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Distance Learning - Prospective Students

e-Learning is a general term used to cover the broad range of teaching and learning events in which the student is separated (at a distance) from the instructor, or other fellow learners. Modes of e-learning include two way-interactive video, correspondence courses, video-taped courses, and courses delivered through the world wide web. e-Learning may be synchronous, asynchronous , or a combination of both.


For accreditation purposes, SACS defines distance learning in the following way:

Distance education is defined, for the purposes of accreditation review, as a formal educational process in which the majority of the instruction occurs when student and instructor are not in the same place. Instruction may be synchronous or asynchronous. Distance education may employ correspondence study, or audio, video, or computer technologies.
- Taken from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Distance Education Principles

  

Holmes Community College uses two distinct modes of e-learning:

  1. Two-way synchronous interactive video between it's 3 major campuses, as well as between our campuses and other sites located throughout the state. This network of sites is called the Community College Network (CCN). In addition, any site belonging to the CCN can also connect with sites at the various universities throughout the State of Mississippi, as well as high schools in the state. Even though these types of courses are defined as "e-learning", CCN courses are very much like traditional courses in that students are required to meet in a specific room, at a specific time, and do not have the flexibility of internet-based courses. The CCN is useful when a specific location does not offer or have expertise in a certain field, while another location does. Through TV monitors, microphones and other electronic devices, the instructor and students at the various sites can communicate with each other synchronously.

  2. Internet-based courses. Holmes is a member of the Mississippi Virtual Community College (MSVCC). Through the MSVCC, any student admitted for admissions at Holmes may take courses from any member of the MSVCC (within certain restrictions), which includes Holmes. Course that are taught by Holmes are said to be "provided" by Holmes. Any course that Holmes opens for registration that is taught by another Community College, is referred to as "hosted". The classes take place on the internet, using two common web-based platforms that the MSVCC adopted, Blackboard and Desire 2 Learn. The address for the platforms is http://holmescc.blackboard.com.