Distance Learning FAQ

General Distance Learning Questions

• How do Distance Learning classes differ from regular classes?
• I work full-time and have kids; how will the Distance Learning program work for me?
• Is the coursework easier online?
• Do Distance Learning courses cost more than classroom courses?
• I live really far away; will I have to come to campus?
• What equipment/software do I need to take a Distance Learning course?
• I don't have a computer with Internet access; can I still take an Internet class?
• I don't have an email; can I still take a Distance Learning class?
• Do I need computer experience to take a Distance Learning class?
• Since I am not in a classroom course, do I have an instructor, and how will I keep in contact with him/her?
• I am registering late, and the class I want is closed. Can I petition for the course?
• I may need an early grade report; can I get one with a Distance Learning course?

General Questions About Courses

• • I've enrolled in a Distance Learning class; now what do I do?
  • How do I know what books to buy, and how will I get them if I am out of the area?
  • When can I start my online course?
  • Can I talk to other students in the class?
  • What if I miss a class?
  • I am taking an online course; can I still submit my quiz on a Scantron?
  • If I submit my quiz online, how will I know my score?
  • What if I am late turning in a quiz or an assignment?

Technical Questions

• • I tried to submit my quiz, but the website is not responding. What should I do?

Questions and Answers

General Distance Learning Questions

How do Distance Learning classes differ from regular classes?

In a distance learning course, academic expectations are similar to a classroom course: Reading the assigned text, taking quizzes and exams, doing extra credit if needed, participating in class discussions, watching videos, doing some outside research, writing papers, and consulting with your instructor if you need help. The difference is that many of these activities can be performed remotely, in the comfort of your own home, and on your own computer. For example, you may participate in electronic discussion forums (like class discussions, but not in real time), do research (on the Internet), talk to your instructor (e-mail or phone), discuss topics with other students (electronic forums), take quizzes (online), and submit assignments (electronically). 

I work full-time and have kids; how will the Distance Learning program work for me?

By taking classes online, students can get the education they need with the flexibility of working around their busy schedules.

Is the coursework easier online?

The course requirements and learning objectives are comparable to those of a classroom course. Students who enroll in an Internet course may find their learning enriched because of the resources available online and accessibility to the instructor, as well as student-to-student communication. The instructor may take their students on a "virtual" field trip or require a writing assignment that will take students to the state capital, to an elected representative, or to a major corporation online.

Do Distance Learning courses cost more than classroom courses?

No. The registration fees for online courses are the same as a class offered on campus at Coastline. 

I live really far away; will I have to come to campus?

You will not be required to come to campus, depending on the requirements set by your instructor. Most coursework can be conducted online. 

I don't have a computer with Internet access; can I still take an Internet class?

Students who do not have a computer with Internet access (or have a slow computer or who experience computer problems during the semester) can use the computers available at the Student Success & Resource Center. The students also have access to the Basic Needs Technology Loan.

I don't have an email; can I still take a Distance Learning class?

Upon applying to Coastline College, you will be assigned a Coastline student email account (via Gmail). This will become the email address students must use when communicating with their instructor.

Do I need computer experience to take a Distance Learning class?

While you do not need to be a computer expert, you do need to know how to:

• navigate the Internet
• use e-mail
• download a program from the Internet and install it
• conduct a search on the web

If a student is self-motivated, can follow instructions from the computer screen, and likes to figure things out on his/her own, an online course will be an enriching educational experience.

Since I am not in a classroom course, do I have an instructor, and how will I keep in contact with him/her?

Each distance learning course has an assigned instructor of record. You will find contact information, such as an email address and phone number, on the course website. Although you are not in a classroom, you can still seek guidance from your instructor when needed.

I am registering late, and the class I want is closed. Can I petition for the course?

Coastline College has a waitlist for closed classes. If a class is closed, you may register yourself on the wait list anytime on or after your registration appointment. If a seat becomes available in the course, the next student on the wait list will be notified through their student gMail account. Students will then have 24 hours to register and pay for the class or they will be dropped from the wait list, and the next student in line will be notified. More information about how the wait list works can be found on our Waitlist Information web page.

I may need an early grade report; can I get one with a Distance Learning course?

No, please get in touch with Admissions & Records for more information at 714-241-6176 or via email cccadmissionsoffice@cccd.edu

 

General Questions About Courses

I've enrolled in a Distance Learning class; now what do I do?

Students who are officially enrolled will be able to view their course website on the first day of class. 

How do I know what books to buy, and how will I get them if I am out of the area?

Students have the option to order books and materials using the Coastline Bookstore website.

When can I start my online course?

Students who are officially enrolled will be able to access the course website on the first day of the class.

Can I talk to other students in the class?

Yes. Most courses have a Discussion Forum where students and the instructor can communicate as if in a classroom (though not in real-time). A few classes also hold live chat sessions (real-time) throughout the course.

What if I miss a class?

Each course is different. You will want to make sure to read and understand the course requirements as set up by the instructor. Most courses will allow you to work ahead or catch up as you go along. Primarily, there will be a week-by-week schedule of readings, assignments, quizzes, and exams. Be sure to review your online course thoroughly to ensure that you are keeping pace. 

I am taking an online course; can I still submit my quiz on a Scantron?

No. Online classes are completed strictly online. 

If I submit my quiz online, how will I know my score?

Upon completing an online quiz, depending on how the instructor has the parameters set, students will be able to view their results immediately. The score will also appear in the Student Grades section.

 

Technical Questions

I tried to submit my quiz, but the website is not responding. What should I do?

While we make every effort to assure that the websites and content are always available, there is the possibility that influences beyond our control can prevent students from accessing the site. If you find that you are unable to access an online quiz or assignment, please contact the Distance Learning Department as soon as possible.