2020-2021 Student Catalog 
    
    Dec 06, 2024  
2020-2021 Student Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Online Learning @ NCCC


Online Learning@NCCC offers flexible learning options including complete online degree and certificate programs and online courses where instruction takes place on the Internet, hybrid (blended) courses, which are a mixture of on-campus and online instruction, and web-enhanced classes, where instruction takes place in a classroom but is supplemented with online materials and activities. A listing of the various online and hybrid courses can be found on the Online Learning website. (Note: not every course is offered each semester).

Online/Blended Degree Programs:

  • Accounting (AS)
  • Business Administration (AS)
  • Business Administration (AAS)
  • Computer Information Systems (AS)
  • Health Studies (AS)
  • Human Services (AA)
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities and Social Sciences (AA)
  • Psychology (AS)
  • Sport Management (AS)

Online Certificate Programs:

  • Business Management Certificate with Degree Option
  • Chemical Dependency Counseling Certificate
  • Disability Studies Certificate

How Online Learning Works

Both online and hybrid courses give you the opportunity to gain knowledge using current technology within a flexible learning environment and schedule.

In online courses, you can attend class from anywhere and you have access to your online course(s) 24/7.  You are required to have access to a broadband connection and a desktop or laptop computer/MAC, using a tablet or other mobile device may not have the functionality required for the course. Some courses, however, require that you take on-campus or proctored exams. All course requirements are provided within each course in Blackboard.

Are You a Good Candidate for Online Learning?

Successful candidates for NCCC online and hybrid courses have special qualities: they are self-motivated, self-disciplined, independent learners who are good time managers and able to meet deadlines. They are willing to try something new and learn in a non-structured environment. Successful students are comfortable with basic computing technical skills.

Online learners have special qualities and computing skills. Visit the NCCC Online Learning Learning website to see if you pass the self-checklists.

When Do Online and Hybrid Classes Begin?

Both online and hybrid classes begin the same day as regular on-campus classes and follow the same academic schedule; however, we provide you with access to Blackboard Learn, our campus learning management system, one week prior to the first official day of classes. Use this extra time to become familiar with log on procedures and complete the NCCC Online Learning student success orientation. You will learn how to navigate and use common features of Blackboard Learn, assess your readiness for online education, and learn about technology requirements, strategies for success, and resources for getting assistance and help.

If you are unsure of when classes begin, check the college academic calendar on the main NCCC college website.

How to Access Online & Hybrid Course(s)

All online and hybrid (blended) courses are presented through NCCC’s learning management system, Blackboard Learn. All online/hybrid courses open the first day of the semester (Remember, Modular courses may have different start dates, check your course schedule in Banner Web for start dates).You will receive an email in your NCCC T-Wolves College email with instructions for getting started.  You must enroll and log into your T-Wolves college email in order to get your account activated in Blackboard Learn. If you sign up for a course after the course start date and during drop/add, log into your College email for getting started instructions or visit the NCCC Online Learning student support center right away. 

  • To complete the NCCC Online Learning student success orientation
  • To understand technical & software requirements for Blackboard

What are the Course Expectations?

Online students are required to log in to their online classes at least three times per week. You will be “attending class” each time you submit an assignment, participate in a discussion forum or post a question, but you can attend from your home, office, or anywhere in the world. Although you can work at your own pace and enjoy a good deal of flexibility, each online course has a definite timeline and weekly deadline. Plan on spending several hours per week for each online course (typically 3-4 hours of work per credit hour of the course-i.e. 9-12 hours for a 3 credit course) every week of the semester. View our Online Learning Time Management Calculator for Online Courses to estimate how much time you will need to succeed. Most online classes are highly interactive and will require your active participation.

Hybrid (blended) courses have reduced classroom time with a portion of instruction taking place online. Instructors of hybrid courses will provide you with the details for their particular course attendance during the first on campus class and in the course in Blackboard.

Just as in on-campus classes, students in online and hybrid (blended) courses are responsible for budgeting their time and meeting course requirements. Online students can expect a learning experience that is as effective as being with an instructor in a classroom.

Courses may incorporate web-based materials, textbooks, application software, simulations, and even learning activities off line, such as experiments or observations.

How to Register for an Online Learning Class

Students enrolled (matriculated) at NCCC follow the same procedures for registration as for on campus classes. Non-matriculated students can visit the NCCC records and registration page for enrollment instructions

Financial Aid

Online & hybrid courses fall within financial aid regulations for students enrolled in an academic program here at NCCC. For financial aid assistance, call 716-614-6266 or visit the NCCC website.

Grades

Final grades are accessed on Banner Web, the NCCC student information system. A link to Banner Web is located on the NCCC website under MYNCCC.

Technical Requirements/Internet Connectivity

You are required to have access to a broadband connection and a desktop or laptop computer/MAC, using a tablet or other mobile device may not have the functionality required for the course.Visit the Open SUNY help desk to check your browser compatibility or contact Online Learning at onlinelearning@niagaracc.suny.edu. Software like Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel may be required. As a student at Niagara County Community College, you have access to download Office 365 for FREE with your T-Wolves email address. (To download or learn more about Office 365; log into Blackboard Learn, go to the “Student Resources & Policies” tab then select the Office 365 link/picture).

Some courses, like Public Speaking, will require a device to record yourself presenting speeches. A webcam or video camera is normally sufficient. If there are any other special technology requirements for your course, your instructor will inform you once you begin your course.

 Visit the Open SUNY help desk to check your browser compatibility or contact the Online Learning department at onlinelearning@niagaracc.suny.edu.

Contact Information

For more information about Online Learning@NCCC, contact the Office of Online Learning at 716-614-6488, send an email to onlinelearning@niagaracc.suny.edu, or visit our Online Learning contact information