Distance Learning at SSCC

Southern State offers many distance learning courses for students with flexible scheduling needs. These courses cover the same content as traditional face-to-face courses, are taught by qualified SSCC instructors, and meet all degree and transfer requirements. Distance learning courses include online, hybrid, and live classroom courses. 
 
Types of Distance Learning Courses

• Online: These courses meet primarily online, but students may need to come to campus for an orientation or for exams. A time commitment of 12 - 16 hours a week is typically necessary for a 4-credit course. Students are expected to log on to their online course website 4 - 5 days a week. 

• Hybrid: These courses meet both on campus and online. Students may be expected to attend at least half of the class sessions on campus on dates specified by the instructor. 

• Live Classroom: These courses meet primarily online at specific times designated by the instructor.

Registering for Distance Learning Courses
Before registering for any distance learning course, students must review information posted on the Welcome to My Blackboard page on the college's website at --

https://helpdesk.sscc.edu:8081/Student_Portal/bboard.htm

This page states requirements that all distance learning students must meet, provides instructions for getting started in a distance learning course, and offers guidelines to help students decide if distance learning is right for them. 
 
Students visiting the Welcome to My Blackboard page should take special note of the information provided in the Requirements section, especially Instructor Requirements. Instructor requirements may include special hardware or software requirements, completion of an orientation, dates for on-campus class meetings, or e-mail contact with the instructor prior to the quarter. 
 
Students should not sign up for a distance learning course unless they know they can meet all requirements found on the Welcome to My Blackboard page, including all Instructor Requirements.
 
Are you ready for an online course?  
Students should note that while distance learning courses may be an excellent option for some, these courses are very challenging. They are a good fit for students who are extremely self-disciplined and who have the time and skills necessary to succeed. For example, successful distance learning students are good at working on their own and meeting deadlines. They are able to communicate well in writing and follow written instructions. Better than average computer and internet skills are critical. At the very least, students should know how to use e-mail, post to bulletin boards, and upload and download files.

To find out if you're ready, check out the Is Online Learning For You section of the Welcome to My Blackboard page.