Distance Learning

How to Take Distance Learning Classes at NWACC

First Step: Admission

You start by becoming a student at NWACC -- by going through the admissions process. This means that you need to fill out an application for admission, talk to an advisor about your college plans, and maybe contanct the Financial Aid office.

There is generally no time limit on when you can be admitted, except if you plan to take classes soon, you need to be admiited as soon as possible!

Follow these links or call or email to get more information on how to become a student at NWACC:

If this is your very first time to take any college classes, you must talk to someone in the Advising Center prior to enrolling in classes -- 479-619-4324

Step 2: Before enrolling in online classes for the first time, you should take the Online Learning Pre-test [click here] to help determine if you have the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in online learning.

Step 3 : Enroll in Classes

If you do well on the Online Learning Pre-test, general information about Distance Learning classes can be found on our Classes page, located HERE.

After you are admitted as a student, you can enroll in classes during the enrollment periods listed HERE or as shown in the current NWACC college catalog [go HERE to find the latest catalog].

Distance learning classes have the same enrollment periods as regular face-to-face classes, except they generally fill up much more quickly! Online classes are very popular, so plan to enroll early!

How to find distance learning classes

Distance learning classes are listed in the regular course schedule, right along with all the other NWACC classes, at https://www2.nwacc.edu/pls/nprod/bwckschd.p_disp_dyn_sched

To identify whether a section is a Distance Learning section or not, check the Section number, which is the number right after the course number. For example, in ACCT 2013 - 01, the "01" is the section number.

• If the section number has a W after it, it is an online class -- example: -04W
• If it has an Y after the section number, it is a hybrid class -- example: -23Y
• If it has a V, it is an interactive video class -- example: -01V

The difference between these types of distance learning classes is also explained HERE.

Be sure to read carefully the information given in the class schedule, as this will alert you to prerequisites, the need for special permission to enroll, and other important items about the class. Also look at our class information page, located HERE, for instructor-specific requirements.

You will have to pay for your classes by a deadline or you will be dropped from your classes. Click HERE for information about payment deadlines, or HERE for the complete college calendar.

Step 4: Contact your Instructors

Distance learning classes are different [especially online classes] in that you DO need to make contact with your instructor before the semester begins. Check your schedule for your teacher's name, and then click HERE for their contact information or go HERE to look by class.

• For some instructors, it is easier to reach them by email, especially during semester breaks and summer when they might not be in the office.
• Be sure to ask about these things: Will I need any additional access codes, special software, or special materials for the class? Will there be a face-to-face orientation or other on-campus requirements?

If your class says TBA or Staff for the instructor, this means a teacher has not yet been assigned to the class. Keep checking back on the main course schedule to see who is assigned, and contact them as soon as possible.

[Remember that sometime before the semester begins, you need to buy your textbooks (and access codes if needed). Go to the NWACC Bookstore website HERE to see what is required.]

Step 5: Attend Orientation

Some teachers have a face-to-face orientation session for their distance learning classes. But some don't. Look at the list of classes by instructor located HERE [scroll down], or click HERE to see if your teacher has an orientation session listed on our schedule.

Because of the upgrade to Blackboard, all students should read through the tutorial materials on this website. Tutorials materials for students can be found HERE.

Step 6: Go to Class

What? I thought with distance learning classes I didn't have to go anywhere!

With fully online classes, this is generally true -- but remember that you still have to "go to class" by entering your class and fully participating right from the very start of the semester.

• If your class uses Blackboard, you will go to My NWACC Connection, on the My Courses tab. There will be a link taking you straight into your online class. See more help HERE.

• If your class uses another online system [CourseCompass, MyMathLab, MyITLab], you will need to get information about this from your instructor. If you are not sure, ask your teacher.

If you are taking a hybrid or video class, you must be at the location specified during the class times shown on your schedule.

What if I have trouble accessing my distance learning class?

• If you can't get into My NWACC Connection, call Student Records -- 479-619-4398 or 4388 about your NWACC password.

• If you are getting any kind of error message or other problem when you click on your class link on the My Courses tab in My NWACC Connection, contact the Distance Learning Department:
  • 479-619- 4299
  • dl@nwacc.edu
• For all other issues with Blackboard , please contact the Distance Learning Department: 479-619- 4299 or dl@nwacc.edu

For questions/comments on this content, please contact the Distance Learning Department.

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