Alert: Due to the current heat wave and renovations taking place, all day and evening classes on the Randolph Campus are cancelled Wed. Sept. 1, Thurs. Sept. 2, and Friday, Sept. 3. Offices will remain open. Classes will resume as normal on Saturday, Sept. 4.
Distance Learning
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General Information

Online classes are similar to traditional face-to-face classes in that there is a real instructor and fellow students.  There are grades, assignments, textbooks, lectures, readings, quizzes and tests along with due dates.  The main difference is that instead of meeting in a classroom, students "access" their class via a web site.  Distance Learning classes are NOT independent study.  There is a weekly schedule, so the student needs to access the class a few times during the week to participate in discussions, see announcements and view changes.  Most online courses will require the student to come to the campus for tests. Communication for online classes is through email, discussions and chats. Information (if provided by professor) is available under the semester offerings link. 
 

COURSE TYPES

ONLINE: A course where all instruction traditionally provided in class is replaced with instruction online. However, an online course may require an in-person student orientation and/or proctored test/assignment.
HYBRID: Instruction is provided in both in-class and online (in any combination) whereby the instruction as outline in the course syllabus reduces the amount of in-class time traditionally required.
 
REGISTERING FOR DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES
Before a student can register for any course, they must be admitted to the college through the Admissions Office.  Registering for a distance learning course is the same procedure as for on-campus CCM courses.  If a student is interested in a course that is closed, they should speak with the chairperson of the department that offers the course.  Distance Learning courses have course caps and may be closed to enrollment. 
 
CONFIRMATION INFORMATION
Confirmation letters or an email (to your CCM email) are sent to registered Distance Learning students prior to the first day of class.  It will contain important information about logging onto Blackboard and general orientation information.  Remember, courses are not available for login until the first day of class.
 
ORIENTATION
Orientation for Distance Learning students is now offered online.  To view this, click on semester information and select online orientation.  All information contained in the online orientation, can be found in the Student Guide to Distance Learning as well.  Some instructors have mandatory orientation.  To check for mandatory orientations, please be sure to view the current semester offerings list and check the Specific Course Information as well as the link under the course title (if provided).  Still have questions?  Just contact distance learning at 973-328-5184 or email lrcdist@ccm.edu.
TEXTBOOK INFORMATION
Textbooks for online and hybrid classes may come with special on line components.  Be sure that when you purchase your books from the bookstore, you request the book that corresponds to your distance learning course.  Some books come with special access codes that you will need to enter a secondary site to complete your course work.

TAKING A TEST IN YOUR DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE
Tests and quizzes come in different formats.  Most are in the same form as a traditional face to face class. This includes multiple choice, fill-in, and essay.  Some tests are given online, within the content of the online class itself.  At CCM, many quizzes and tests are given on campus and a photo ID is required.  Please visit CAL (Center for Assessments & Learning/CAL) online to set up an appointment, should you be instructed to have your test proctored on campus.  Remember, you will have to log in to your class with your password, therefore be sure to bring your password with you.  Often tests are timed and there are strict dates when the test is available. 
 
If you will not be available to come on campus for exams, or labs, you should contact the professor before taking the course and find out what accommodations can be made. Students living at a distance too great to come to campus, may arrange to have their exams proctored at an approved site near their home. Be sure to contact your instructor ahead of time to make the necessary accommodations.
 
SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS IN YOUR DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE
 Most often the assignment is typed, saved and then attached to an email, discussion posting, or assignment drop box.  The syllabus and assignment descriptions usually explain how assignments are to be submitted.  This will depend on the professor's preference.  Questions regarding specific assignments should be directed toward your professor.  For more information, please view the Blackboard Tutorials. 
Blackboard Login Student Guide to Distance Learning
Distance Learning 973-328-5184
Email lrcdist@ccm.edu