Distance Learning at Norwalk Community College

In order to offer our students the most flexibility in planning their class schedule Norwalk Community College provides the option of taking classes online. NCC uses the Course Management System called Blackboard Vista. These classes allow students to complete the requirements for a specific course when it is convenient for them, whether they choose to work at 4:00 am, 1:00 pm or 10:00 pm. All communications, assignments, tests, etc. take place on the internet. While you DO NOT have to attend "class" at a specific time, you DO need to have strong time management and organizational skills. Online classes are not easier...just more convenient!

In addition to online courses NCC offers courses that are called "hybrid." Hybrid courses are taught partially in a campus classroom and partially online using Blackboard Vista. You will be required to meet on campus during the semester. The dates will vary with each course so when taking a hybrid course make sure to check with your professor about on-campus meetings.

Blackboard Managed Hosting and Technical Support Services is the site that hosts our distance learning courses and the place you will go first for technical support.

Campus-based Orientation Information & Schedule

Each semester NCC offers a number of one-hour orientations that show students who have never taken an online class using Blackboard Vista the basic elements of the system. The orientations focus on how to navigate around the Blackboard Vista site; how to upload files for homework assignments and email or discussion attachments; what the various tools in Vista look like and how they are used.

IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU ATTEND ONE OF THESE SESSIONS IF YOU HAVE NEVER USED BLACKBOARD VISTA BEFORE!

If you can't come to campus for the scheduled orientations you can click on the links to the left to view sample online courses.

Fall 2009 Semester Orientation Times, Dates & Locations: