Distance Education
MCC has built a tradition of alternative learning, delivering quality distance courses in a variety of methods for over 25 years.
Online courses
Online courses are available to students at anytime from anywhere via the Internet using a standard Web browser, which allows students to balance studies with their schedule. Online courses have specific due dates for assignments, but not specific synchronous meeting times. Online courses are equivalent to on-campus courses and maintain the same academic standard in content, assignments, and credit. Every course is managed by a qualified MCC instructor who provides regular and substantive interaction with students. Instructors prompt discussion, help with assignments, answer questions, and grade student work.
Online courses are designed by MCC faculty following the nationally recognized quality assurance and continuous improvement approach Quality Matters (QM).
Students who are not F-1 students and whose primary language is not English need to take the Accuplacer assessment to determine course placement. Call 531-622-2400 to get started. The TOEFL is not required. There are federal regulations specific to F-1 students and online classes. Contact International Student Services at 531-622-2281 or iss@mccneb.edu for guidelines.
Hybrid courses
A hybrid course is a coordinated approach to learning in which students complete some classwork online and also attend class on-campus to interact with the instructor and classmates in person. MCC hybrid courses meet face-to-face 50 percent of the traditional quarter's campus meetings; the other 50 percent of campus meeting time is replaced with online study and learning activities. Depending on the credit hours, for example, instead of meeting on campus twice per week, students are scheduled to come to class once a week. The remainder of the week is spent completing readings and online assignments.
Hybrid classes provide students unique benefits, including:
- More flexibility to choose classes and arrange study time according to students' individual schedules
- Engaging classroom time, including focused discussions and applications of course material with faculty and peers
- Understanding of the subject matter through analytical online assignments and classroom lectures and activities targeted to students' needs
Accelerated courses
Accelerated courses cover the same quantity of quality content as other courses but are completed in a shorter time frame, often five-weeks. Accelerated courses are offered in a variety of formats, such as online, hybrid, and face-to-face classes.
Accelerated courses move through the course content very rapidly. Students must be prepared to concentrate on course requirements and devote time to study. Many such courses are designed for working professionals.
Support services
Students may use the College computers in the Learning and Tutoring Centers, computer labs, Enrollment Centers, or libraries. One-on-one assistance is available in the Learning and Tutoring Centers for students who wish to learn how to take online classes. Blackboard orientation sessions are offered at the start of each quarter. Blackboard technical support is available via phone or email. Additionally, services from the Writing and Math centers are available to e-learning students. Librarians are available by phone and in person to help with resources, including more than 60 online research databases.
Campus Share (course conferencing)
Campus Share courses connect students in one classroom with students and instructor in a classroom at another campus via audio and video conference. Students save time traveling by choosing the campus share classroom that is closest to them. Students submit assignments to Blackboard where they can also download course handouts and materials.