Northwest Florida State College
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What is Distance Learning (DL)?

Northwest Florida State College offers students the convenience and flexibility of earning course credits through various forms of distance learning. Through a creative mix of textbooks, online classrooms, study guides, written assignments, exams, e-mail, and ongoing communications with faculty, students may take control of their own education by working and learning at times and places convenient to them. Distance learning is not easier than traditional courses; students should be prepared to spend as much time or possibly more time on a distance learning course. The benefit of distance learning is convenient quality education, not easy classes. The DL learning experience will be different than the classroom experience, but the learning should be equivalent for students. While many students thrive in and may even prefer distance learning, others will find it unsuitable. Students likely to succeed are those over 18, those who are strongly motivated and organized, and those who are good at the subject matter and have been successful in other distance learning courses.

Distance classes carry the same course numbers and credits as their traditional counterparts and appear on the student's transcript just like any other course; there is no designator identifying a class as distance. Credits earned through distance learning are transferable and are applicable to graduation requirements in the same manner as traditional classes as well. A schedule of distance learning classes can be found on the website.

Be sure to select the Distance Learning option in the Advanced Search section.

  • Opportunity - Distance learning allows students the opportunity to complete most of their class work outside of the classroom.
  • Freedom - Distance learning allows students greater freedom of scheduling to complete class work during non-traditional work hours; however, this can mean more self-discipline than traditional classrooms.
  • Equivalency - Distance learning classes are academically equivalent to traditional classes.
  • Transferability - Distance learning classes are transferable and may be applied toward graduation requirements.

Both general education and elective courses are offered as distance learning. Students choose courses designed in the following instructional delivery methods:

  • Online, Internet-based classes
  • Mixed media, text-based classes
  • Mixed media, text-based classes with e-mail support
  • Mixed media, text-based classes with online instructional support options

All distance learning classes are taught by faculty who hold credentials in the relevant subject matter. The majority are full-time faculty who also teach traditional classes and whom distance students can contact or visit during office hours.
Adapted from the 2004-2005 college Catalog

Northwest Florida State College is committed to offering quality distance learning courses. If you want to learn more about distance education, contact our Distance Learning office via the student request form or phone (850) 729-6464.
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