eLEARNING
Howard Community College delivers its academic programs in a variety of ways so students can choose to take courses from their homes or offices, 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 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 makes it possible for even more people to receive a quality education. Each semester there is an increase in the HCC courses offered via flexible learning formats. 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 on a dedicated course website. 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. For instance, if you need the discipline of meeting on campus several times a week and you enjoy the in-person interaction with other students and your instructor, you are more likely to succeed in a regular classroom or hybrid course format.
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. Online courses begin when the regular courses begin. When online course registration is complete, you may log on to your password-protected course website beginning on the first day of the semester.
Hybrid Courses
Hybrid courses are conducted using a combination of campus and online instruction. For many students, it is an ideal combination of classroom interaction with the use of online resources. 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 period of time: 7, 6, 5, 4 or fewer weeks. Classes meet primarily on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays.