Distance Education

Online learning at Cabarrus College offers flexibility and convenience as you earn your degree.

Teaching and learning in an online classroom can be a rewarding and engaging experience. Online courses are designed with the same rigor and enthusiasm for learning, remain student-centered, and are filled with the same lively discussion and exchange of ideas as on-campus classes while providing the flexibility that your schedule demands in order to complete a degree.

View a list of available online programs.

What is Distance Education?

Distance education, which includes online education, is a method to teach and learn outside the traditional classroom setting. At Cabarrus College, we use a Learning Management System that students and faculty access via the internet to interact and learn. Many of the assignments can be completed on your time to fit the needs of your schedule instead of requiring you to be on campus for classes at designated times.

Examples of online assignments include:

Posting responses to instructor materials or case studies
Reviews of peer work or projects
Participating in online chats
Taking quizzes and tests

Distance education courses at Cabarrus College fall into three categories with varying degrees of online and traditional classroom content:

Courses	Online Content
Web-based/online	75 - 100%
Hybrid	26 - 74%
Web-enhanced	0 - 25%

Online Programs

Distance education at Cabarrus College refers to instruction where the instructor and student are separated geographically such that face-to-face communication is limited or absent. Instead, communication is accomplished by technological media. Synchronous or asynchronous communications may occur using audio, video, computer, or other electronic means, now known or hereafter developed, to teach a Cabarrus College course. Distance education courses provide greater flexibility to those students who might otherwise find it difficult to fit traditional class periods into busy work and family life schedules.

RN-to-BSN

RN to BSN at Cabarrus College

Our RN-to-BSN degree is designed for registered nurses seeking to expand their skills, open the door to career advancement or build the foundation for graduate-level education.

Master of Science in Nursing

Cabarrus College’s Master of Science in Nursing program is designed for registered nurses seeking to expand their skills, open the door to career advancement or build the foundation for graduate-level education.

Master of Science in Health Sciences

The Master of Science in Health Sciences (*accreditation pending designation) is designed to develop leaders and advanced practitioners in diverse healthcare fields.

Health Sciences Leadership and Development

Health Services Leadership and Development bachelor

The Health Sciences Leadership and Development bachelor’s is designed to shape the future of healthcare with this unique bachelor’s degree completion program..

Medical Imaging

The baccalaureate Medical Imaging curriculum is designed to build upon an Associate Degree in imaging or an approved diploma program.

Occupational Therapy

Ocupational Therapy Masters Degree Program

The entry-level Occupational therapy master’s degree program is designed for practicing OTAs to progress to occupational therapists. The program offers two tracks, a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) track for OTAs with a prior bachelor’s degree, and a combined Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Studies/Master of Occupational Therapy (BSIHS/MOT) track for OTAs with an associate degree as their highest educational level.

Helpful Tips

Tips for Success

Distance education requires students to be proficient in a different set of skills than traditional classroom settings. Below is a list of tips that will help you to succeed in online courses.

Time Management
Much like attending on-campus classes, designate times each week to work on your course. Try to let your family and friends know you are working during this time and ask for their support. Distribute your workload throughout the course. Set goals during the course and try to accomplish them during each week rather than waiting to submit the assignments at one time. Make a habit to achieve one goal each time you log into the online classroom. Avoid the pitfalls of procrastination and leaving assignment submissions to the last minute - technical problems will occur at unexpected times.

Contribute to Discussions
Post responses in discussions early during the course weeks to promote sharing of ideas and meaningful discussions. Participate actively and with enthusiasm. You will benefit more from your courses if you provide insightful and scholarly comments. Discussions provide an opportunity to connect with each other and promote a sense of community.

Active Group Work
Contact your group members early in the course and clearly assign responsibilities for group assignments. Fulfill your assigned group member role in a thorough and timely manner as others in your group depend on you.

Write Clearly and Concisely
Communicate in in a writing style that is clear, concise, and follows web etiquette. Pay attention to faculty instructions if requested to follow a specific writing format.

Ask Questions
If you have questions or concerns contact the instructor, librarian, technical assistance, or fellow students to seek answers. Do not wait. As the courses progress, you can easily fall behind.

Contact Canvas Support at 1-866-862-3131 with issues related to the Learning Management System, Canvas.

Web Etiquette

Remember that you won't have all those non-verbal cues that you get in the traditional classroom and neither will your classmates or instructors. Almost all your information will come in the form of words. Taking a class online means you won't be sitting quietly in the classroom; participation is essential. Online, you will be responsible for initiating more contact, for being persistent and vocal when you don't understand something. The web etiquette listed below will help guide you in becoming an effective communicator which is critical to success in distance education.

General

Keep the communications productive
Never send a message when you are angry
Respond to the messages from others the way you want them to respond to your messages
Avoid abbreviations for common phrases, (i.e. BTW - By the way, TTYL - talk to you later)
Take the time to compose and write your message carefully
Avoid using ALL CAPITALS or numerous explanation points !!!!! as people often interpret this as shouting or being rude and sarcastic
Follow the conventional parts of a message:
- Header or subject
- Salutation
- Write the content of your message
- Sign your signature the way you want people to address you
Phrase the subject line of your message appropriately
Use your word processor to check your grammar and spelling

Email

Try to keep your e-mail short and make only one point per message
Send your messages to those who need to know rather than replying to everyone
Use an e-mail or private chat for messages that could embarrass or anger someone if made public

Discussion Board and Wiki's

Before you reply to a post, scan the headers of all other unread messages in case there is a related post and then read it
Make discussion groups you first stop when checking for information or asking questions
Sometimes a private message has a general applicability as often people have similar questions and could benefit from your explanation
Say something more than "me, too" when you post on the discussion board or wiki
Quote wisely when responding to another person's comments: it often helps to quote the part to which you are referring

State Authorization

Higher education institutions must be authorized to offer distance education programs and/or courses in states other than their own. Admission to a program or course is dependent on Cabarrus College’s ability to secure authorization from the applicant’s state of residence, if authorization is required.

