Distance Learning
Definitions of Course Types

SCC online courses are completed via the Internet. Online courses require access to a computer with an Internet connection and an email account. SCC offers student email accounts if you do not currently have one of your own. Some courses have additional technical requirements and many courses have specific software requirements. Courses are not self-paced; most online courses follow the scheduled quarterly start and end dates and there are deadlines assigned for classroom activities. Students taking a five-credit course should expect to spend 10-15 hours per week working on the course. Students should also plan to work on the course five out of seven days per week.

To successfully participate in an online course, you should be comfortable performing basic computer skills: word processing, sending and receiving email (including attachments), file management, and using a Web browser. In addition to technical skills, online courses require motivation, self-discipline, the ability to learn independently, above average reading and writing skills, and strong organizational and time management skills.

» Follow this link for a list of current SCC online courses

Washington Online (WAOL) courses are offered through a consortium of Washington State Community and Technical Colleges. Faculty from many Washington community colleges teach the courses offered through WAOL. WAOL courses are not self-paced; they have regularly scheduled beginning and ending dates and there are deadline dates assigned for classroom activities. Students taking a five-credit Washington Online course should expect to spend 12-15 hours per week working on the course. Students should also plan to work on the course five out of seven days per week. WAOL courses are identified with the word "WAOL" in the quarterly list of SCC online courses. More information about WAOL classes can be found at www.waol.org.

SCC hybrid courses combine traditional on-campus instruction with online learning. For example, a five-credit hybrid course may meet three days a week in the classroom and an equivalent of two days online. Hybrid courses are identified with the words "Hybrid Class" in the quarterly class listings.

Interactive television (ITV) courses allow students to view a course remotely over an interactive television system and interact in real-time with the instructor and other students at remote sites. Courses are live, on-campus courses telecast to other locations.