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How Online Learning Works

    What to Study > Online Learning > How Online Learning Works

Online classes are taught by the same outstanding faculty members who teach at the SCC and SFCC campuses. An online student is no different from a student taking classes on campus. Your diploma and transcripts will look the same whether you take your program in an online, hybrid, web-enhanced, or face-to-face format. You will also apply to college the same way. Once you select your program, apply at either SCC or SFCC. 

There are various ways to take classes other than in-person, these are referred to as modalities or modes of instruction. Some common definitions are below. 

  • Online: A course that uses web-based tools and where 100% of the instruction and interaction between instructor and student is done online. (Proctored exams still allow for this classification.)

  • Hybrid: A course that replaces some, but not all face-to-face time with web-based tools.

  • Web-Enhanced: A face-to-face course that does not replace any face-to-face seat time, and access to web-based tools is required.

Most classes allow you to work on your own schedule, but some classes require that you login at certain times. Be sure to check the class description and notes before registering. 

Online degrees are offered at both SCC and SFCC. You can take classes from both campuses online, and your classes will all be in the same online system. 

Explore the program pages for detailed information about the online program(s) you are interested in. Contact the counseling center for assistance selecting the right program for you.

Begin exploring online degrees and certificates

Determine if Online Learning Works for You

Online classes are offered during the same quarterly sessions, cost the same tuition and fees, and carry the same credits and accreditation as on campus classes.  This means they carry the same academic rigor, expectations, and transcript impact as any other credit bearing college class.  However, some special considerations should be made:

  • Online classes are 100% dependent on you, the student, to be self-motivated, organized, and able to maintain a schedule where you can keep track of and meet due dates and deadlines.
  • Without dedicated classroom space, it is up to you as an online student to ensure you have adequate space to complete your work independently with minimal distractions.
  • Online instruction includes text, videos, discussions, web-conferencing, peer collaboration and more. It’s your responsibility to read and view all materials provided by your instructors and to follow their directions. Each online instructor teaches and communicates differently. You should be prepared to spend more hours on classwork than you would for on-campus classes.   
  • Without the physical presence of an instructor available to you, it is your responsibility to contact your instructors with questions and requests for clarification.

Specific hardware and software requirements may vary by department and course. At minimum, you need the following:

Computer and Hardware

  • A desktop or laptop no more than five years old
  • Windows 7 and newer or Mac OSX 10.6 and newer
  • 1 GB of RAM
  • 2Ghz Processor
  • Webcam
  • Access to a printer is recommended


Note: While smartphones and tablets are a nice supplement for completing some course requirements in the Canvas mobile app, you should not plan to complete all course requirements this way. You will need access to a computer on a regular basis. Mobile device specifications can be found here.

Reliable Internet Access


Software

Specific technology skills may vary by program and course. Training for online learning tools such as Canvas will be provided, but you will be expected to have basic computer skills. Before taking an online class, it is recommended that you are able to:

  • Download and install software applications
  • Create, save and manage files including extracting Zip files
  • View PDF documents
  • Use e-mail applications including sending and receiving attachments
  • Use a web browser proficiently
  • Multitask with web browsers and software applications
  • Use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Use a webcam and microphone
  • Take screenshots

Students from all states are welcome to apply! Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College are members of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). This allows us to offer distance education to students in member states without seeking individual approval.

If you are seeking a degree in a program that leads to professional licensure in your state, it’s recommended that you contact your state’s licensing agency to be sure our degree will meet your state’s licensing requirements.

We strive to offer our students an excellent online education. We have a process in place to assist you if you are unable to solve a problem. Please follow the steps in the order below so that we can get your issue resolved.

  1. Contact us and we will assist you 
  2. Follow our informal complaint process 
  3. Proceed with a formal complaint 

If you are unable to resolve your issue, you may file a complaint to the Washington Student Achievement Council.

Get Started

Online students must complete the same admissions requirements as on campus students.  Once you know which school you will be attending online classes through, complete the application online here.

About a week after applying, you should receive an ID number and instructions for activating your student ID in the school system, ctcLink.  Keep the password safe as it will also be your log in credentials for Canvas, where your online classes will be.  

You will also receive instructions for completing admissions requirements like placement testing, advising and orientation. Work with the Admissions office if you have questions or problems.

To begin applying for financial aid, you must complete a FAFSA here: https://fafsa.ed.gov/.  Financial aid must be applied for the specific campus you will be attending online classes through.  You may only receive financial aid via one school at a time.

Check your “To Do List” in your ctcLink Student Center regularly to find out what additional paperwork the Financial Aid office will need to process your FAFSA and award your aid. The sooner you get your paperwork submitted, the quicker your financial aid will be processed. Work with the Financial Aid office if you have questions or problems.

Contact Karen Sandall at 509-533-7070 to get connected.

Once your Student Success Coach has contacted you, you’ll be placed in the online student community where you will:

  • Qualify for priority registration in your online classes
  • Receive support and assistance from the Success Coach
  • Gain access to resources and information pertinent to online learning
  • Socialize and network with other online students 

Meet Your Student Success Coach 


 

Find:

  • Look up program pages for requirements to discover which classes will fulfill degree or certificate requirements
  • Talk to your program advisor or a counselor advisor about course selection
  • Search for online classes here.


Register:

  • Log into your ctcLink Student Center. You will enroll via your Shopping Cart.
  • Add classes to your cart by clicking the magnifying glass icon and filling out the search form
  • Or note the 4-digit Class Number while searching for classes in the online class schedule and enter the Number in the appropriate field in your cart.
  • Follow the prompts until the system verifies you are either registered or on a waitlist (you can check your Academics tab to find your schedule)
  • Contact the Registration office or the Success Coach for assistance if you receive an error message.

Online Learning

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