Online Student Experiences at QC

Fully online learning experiences that offer time for independent work, active learning engagement and interaction with instructors and peers.
Traditional online courses at Quincy College are 100% online and do not have a set class time in which you need to be at your computer. You will still engage with your instructors and peers, but instead of virtual or face to face discussions, you will participate in online discussions and submit your assignments online.

Using the Canvas LMS you will find:
• A course syllabus
• A weekly to-do list
• A variety of learning materials such as videos, readings, websites, blogs
• Weekly assignments and assessments, such as tests and homework, with clear instructions and due dates
• Online discussions with clear instructions and set due dates

Our traditional online courses use the Canvas Learning Management System to include videos, online activities, online assignments, and assessments such as tests and quizzes. Students have flexibility to independently enjoy course content, i.e., a variety of videos, readings, and simulations. Students engage with the instructors and peers in online discussions and submit assignments online with set deadlines. The use of Canvas, combined with best practices in teaching, provide students with well-rounded, high-quality learning experiences

Fully online learning experiences that offer time for independent work and mandatory, virtual (live) classes for active learning and interaction with instructors and peers.
Blended learning at Quincy College is a flexible way of completing your coursework without feeling isolated. We combine the independent, online aspects of learning with mandatory, virtual (live) classroom experiences to maximize the benefits of both.

Using the Canvas LMS you will find:
• A course syllabus
• A weekly to-do list
• A variety of learning materials such as videos, readings, websites, blogs
• Weekly assignments and assessments, such as tests and homework, with clear instructions and due dates
• Scheduled, virtual (live) class meetings that students must attend
• Links to the virtual (live) class meetings with clear instructions on how to join

Our blended online courses utilize the Zoom video conferencing platform, videos, online activities, and user-friendly technology within the Canvas LMS (Learning Management System). These tools, combined with best practices in teaching, provide students with high-quality learning experiences.
Our blended online courses are designed for students to enjoy course content, i.e., a variety of videos, readings, and simulations, in combination with scheduled, online class meeting times to interact virtually (live) with instructors and peers.

A combination of learning experiences that offer time for independent work online and mandatory, face-to-face, classes on campus for active learning and interaction with instructors and peers.
Hybrid courses at QC provide flexibility for students since most course activities are done online. Students enrolled in hybrid courses have time to work independently online and enjoy time interacting face-to-face with the instructor and peers on campus. Students receive a schedule of their mandatory, on campus classes. Please note that individual programs may require a different number of on campus hours, but no less than six hours.

Using the Canvas LMS you will find:
• A course syllabus, with scheduled, mandatory on campus class meetings
• A weekly to-do list
• A variety of learning materials such as videos, readings, websites, blogs
• Weekly assignments and assessments, such as tests and homework, with clear
instructions and due dates

Our hybrid courses are designed for students to enjoy course content online, in combination with scheduled, on campus class meetings to interact with instructors and peers. Individual programs may require a different number of on campus hours, but no less than six hours, often delivered in three on campus class meetings.

Hybrid courses also use the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) including videos, online activities, online assignments, and assessments such as tests and quizzes. The use of Canvas, combined with best practices in teaching, provide students with well-rounded, high-quality learning experiences.

Whether you take a course on campus or online, Quincy College designs all courses to help you achieve your goals leading to academic success.

Traditional Online
This course experience works best for:
o Independent, self-directed learners who like the flexibility to balance their own work-life-learn schedules.
o Students who have effective time management skills to manage online course expectations. Keep in mind that online courses do not have a set class time in which you need to be at your computer.
o You will still engage with your instructors and peers, but instead of virtual (live) or face to face discussions, you will participate in online discussions and submit your assignments with set deadlines online.
Blended Online Learning
This course experience works best for:
o Independent, self-directed learners who like the flexibility to balance their own work-life-learn schedules.
o Students who have effective time management skills to manage online course expectations.
o Students who have time to attend scheduled, virtual (live) class meetings online.
o Students who have technology, such as a webcam and microphone, to attend and participate in the scheduled, virtual (live) class meetings.
Hybrid Learning
This course experience works best for:

o Independent, self-directed learners who like the flexibility to balance their own work-life-learn schedules.
o Students who have effective time management skills to manage online course expectations.
o Students who have time to attend scheduled class meetings on campus

Our online (traditional, blended and hybrid) classes are no more or less difficult than on campus classes. Students should keep in mind that all courses, including on campus courses, require self-discipline in getting schoolwork done and submitted on time.

There are many advantages to taking an online class and with the help of effective online learning skills, you’ll get the most out of your online learning experience. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Time Management: Be sure to block out time during the week to work on assignments. Creating a weekly schedule will help you set time for reading, watching videos, studying and participating in online discussions. Syllabus: Carefully read through the syllabus to identify requirements and major assignments. Note when assignments and other expectations are due throughout the semester.
2. Consistent place to work: Create a place to work without distractions. Be sure to work there regularly so that you can establish a routine.
3. Actively Participate: Participate in your online course every day. Even 30 minutes to engage in an online discussion or watch a video can help you stay on track.
4. Connect with your instructor: If you feel like you are falling behind, reach out to the instructor or your advisor for support right away.
5. Plan Ahead: Give yourself enough time to complete schoolwork so you are not working on something at the last minute. Keep in mind that for every credit you will work 3-hours, so for a 3-credit class you should expect to work 9-hours per week.
6. Weekly Check-ins: Check in with yourself weekly so you can get the most out of your online class. Monitor your progress by asking yourself if you are understanding material and submitting work in on time. Check assignment due dates and keep a calendar so that you stay up to date with your course work.

Our online courses are taught by our own faculty who also teach on campus. Most importantly, all our faculty go through training on how to teach online and how to design high-quality online courses.

All our online courses are designed by our own faculty and use different types of readings, videos, simulations, blogs, and other forms of digital media as instructional tools. All faculty go through extensive training to learn how to design online courses with students in mind

All students taking online classes have access to all student services including virtual tutoring, library resources, technology support, accessibility services, student success coaching and academic advising and free, online workshops on how to use Canvas, Microsoft 365 tools, study skills and learning how to learn.

Quincy College offers three types of online class experiences: our traditional online courses, our blended online courses and our hybrid courses.
• Traditional Online Courses
o Our traditional online classes do not have set, scheduled times to meet.
o These courses offer the most flexibility in terms of a work-life-learn balance.
o Students participate in discussion boards to interact with their instructors and peers and submit assignments online.
• Blended Online Courses
o Our blended courses do have set, scheduled times to meet virtually (live) as a class.
o Students attend weekly class meetings virtually (live), participate in online discussions with instructors and peers, and submit assignments online.
o As with on campus classes, our blended classes are mandatory.
• Hybrid Courses
o Our hybrid courses do have set, scheduled times to meet on campus, face-to-face as a class.
o Students will attend on campus class meetings during the semester and participate in online discussions with instructors and peers, and submit assignments online.
o As with on campus classes, our hybrid classes are mandatory.