Online Learning

If you're juggling a job and/or family, or simply want to skip the commute to campus, online learning is a convenient option. HCC's Distance Learning makes education accessible and increases student control over the time, place, and pace of study.

The online learning environment is different from the traditional classroom. Students enrolled in an online learning course must be motivated, self-directed and able to work well independently. While connecting from a computer might make some people feel isolated, class participation is an important component in online courses.

Nearly all HCC degree and certificate programs have a significant number of courses that can be completed online. To see which ones, check our Areas of Study page.

Online learning means that the student and the instructor do not have to be at the same place at the same time in order for teaching and learning to occur.  Your classroom is a web site that can be accessed from anywhere in the world, and the lectures are read instead of sitting and listening to the instructor.  Your discussions with your instructor and classmates are typed instead of spoken, and you will need to log onto the class several times a week to see if there is anything new that pertains to your studies.  Most courses require student participation on a minimum of 3 to 5 days a week. Students should expect to complete the same amount of college work online as normally completed on site.  Online students are expected to be online for a 3 credit course at least 3 to 5 days a week per course and spend at least 5 to 8 hours per week – per class working online.  A 4 credit course would be 8 – 12 hours.

HCC utilizes Moodle for its online learning system. An integrated online learning environment used by over 2,000 colleges and universities worldwide, Moodle features elements that help students succeed both in their coursework and lifelong learning opportunities.

There are three types of Moodle courses at HCC: Distance Learning (online), Brick & Click (half online and half live traditional classes), and Onsite Companion (courses that use web-based information in addition to live lecture). Be sure to review Online Course Information at our Moodle site for any onsite requirements for online courses. Please check with your instructor to see if s/he is utilizing Moodle. Curious about Moodle? Check out this demo.

Questions? Contact Distance Education at dladvising@hcc.edu or (413) 552-2272 or 2236.