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Lehigh Carbon Community College

Benefits of Online Learning

Taking an online class offers students the flexibility to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. Learners can balance work, family and other commitments seamlessly, crafting a schedule that fits their lifestyle.

In addition, online learning can create a learning community that transcends geographical boundaries and provide a convenient, cost-effective and enriching educational experience.

Online Learning FAQs

Learning online for the first time? We’ve got answers to some of the most common online learning questions.

Are LCCC’s online courses accredited?

Yes. The online courses have the same accreditation status as our traditional courses. Your transcript will show the name of the course, when you took it, and your final grade, but it will not include whether you completed the course online or in person.  

Can I complete my entire course online, or do I have to come to campus for part of it?

Some online courses may require that you take your exams in the Testing Center in the Student Services Center on the Main Campus in Schnecksville. For example, many math courses require proctored exams. 

If an online course at LCCC requires you to come to campus, contact your instructor at the start of the semester if this is a problem for you. They will have alternate suggestions for students who are unable to travel to Main Campus. 

All hybrid courses require that at least 50% of instruction occurs in a face-to-face classroom.

Do I have to sit down at my computer at the same time every day to learn?

Most online classes are asynchronous, which means you aren’t required to attend class at a certain time. However, you should log into your class multiple times per week because there will be due dates for specific assignments. Some classes require proctored exams on campus, but you can make an appointment to fit your schedule within a specific timeframe. You should check the syllabus for the class or reach out to your instructor if you have questions. 

Do I have to pay extra for online classes?

LCCC online courses do not directly have any additional fees, but additional proctoring fees may apply. 

How do I get started in an online course?

  • Register for an online course as you would for any other course on campus. 
    • If you are a new student at LCCC, contact the Admissions Office for information. 
    • If you are a returning student, you may register in the Registration/Student Records (also known as Enrollment Services) Office or online. 
  • Get your required books and supplies. The College Bookstore can help locate what you need for each course. 
  • To access your online course, log into myLCCC. Then click on “Connect to Online Courses in Canvas” in the LaunchPad on the left side of the page. 

How many hours per week should I devote to an online course?

The amount of time spent in an online course is no different than a face-to-face course. You’ll generally spend between 9-12 hours per week for each 3-credit, 15-week course.  

What are the different formats of classes offered at LCCC?

There are five different formats of classes at LCCC: (1) face-to-face class, (2) remote class, (3) online class, (4) hybrid class, and (5) expanded classroom. Visit our instructional methods page to learn more about our different formats. 

Out-of-State Admission Information

Learn more about the ins-and-outs of learning online as an out of state student at LCCC.

Tips for Successful Online Learning

New to online learning? In addition to our Canvas student orientation, we put together some tips to help you find academic success as an online student.  

Getting Started

  • Familiarize yourself with how to access your course(s) through the LCCC Portal.
  • Access the Canvas learning management system (LMS) by signing into the myLCCC Portal and clicking the ‘Connect to Online Courses in Canvas’ link in the LAUNCHPAD.
  • Spend some time exploring each course by downloading and reading the syllabus and viewing other materials in Canvas.
  • Make sure that your computer and your software are up to date.
  • Contact your instructors to introduce yourself and make sure you know how to best contact them.

How to Succeed

  • Complete the Canvas Student Orientation.
  • Complete your work on time.
  • Set up a schedule to complete your coursework and stick to it.
  • Avoid any influences that will prevent you from completing your work.
  • Contact your instructor with any questions.
  • Check in to the course often to look for any new information.
  • Keep copies of everything you submit in case there’s an issue retrieving your documents later.

Seek Help Early

  • Don’t wait to ask for help!  The longer you wait, the bigger the issue becomes.
  • Your instructor should be the first person you contact. They can usually offer the best and quickest solution. Their contact information should be in your syllabus.
  • Use all available resources. There is a list of resources in Canvas called “LCCC Resources” that can be helpful. This course can also be found by clicking on the thumb-tack icon that appears on the left-side navigation bar of Canvas.

Asking Questions

  • Read the course introduction/syllabus for your online class carefully to find out how to best communicate with the instructor. For example, some instructors will ask you to post all questions to a class discussion forum while others will ask you to email them directly to the instructor.
  • Identify how or when you can contact your instructor for office hour appointments.
  • Take advantage of all available methods to ask questions to instructors and fellow students such as e-mail, forums, video conference, etc.
  • Log on to your online classroom several times a week so you can take part in online discussions and read all messages in a timely manner.

Time Management Skills

  • Start early by reviewing coursework as soon as it is made available.
  • Save it or download assignments so you can work on them away from your computer if needed.
  • Plan your work: determine how and when you will complete the coursework.
  • Create a schedule that will help you meet your due dates.
  • Set your own deadlines to complete your coursework before they are due.
  • Save your work often.
  • Review your work for any errors or problems before submitting it.

Organization Skills

  • Develop a routine that works for you that promotes success.
  • Create a personal work space where you can complete our work and keep it organized.
  • Save your work and keep copies of everything that you submit.
  • Use a daily planner or calendar to keep yourself on schedule .

Study Skills

  • WRITE! Write things down. You tend to remember something better if you write it.
  • READ! Stay current with the reading assignments for your courses.
  • SWITCH! Switching between classes can offer a mental break between subjects.
  • BREAKS! Take breaks to avoid overloading on one subject.
  • COMFORT. You are more likely to avoid distractions and focus on your work if you are comfortable.
  • TALK! By communicating with classmates you can share information or study together.

Contact Us

For more information about LCCC’s online courses, call us at 610-799-1591 or 610-799-1919. You can also email us at onlinelearning@duojiwuye.com. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

For Canvas Support, contact 1-855-564-4646 or support@instructure.com 

Programs

LCCC offers more than 90 programs to help you earn your degree or start a new career.

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