Distance Learning

Online/Hybrid New Student Orientation

If this is your first time taking a GC online or hybrid course, you are encouraged to attend one of three orientation sessions. Bring the login information your received by mail. Each orientation session lasts about one hour. Choose to attend one of three sessions in room TC 301.

Spring 2012 Online Course Orientation Dates

· Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 10:00AM
· Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 4:30PM

Both session are to be held in TC-301. Bring your login information with you!

For more information contact: The Office of Distance Learning - 301-387-3155 or dlearn@garrettcollege.edu.

Distance Learning

Welcome to Distance Learning at Garrett College. We strive to create a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to learn. Taking online courses allows you to take classes that work around your schedule. You may supplement your in-class schedule with online or hybrid courses, or obtain an Associates degree in General Studies completely online.

Online courses are not for everyone. They require a unique commitment from you. To succeed in an online course, you must be motivated, have good time management skills, and possess self-discipline. Online courses are not easier or harder than on-campus courses, but they do require a special kind of dedication.

We strongly advise that you take the Student Distance Learning/Online Course Orientation before taking a DL course to see if this learning environment is right for you. It takes about 20 minutes and covers what skills you need, computer requirements and the Blackboard learning environment.

Start the Distance Learning Orientation

Garrett College offers several distance learning options for students. Courses are designated as online, hybrid, ITV, or web-enhanced. This orientation mainly covers what you need to know about taking an online or hybrid course.

• Online courses are courses that are offered fully online, though your instructor may require you to come on campus to take exams.
• Hybrid courses is a blend of face-to-face instruction with online learning. In a hybrid course, learning is typically 50% in-class and 50% online. As a result, the amount of time on campus is reduced. The course schedule will identify the on-campus meeting day and time.
• ITV courses (Interactive Video Courses) are delivered via compressed video technology on a network that interconnects all Maryland community colleges and many high schools. The courses are live and interactive, much like attending a traditional classroom; however, students and faculty may not be at the same location and may be communicating via video conference. All classroom and attendance policies apply to interactive video courses. They do not have a GPA or second semester restriction on registration.
• Web-enhanced courses are not considered online courses. They are face-to-face courses that meet on-campus. However, they use the Blackboard Learning Management System or a publisher’s website to supplement class time and offer more learning resources.