Prospective DE Students
What is Distance Education?
Distance education is a form of education where the teacher and learner are separated during at least part or all of the instructional process. Although at different locations, both teacher and learner are connected through the use of various educational technologies. Distance education courses may also have some in-person sessions throughout the semester, or have regularly-scheduled live online sessions through video conferencing platforms integrated into the learning management system.
How are distance education courses different from regular classroom courses?
There is no difference in the course content of distance education courses, only the method of delivery. Learning outcomes and course objectives are equal to traditional classroom-based instruction. Distance education courses at LCCC are NOT self-paced. Assignments and exams have due dates and are released consistently throughout the course - just as in an in-person course. No distinction is made on a student's college transcripts as to whether the course was taken in-person or via distance education.
Distance education courses do, however, typically require a greater time commitment than traditional in-person courses. This is due to the extra time and effort required by the student to study, research, and review course content independently. The benefit is a much greater degree of flexibility in scheduling and the ability to conduct certain course requirements at times best suited to a student needing to balance work, family, home, and other responsibilities.