eCampus
Technology and the Internet are integral parts of the education process at NWFSC. In keeping with current educational practice, students will be expected to use computer technology and internet communication throughout their college experience. All classes offered at NWFSC may require use of the Internet; such use may vary depending on the class delivery mode (traditional, hybrid, or online).
NWFSC’s eCampus website (http://eCampus.nwfsc.edu) supports student learning through various methods and serves as the portal for online and hybrid classes. The site provides access to online classes for Distance Learning students and for students in traditional and hybrid classes using the Desire2Learn (D2L) online learning environment.
In addition, all students may access other technology tools from this site, such as videos of instructors’ lectures, web conferencing software, and plagiarism prevention software. Technical support for students using these resources is also available on the eCampus website. At NWFSC, both on-line and hybrid classes serve students who elect to learn outside the traditional classroom.
On-line Classes
Online instruction, using the D2L platform, reaches students needing flexibility and convenience. Online courses are facilitated virtually, yet they may require a proctored component. In compliance with SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges), the proctored component is intended to verify identity of online students thereby ensuring the integrity of online programs within NWFSC.
Hybrid Classes
Hybrid classes are traditional college classes combined with online activities to reduce class seat time. Hybrid classes provide the advantages of limited face-to-face instruction combined with the convenience of online learning. Thus, hybrid classes meet less often than a traditional class but provide the same course credit as a traditional class.
Online Instruction
NWFSC offers students the convenience and flexibility of earning course credits through various delivery modes so that students may take control of their own education by working and learning at times and places convenient to them. Online and Hybrid classes carry the same course numbers and credits as their traditional counterparts and appear on the student’s transcript just as any other course does; there is no designator on the transcript identifying a course as online or hybrid. Credits earned are transferable and are applicable to graduation requirements in the same manner as traditional classes. All NWFSC courses, including all online and hybrid courses, are taught by faculty holding credentials in the relevant subject matter. The majority of eCampus instructors are full-time faculty who also teach traditional classes and whom online or hybrid students may contact or visit during office hours. Students can search for online and hybrid classes by clicking the Class Schedule link at http://eCampus.nwfsc.edu.
Online Course Orientations
To ensure the success of each student, every online instructor will provide an online orientation experience. Course orientations contain crucial information, such as course pace, how to submit assignments, grading requirements, testing arrangements, and strategies for improving student success. A face-to-face orientation may be required for specialized programs, such as nursing, please see the class schedule for details.
Final Examinations
Final examinations for both traditional and Distance Learning classes are held at the end of each term and must be taken at the scheduled time unless other arrangements are approved in advance by the appropriate division director or department head. Final exam schedules are printed in the Schedule of Classes and on the NWFSC website for each term.
Online Support Services
NWFSC is committed to offering students the same quality of education through online and hybrid courses as it offers in the classroom. Students have full access to college services at all locations. They may use on-campus resources, such as the Academic Success Center, the Career Center, Academic Advising and computer labs.
On-line and hybrid courses are subject to the same rules as traditional, in-class courses for refunds, prerequisites, placement, withdrawals, repeat rules, grading, and other academic policies. Depending on student eligibility, financial assistance is generally available for these courses in the same manner as it is for traditional courses.
For more information, contact the eCampus/Learning Technologies Office at (850) 729-6464 or visit the eCampus website at http://eCampus.nwfsc.edu.
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