All About Remote Learning: What it is, What to Expect

Distance learning. Distributed learning. Online/Remote learning. These are all terms describing knowledge you can acquire without physically being in a campus classroom or lab. Research continues to show remote learning an online classes in a college environment rival that of on-campus offerings when those options use careful instructional design and planning.

Many younger students have already done distance learning of some type, and they know both on-campus classes and technology-facilitated, remote learning share common elements:

• Teachers available for assignment questions and consultation
• Term papers and other writing assignments
• Tests and exams
• Group projects with other students.

Unraveling the Terms

The broader term of distance learning describes college courses delivered online without regard to where the university is physically located. Those interested in highly technical or science-based subjects, for example, can shop for specialized universities focusing on these subjects, rather than choosing colleges that only marginally meet a student’s expectations.

Distributed learning is another general term describing a multi-media method of instructional delivery. The mix may include web-based instruction, streaming video conferencing, face-to-face classroom time, distance learning through television or video, or other combinations.

An online course is purposely designed using online learning design principles. All participants in a class learn as a group under the teacher’s instruction. The class typically uses a standard textbook and other sources provided.

In remote learning, the instructor transitions the delivery of an on-campus course to online formats. Students log-in to class sessions independently to receive or complete daily or weekly teaching and assignments. Self-motivation and self-discipline are essential, as students may be expected to communicate with other students and learn enough on their own to pass quizzes and exams.

Questions to Ask When Considering Remote Learning

You’ll want to know the university’s experience in delivering online classes, and confident there is top-down support for the technical resources to deliver it at the same high level as the institution’s on-campus class options.

When you’re considering remote learning options, here are questions you need to be answered by the admissions or academic advising staff:

• What internal and external resources are supporting the remote learning options? Is the remote learning option integrated with the university’s Learning Management System (Canvas, Blackboard, etc.)
• Is the learning class-based, self-paced, or a blended combination?
• Is the university’s student-to-faculty ratio low enough to ensure high-quality delivery? Research supports the concept that universities with a lower ratio – typically 12:1 or less – are more effective.
• Do the faculty and academic program support staff embrace remote learning as an option equal to on-campus classes?
• Does the university use instructors who clearly communicate expectations for content mastery and access to online resources?

Remote Learning at CUKC: A Chiropractic and Health Sciences University

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, chiropractic and health sciences university in Overland Park, Kansas, a part of the Kansas City metro.

For nearly 100 years, we’ve been on a mission to create a healthier world. It’s a mission where we deliver everything we do at a higher level. That applies to our remote learning options, as well. Many of our prerequisite courses for degrees offered are available online – take a look here. High-quality delivery is assured through participation in a monitored component and supervised test/quiz/video conferencing sessions.

Our degree lineup:

• Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.)
• Concurrent D.C./B.S. in Human Biology program
• Associate of Arts in Biological Sciences
• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Human Biology

Discover the right CUKC academic degree program for you At the same time; you can prepare for college by learning more about how you may qualify for financial aid and repayment questions for any student loans taken after graduation. Explore these topics by getting this free eBook: “Your Guide to Navigating College Financial Aid.“