Taking an internet, hybrid, ITV or independent-study course may be a new experience for you. To help you make the best decision, please consider the following:
Traditional courses meet the entire semester. The number of hours in the classroom is determined by the number of credits earned, but they normally meet 3 hours per week for 15 weeks. If the course has fewer credits, the length of time may be shorter. They may meet 1 or 2 days per week depending upon the schedule.
Internet courses do not have an on-ground or traditional classroom component. They meet for the entire semester, but the course work is completed using the computer and the internet.
Hybrid courses are a combination of traditional and internet. Approximately half of the course requirements are completed in a traditional classroom, and the other half are completed online. They may be taught using the 15 week semester calendar, or they may be accelerated.
Independent study courses usually have are no regular class meetings. Material may be presented on the internet, through a textbook, and/or handouts. The courses are designed for students who require a flexible class schedule, are self-motivated and can work independently, and are self-disciplined and can complete assigned course work by required dates. E-mail access is required in these courses.
A hybrid accelerated course begins and ends at times other than the traditional semester. The course usually meets only 5 or 7 weeks. The advantage of this format is a student can complete 2 or 3 courses during the semester without additional time in the classroom. The student must remain on task and not get behind. The requirements for the course have not been decreased, just the amount of time to course completion.
ITV classes or interactive television courses are a Columbia State instructor teaching from one campus, and students enrolled in the class at other campuses are connected through the Internet and view the instructor on a large screen TV. The instructor and students can interact with each other just like a traditional class, and students can see students enrolled in the class at other campuses.
An ITV hybrid accelerated course combines interactive television, internet, and accelerated.
After you enroll in an internet, hybrid, or independent study course:
- Log in instructions:
- go to the Columbia State website www.columbiastate.edu
- click on the myCN logon link
- Login using your Columbia State Username and Password
- Go to Online Campus and find your course. If your course is not listed and classes have begun, contact Helpdesk or the division office
- Internet course: log into Online Campus the first week of class and begin your course.
- Hybrid course: 7 week Attend the first class at the scheduled meeting time. The first meeting will be an orientation and overview for the course in addition to beginning your studies.
- Hybrid course: 5 week You really need to begin work in these courses one week prior to the first scheduled class meeting. Log into Online Campus and begin your studies. The first class meeting will not be an orientation. It will include a discussion of the work you have completed and then new material.
- Independent Study Courses: log into Online Campus the first week of class and begin your course if you are enrolled in Medical Office Assisting or Medical Transcription. If you have made a special arrangement with your instructor for an independent study option in another course, see him or her for instructions.
For more information about distance education, review the Columbia State Distance Education pages.