internet connection.
FastTrack Courses
FastTrack courses concentrate the coursework of a traditional 14-week semester into a shorter time period: seven weeks or less. Classes meet primarily on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays.