What is an “Online Class”?
An online class is remote learning where teaching takes place over the Internet. Online classes are offered asynchronously and synchronously.
Asynchronous classes do not have a scheduled meeting time or location. While asynchronous courses follow instructors’ predetermined due dates, students choose when to log on and complete coursework. Students access course content, complete activities, and take assessments online through our learning management system, Blackboard, without real-time interaction with their peers or instructor. Asynchronous classes are ideal for self-disciplined learners wanting more control over the time and location of their learning. Some instructors may require proctored live or in-person testing. If proctored testing is required, it will be noted in Student Planning.
Synchronous classes are a combination of online coursework and virtual meeting times. Synchronous classes utilize a web-conferencing platform (such as Zoom) for scheduled class times as well as MCC’s learning management system, Blackboard, for coursework. Some instructors may require proctored live or in-person testing. If proctored testing is required, it will be noted in Student Planning.
What is a “Hybrid Class”?
A hybrid class is a blend of scheduled, face-to-face class time and asynchronous online learning. It is similar to a synchronous class, but instead of meeting online for class, students meet their peers and instructor on campus. It is important to note that the meeting time for a hybrid class is only a fraction of the credit hour or contact time listed. This means that students are expected to do a substantial amount of the learning and coursework on their own using Blackboard. When registering for a hybrid class, note the scheduled on-campus class time, the location of the class, and the number of contact hours. Some instructors may require proctored live or in-person testing. If proctored testing is required, it will be noted in Student Planning.
What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is MCC’s learning management system. It is an online system where instructors maintain courses. Students use Blackboard on a regular basis to access their online and hybrid courses. Many traditional, or face-to-face, courses also utilize Blackboard for syllabi, grades, and other class information. All students have access to their Blackboard courses through MyMCC.
What Courses and Programs are available? Read about finding online courses and programs here.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Classes:
Advantages:
- Convenience – within established due dates for a course, work on your schedule.
- Flexibility – Online classes can be fun!
- Build computer skills that can enhance any portfolio or resume.
- Save time and fuel.
- Avoid traveling in inclement weather.
Disadvantages:
- There may not be regular face-to-face interaction with the instructor or other students.
- Online learning takes real self-discipline. Students must set their own schedule to ensure they meet class deadlines.
- There are no guaranteed immediate answers to questions in an asynchronous format.
- Students need to have good computer skills and troubleshoot technical problems.
- On-campus testing may be require
Distance Education Course Evaluation Rubric
Muskegon Community College Distance Education Advisory Committee evaluates all new online and hybrid courses, as well as existing courses for which a new instructor is assigned. This rubric was adapted from the Blackboard Exemplary Course Rubric.
