Student Resources

Distance Education, Is it for me?

Although there are a number of benefits to distance learning, the success of students depends highly on good time management, self-discipline and self-motivation.

In order to help you be a more successful distance learning student, we strongly recommend you examine your learning preferences before registering for a distance learning course.

There are a number of assessment tools available to help you assess your readiness for the distance learning environment. Please visit the Student Online Readiness Tool (S.O.R.T.) (courtesy of the University System of Georgia) and take the online assessments.

 

Search Database for Courses

Lord Fairfax Community College is a part of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). The VCCS offers a number of online resources for students, including a searchable database. To search for distance learning courses by keyword, college, semester, delivery mode or a combination, please visit the VCCS Distance Learning Course Directory.

 

How to Succeed in Distance Learning Courses at LFCC

Distance learning courses at LFCC are academically equivalent to face-to-face classes and are definitely not less demanding. Some students find that online learning takes more time and is a greater challenge than traditional classroom versions of courses.

However, you'll find that following these important steps will help you succeed in LFCC's distance learning classes:

1. Be sure you understand the course requirements.
2. Read the syllabus and other course materials carefully.
3. Contact your instructor as soon as the class begins. Since you won't have classroom contact, it's important to establish good communication with your instructor throughout the course.
4. Check your VCCS email daily. It is your source of communication with your classmates and your instructor.
5. Be aware of deadlines and plan ahead to meet them.
6. Seek help when you need it.
7. Contact your instructor when you have a question about content, the course, or his/her expectations.
8. Do not procrastinate. It's much easier to put off work in a distance learning course.
9. Be sure you allow enough time to complete each assignment.
10. Manage your work well. Be sure to back up all your computer files as you work. If possible, keep one copy on your hard drive and another on a floppy or zip disk. Keep copies of all your files and e-mails until after you receive your course grade.
    

 

Technical Requirements for Distance Learning Courses at LFCC

Before you begin a distance learning course at LFCC, you'll want to be sure you have all the resources you need. Review the general technical requirements listed below to be sure:

1. Regular access to a reliable computer (operating system: Windows 2000, NT or ME, Macintosh OS 9 or higher or Linux;
2. 1 GB free disk space; 350 MHz or higher processor; 64MB of RAM minimum); 56 kbps or higher speed modem (DSL recommended)
3. A reliable e-mail account (VCCS WebMail account) that allows you to send attachments
4. Netscape 7.0 or higher, Mozilla Firefox 1.5 or higer, or Internet Explorer 6.0 -or higher
   (AOL users should connect through AOL and then use Netscape or Internet Explorer. AOL users should upgrade to the latest version.)
5. MS Office 2000 or higher.
6. Graphics-capable printer (inkjet or laser) - required for some courses
7. CD-ROM drive required for some courses
8. Sound card required for some courses

 

These are the minimum requirements for web-based courses at LFCC.

 

Register for Distance Learning Courses at LFCC

To register for distance learnng courses at LFCC, you MUST submit an application for admission and in-state tuition rate or, have been previously enrolled in a credit course during the past three years (contact the Admissions and Records Office [A&R] if you have any questions). Courses are available on a first come first served, space available basis and pre-requisites must be met.

For more information, please visit the Admissions and Records Office