View State Authorization Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an online degree the same as a traditional face-to-face degree? Are online classes easier? Read our frequently asked questions to learn more about distance education at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences.

Can I work at my own pace to submit assignments?

Although most of the learning will be asynchronous (not live), you will be required to log in and submit assignments weekly or bi-weekly on specific dates throughout the course.

Wil I be on my own when I take an online course?

We want you to succeed! As an online student at Cabarrus College, you will receive the same excellent support services that our on-campus students enjoy including access to expert faculty, technical assistance, digital and on-site library resources, admissions staff and the registrar, financial aid and student counselors, and computer labs. You also must participate in either a one-time online or on-campus orientation to learn valuable information about the school and program expectations.

Will I miss out on personal communication and interaction with students and faculty?

Our faculty is passionate about online education and student-centered learning. Courses are designed with an emphasis on opportunities for communication with your peers and instructors via discussion boards, e-mail, live chat, or telephone. You also may choose to participate in a "cyber coffee shop" to chat and socialize in addition to the more formal discussion arena. Each faculty member maintains posted office hours as listed in the syllabus, and you will be assigned to an academic advisor.

Must I be a computer savvy to succeed in an online course?

Computer expertise is not needed to be successful in online courses. Basic understanding of computers and software programs are suggested for students who take online courses which include typing proficiency, logging into a web site, creating and saving a file, using Microsoft Word, and attaching files to an e-mail.

Although the first couple of weeks in an online program require some adjustment, most students adapt quickly and truly enjoy online learning.

Will I be taught how to use a computer?

Our online students are expected to know how to use a computer and will not be taught how to use hardware or software. At orientation, we will introduce you to our Virtual Campus, online bookstore, digital library, technical support staff, online registration and grading services. One week before an online course is scheduled to begin, you will receive a log in, password, and instructions for exploring and becoming familiar with the online classroom so you are ready for the first day of class.

If you think you need to brush up on your computer skills prior to taking an online course, consider taking a basic introduction to computers course such as our CAS 190 Computer Applications Technology.

Are technical problems are acceptable excuses to submit assignments late?

It is your responsibility to ensure that your computer hardware, software, and internet connection are in working order. We know that glitches occur, and when they do, we encourage you to find alternate access to a computer at a library, our computer labs, or a friend's or relative's house.

Can I submit all my work at once?

Online students are required to complete learning activities and submit assignments by specific due dates and times throughout the course. These due dates will be posted in your syllabus and course calendar. Remember that consistent procrastination can decrease the likelihood of your success in an online course, so log in four days or more each week. To help you gauge your progress in the course, you will receive regular faculty feedback, and both a midterm and final grade.

Will I need to be constantly on my computer?

Time management is critical to a successful online experience. You can expect to spend on average 2-3 hours per course credit each week completing the learning activities. For a 3 credit hour course, that means you should spend at a minimum 6-9 hours per week on the course. Reading the syllabus and planning your time in order to distribute the workload over the course duration will help you maintain a balance.

Is the quality of online education is less than that of a traditional face-to-face classroom?

Online courses hold the same academic rigor as their face-to-face counterparts. Our faculty is highly qualified and experienced in both academic higher learning and their professional areas of expertise. Faculty members at Cabarrus College meet the same hiring requirements and are capable to teach either online or in traditional classroom environments. Our online academic program curriculum and learning objectives are equivalent to those of our traditional classrooms and it is only the method in which the course content is delivered that differs.

Will completed online courses transfer or be recognized by another educational institution?

Online courses are subject to similar standards as face-to-face courses when considered for transfer. Each college registrar will determine which courses they are willing to accept. Students typically are not excluded from transferring credits based on the fact the course was delivered online, and our academic transcripts do not distinguish between courses taken online or face-to-face. Students who complete academic programs at Cabarrus College are eligible to apply for baccalaureate, masters, or doctoral level education depending on the desired institution admission requirements.

Will employers recognize online degrees?

Employers are looking for graduates from accredited schools, and online degrees from accredited schools are accepted by employers. View our accreditation and approvals information. The degree you earn in an online program meets all of the requirements of a traditional college program and your transcript and diploma are identical to those earned by students in our on-campus programs.

Are online courses easy?

Online courses are not inherently easier than traditional classroom courses and require that you be self-directed, motivated, and organized. We suggest that you schedule times on your weekly calendar for logging into the course, preferably four days or more to check for updates and communications from your instructor and peers. We also encourage you to spend at a minimum 2-3 hours per week for each credit hour to complete the course readings and assignments.

Do online courses involve group work?

Faculty may opt to include group work in an online course. You will be able to complete these group projects online without face-to-face meetings. Our online classroom permits students to be assigned to small groups in which they can communicate, create, and submit assignments. Working together and learning from each other is an important part of higher education.

Do online courses require tests?

Online evaluation methods vary by course and instructor. Faculty may opt to include computerized tests, similar to ones taken in traditional classrooms. The tests are usually timed and may be comprised of short answer, essay, or multiple choice questions. Some instructors may ask you to locate a proctor for exams, and will provide you with instructions regarding who is eligible to proctor, timelines, and required forms.

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