Feather River College Student Handbook & Day Planner

Distance Education/Online Courses
FRC offers several courses online through a teleconferencing system and by
correspondence. Most of the courses are taught through the Internet. Some are
“hybrid” courses, which mean they are taught through a combination of face-to-face
instruction and distance education delivery.
Online courses may be delivered through the Feather River College web site for
distance education at www.frc-online.com, or through a web site provided by the
company that supplies the textbook for your course. Contact your instructor for
information. Your instructor’s email address is: the first initial of their first name,
plus their last name, plus @frc.edu, i.e. mjones@frc.edu for Mary Jones.
Should I Take A Distance Education Course?
There are two main issues to consider. First, do you have the skills and
technology needed to handle the way the course is being delivered? Although
minimal computer and internet experience is needed for most online courses, you
will need to be comfortable with basic tasks like sending emails and email
attachments, browsing the internet, and downloading files. You’ll also need to know
how to use a word processor (like Microsoft Word) and possibly other programs
depending on the course. Of course, you will need access to a computer and a
reliable internet connection.
Second, will you have the time and focus to complete a distance education
courses? Distance education courses can be more time consuming than regular
courses, and you may have distractions or responsibilities at home. Will you
regularly have a block of time at home to keep up with your course? Do you have
the personal discipline and motivation to do the work at home?
Tips for Online Course Success:
Do not underestimate the time required to successfully complete a distance
education course. The advantage of distance education courses is in your ability to
schedule when and where you do the work, not having less work.
Contact your instructor by email as soon as possible after you enroll in the course.
Obtain the assignments and due dates, and get started as soon as possible.
Plan regular times when you will work on your assignments, keeping in mind typical
distractions or responsibilities, and stick to your schedule.
Keep in touch with your instructor and the course activities. Check email and the
course web site at least once a day if possible.
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