Online Learning
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. online courses include alternative formats and flexible scheduling options. Our flexible learning formats include Scheduled Remote, Flexible Online, Hybrid, and Online Hybrid.
All online courses meet the same objectives as the on-campus courses, are as academically rigorous, and transfer to other institutions. HCC recognizes that providing online learning opportunities allows more people to receive a quality education. Check the schedule of classes for a complete listing of the current semester’s offerings. Visit HCC's Online Learning webpage for more information.
Online Programs
Online programs allow students to complete all coursework fully online. This is a good option for students who need the flexibility of the online environment to complete their program. Our current online programs include:
Online Courses
In an online course, instruction, learning activities, and interactions between faculty and students take place online in our learning management system (Canvas). 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.
There are three types of online classes at HCC. To learn more about each modality and which might work best for your learning style and schedule, review the links below.
Tips to succeed online
- Whether working in a Flexible Online or Scheduled 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.
- 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.
- Get acquainted with Canvas through the Student Training Guide
- Learn more about learning online in our Orientation to Online Learning
- Take a self-assessment to learn about resources to benefit you in your online learning journey
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.
Ways to Learn at HCC
Credit courses at HCC have three main modalities or delivery methods: face-to-face, flexible online (100% asynchronous), and In-Person Hybrid (50% face-to-face & 50% flexible online). Click the links below to explore each of the modalities.
Additionally, some courses may be offered in the Scheduled Remote (100% virtual i.e. Zoom) and Online Hybrid (50% scheduled remote & 50% flexible online).
For all of the learning modalities, Canvas courses are published three days before the start of the course allowing students to review the course syllabus.
Make sure to log into Canvas regularly to check for assignment due dates and content.