Are You Right For GIS Distance Learning?


The online student should possess the following qualities:

  1. Register early for the class (registration open online or by phone ... no need to come to campus).

  2. After registering for the course, the online student must contact faculty to obtain passage to online class to reassure instructor that you understand the requirements of the course.

    • The course requires student to complete (1) read material in text book and (2) complete course lessons.  Software and data is mailed to enrolled student in the first week.sample of feedback to lessons by onilne students

    • In the 2nd & 3rd week, two on-campus 1/2 day sessions are provided for online students (one in the evening one during the day).  These are optional but those attending can complete some of the online lessons and can obtain help in the install of software and data. 

  3. Be a good reader and enjoy reading. Most lecture material in the online learning environment must be read. Students who are auditory learners (learn better by hearing) may want to consider taking face to face classes.

  4. Be an independent learner. Must be self-disciplined and self-motivated.

  5. Be a class participant in discussions in the online course and ask or provide support to your classmates

  6. Be willing and able to commit several hours per week per course. Many successful students say online learning is more time consuming than traditional learning.

  7. Search information on the web and be able to reference it.

  8. Don't hesitate to ask questions from the instructor or your peers by email, discussion board, phone or drop by the campus during office hours.

  9. Have access to a computer and a modem with the following minimum recommended qualifications: A PC with 1 GIG of RAM, online access, a sound card, Windows XP / VISTA or Windows Server, the latest Microsoft Explorer.  Macintosh is not supported unless 'Bootcamp' or similar software is installed.

  10. Have administrative accessibility to install or know someone who can install software or use a computer that has the GIS software already installed.  The additional (free) software must be installed.  http://www.adobe.com/go/gntray_dl_get_reader

  11. Computer skills including the ability to:

    • manage folders and files

    • Use word processing programs

    • Cut and paste

    • Log onto the Internet from a home, office or college computer

    • Navigate the Internet

    • Have an email account and be able to attach a file to an email message

    • Download a program from the Internet and install it

Note: Students who do not have these minimum computer skills should consider getting additional computer training and assistance or contact the program for more information..

Rio Hondo Community College does not restrict enrollment in distance learning classes any more than it does in on-site classes. The law requires that we admit all qualified students. We encourage you to exercise the same kind of caution in a distance learning class as you would if you were taking an on-site class. Do not share personal information about yourself; do not give a relative stranger or new acquaintance your home phone number, address, etc.