Distance learning courses give students greater freedom of scheduling, but they can require more self-discipline than traditional classes. Some people learn best by interacting with other students and instructors, but some distance learning formats often do not provide as much opportunity for interaction. It may take as long as two weeks to get comments back from mail from an instructor. Distance learning courses require as least as much time as on-campus courses. Distance learning courses frequently use technology for teaching and communications.
Print materials are the primary source of directions and information in distance learning courses.
Classroom Orientation for NCIH Courses will take placeduring the first regularly scheduled class time. All NCIH classes will meet in the Stanly Community College Interactive TV classroom located in Snyder Building, room 226. Courses on the North Carolina Information Highway take advantage of videoconferencing technology. The NCIH classroom is fully interactive, allowing instructors at one site to see and speak with students at remote sites. Student-Instructor interaction on the NCIH is very much like interaction in traditional classrooms.