The Distance Learning & Instructional Technology (DLIT) Department of Southwest can help you advance a career, work on a degree or certificate, or achieve personal goals…all without missing a day of work or play. Distance Learning offers affordable educational programs and courses that meet the needs of an ever-changing lifestyle.
Our tuition is well below that of any four-year university, and our credits are transferable.
SWCC is an accredited institution of higher learning and is held to the high standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. With over 30 years of experience delivering distance education, we have built a reputation for quality service and support.
Regardless of the delivery method, whether Internet-based, Compressed Video, or Video, our courses and curriculum are built to help you succeed.
Distance Learning courses can be challenging for certain types of students. Effort is required to communicate with your instructor and to stay organized and on schedule.
One must be able to work independently but be comfortable reaching out for help as needed.
Before enrolling in an online course, you should first assess your readiness for stepping into the online learning environment. Please take a minute to use this SWCC Distance Learning Readiness Survey and learn about skills you may need to develop for distance learning success.
System Requirements
The following requirements are highly recommended. While slower processors and RAM may be functional, you may find them unpleasant to use.
Hardware recommendations
If using a Mac: PowerMac G3 or higher, OS 8.1 or higher
You must have a reliable ISP, especially if your course requires taking tests online. If your ISP tends to drop your connection, you may have to retake tests.
Software recommendations
Hybrid classes are those courses that meet face-to-face but have some sessions delivered by other means–online, Canvas, etc. Students have the combined experience of meeting their classmates in person and the flexibility to work independently outside the classroom. Hybrid classes are indicated by the letter H section numbers.
Interactive classroom video classes are two-way, real-time video courses taught in electronic classrooms. Interactive classroom video courses are synchronous, meaning students must attend at the designated time. However, students may attend at the originating site (send site) or at any of the receiving sites listed in the class schedule. Interactive classroom video courses are designated by letter C section numbers.
Distance Learning online courses are delivered via Canvas, an online Learning Management System. Your access to these courses will be established when you register, and it will be visible in the MySouthwest portal once your instructor makes them available. Your course may include streaming media, interactive discussion boards, online assignment submissions, proctored testing, or a combination of these and other web-based tools. Please familiarize yourself with the syllabus and other foundational materials provided by your instructor in Canvas, as different instructors have different expectations and requirements.
Before you register for an online course, please check your readiness with a quick distance learning readiness quiz. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructor and the Distance Learning Department if you need assistance developing your online learning skills. You must have dependable high-speed internet access to complete these courses. There are computer labs available on campus if you experience problems with your home internet service.
Questions may be directed to the Distance Learning staff by calling 276-964-7279, emailing ddlinfo@sw.edu, or to the specific academic instructor whose email address appears after the course listing. A Distance Learning online course is designated by section numbers W1-W7.
It depends on the course.
For hybrid or video courses, you will need to contact the Distance Learning Department to pick up your course materials (e.g., syllabus, videos). Courses that are entirely web-based do not require you to visit our office. If you’re unsure, call the Distance Learning Department with your course information available, and they will help you determine your best plan of action.
You may or may not have supervised tests. Click here to visit our Testing area for more information on this topic.
No.
Distance learning courses have the same objectives and materials as on-campus courses; they are just designed to give students more flexibility in scheduling their time to complete all course requirements.