What is online learning?
Online learning provides flexible and accessible educational opportunities equal in quality to traditional classroom delivery to serve our diverse community population.
All online courses and programs at Virginia Western meet academic standards established by the Virginia Community College System and the State Council on Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) and are accepted as part of the graduation requirement for an approved degree, diploma, or certificate. Curriculum credit for online learning courses is equivalent in credit hours to on-campus sections of the same courses listed in the College catalog.
How does online learning work?
Virginia Western online courses are presented through Canvas, a student-friendly learning management system. Students log in with their MyVWCC username and password, and access course content through Canvas (announcements, syllabus, assignments, course materials, exams, discussion forums, and grades).
Online programs are tailored to be adult learner-centered and more interactive and dynamic.
What do I need to be an online student?
Aside from your self-discipline and willingness to succeed, the following technology are the minimum requirements for your Online Courses:
- Reliable access to VCCS email.
- Reliable high speed access to the Internet (with a current browser).
- MS Office software – VWCC provides access to a free subscription-based Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus for active students. Click here for more information.
- Access to additional software such as Adobe Reader, RealPlayer or Windows Media Player, etc.
- Complete the Online Readiness Assessment.
Virginia Western Community College is an approved institution of the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Click here to learn more about how VWCC’s participation in NC-SARA benefits you as a Distance Learning student.
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