Frequently Asked Questions about Online Classes

What are the different Distance Learning class types at NWACC?

Fully online: These classes are also called "online anytime". There are no scheduled class meetings, and all the classwork is done online. Students submit assignments, interact in class discussions, and participate online. Students should expect to log into the online class at least 4-5 times per week, and spend at least 8-10 hours per week involved in activities for each 3 credit hour online course.
Remote (Live Online) Classes: These classes are also called "Online Scheduled Time". These classes require students to meet online using Teams, Zoom, or another video tool. Students must 'attend class' at the time specified in the schedule.
Hybrid Classes: Hybrid classes are a mixture of face-to-face at a scheduled time and online.

Who do I contact for more information about distance learning courses at NWACC?

Contact dl@nwacc.edu for more information.

How do I get started taking distance learning classes?

Students who wish to take distance learning classes go through the same admissions process as other NWACC students. First you become an NWACC student, and then you can register for classes that are offered thru distance learning. More information about getting started at NWACC can be found here.

I am a student at a different college. How can I take a distance learning class at NWACC?

Since you are already a student at another college, you will be considered a visiting student at NWACC. You begin by filling out the admission application for visiting students. Go to this page for more information. Please select the Visiting Student drop down.

When are distance learning classes offered?

Distance learning courses at NWACC are held during the same semesters as traditional college classes. Terms may be 5 or 8 weeks during the summer; and 8, 12, or 16 weeks during the fall and spring semesters. Distance learning classes are not self-paced.

Is a Hybrid class the same as an online class?

Hybrid classes meet partially face-to-face (either on campus or using Teams ) and partially online. This generally means that you will meet less frequently face-to-face, and do a portion of your work in one of our online systems. Hybrid is not the same thing as an 'online class', because you have to actually attend class at a scheduled time.

What is a 'remote' class? I see them on the class schedule but I don't know what it means.

Remote means that you meet with your class at a regular time online using videoconferencing with Microsoft Teams. For example, you might have a Monday/Wednesday 10:30 AM class meeting online in Teams. So, unlike a regular fully online class, you DO have to be online at a certain time. More about Remote classes can be found here.

When do I register for distance learning classes?

Distance learning class registration is at the same time as registration for traditional on-campus classes, and uses the same class registration system. Registration generally opens in November for spring classes; and in April for summer and fall classes.

How much does a distance learning class cost at NWACC?

Distance learning classes cost the same as traditional classes except a distance learning fee is added to the class to cover the cost of the online system and technical support. More information about tuition and fees can be found here.

Are distance learning classes the same as face-to-face classes? Do they teach the same material? And what about faculty and class size?

Yes. The curriculum for each class is the same whether in a classroom or thru distance learning. The same highly-qualified NWACC faculty also teach our distance learning classes. Most classes at NWACC contain less than 25 students.

Are fully online classes easier than traditional college classes?

Although fully online classes are more convenient, they are not easier than face-to-face classes, and they require more study time and self-discipline than traditional classes.

How often and when do I have to be online?

All fully online courses at NWACC require a substantial amount of student involvement. Although there are no class meeting times, fully online classes are not self-paced and have frequent due dates. More information can be found on our Online Participation Requirements page.

Note that fully online (100% online) classes are not the same as Remote classes. With Remote, you DO have to be online at the time indicated on the schedule.

Will my college transcript say ‘online class'?

No. Because our distance learning classes only differ in method of delivery, they are not listed differently on the transcript.

How do I take tests for distance learning classes?

Tests are generally taken using the online system. Some courses will require proctored testing, including all math and science courses, which means you will be required to use online testing software, take the test at the NWACC Testing Center, or go to an approved testing location near you. You will work with your instructor to find an approved testing location as needed.

Science, Math, and Health Professions classes require proctored testing and may require you to come to campus or use an online testing service or other means to proctor tests. Contact the department or instructor of the class you are interested in for more information.

NWACC also contracts with a fee-based online proctoring service that may be available if your instructor allows it. Proctoring options are located here.

Do assignments in fully online classes have due dates?

Yes. Online assignments will have weekly due dates just like traditional classes. Online classes are not self-study or self-paced.

In a fully online class, do you have to be online at a particular time?

No. For a fully online class (not remote), you will need to get into the online class several times each week to submit assignments, post to class discussions, and do other classwork. Frequent participation is expected in online classes at NWACC. Be sure to read Online Course Participation Requirements

Note that fully online (100% online) classes are not the same as Remote classes. With Remote, you DO have to be online at the time indicated on the schedule.

Are textbooks included with the distance learning class, or do I purchase them separately?

Distance learning classes generally use the same textbook as the face-to-face classes. Some classes use ebooks, and others will use free resources that will be located in your Canvas class. If your class is listed as Inclusive Access, the cost of the book is included in your tuition. If you have questions about the materials you need for a specific class, contact the instructor.