Distance Learning

Madisonville Community College offers a variety of methods of instruction to meet the changing needs of our students. These methods include:

Web-enhanced instruction
Online instruction
Televised instruction (KET)
Interactive television (ITV)

For more information regarding distance learning, contact Tang Suppacheewa (tang.suppacheewa@kctcs.edu, 824-1700), Chet Cunningham (chet.cunningham@kctcs.edu, 824-8699), or Debbie Wright (debbie.wright@kctcs.edu, 824-8614).

Web-enhanced course

Web-Enhanced courses strengthen traditional classroom learning with online resources, discussions and activities. Some online activities may be required to complete the course. Some examples of online activities are submitting an assignment through email or posting on a website; or participating in a web-based discussion board about a designated topic. Students still attend on-campus classes, which follow the conventional start/finish schedule.

Online courses

On-Line courses - also referred to as Web-Only courses - can be taken primarily over the Internet from a student’s home, school, office, etc. Faculty members use a Web-course management system (Blackboard 7.1) to administer course content, discussions, interactions and resources. Assignments are usually submitted via a website or email. Attendance in a physical classroom is minimal to none.

Is online learning right for you?

An on-line course is a class that is taken primarily over the Internet. Students read materials on the net or in their textbook. Class discussion is via bulletin boards, on-line forums, chat-rooms, or e-mail. Assignments are usually submitted via the website or e-mail. Some on-line courses require the student to come to campus for face-to-face meetings or exams. See MCC’s Distance Learning Schedule for requirements of individual classes.

Taking this self-assessment instrument will help you determine if you can be an effective "online" student at this time:

I have reliable access at least three times each week (for an hour or more) to a computer that is connected to the Internet.
I am able to work and learn independently with little need for direct supervision.
My schedule does not allow attendance for on-campus classes.
I have an e-mail account and know how to send and receive e-mail messages.
I have used a Web browser to search for and access information on the World Wide Web.
I plan to allocate at least as much time in my schedule for the online course I want to take as I would for a similar course taught by more traditional methods. For most web courses this will be twelve or more hours a week.

If you answered “yes” to the above questions, an on-line class may be right for you. Before registering discuss the special demands of on-line class with the instructor or your advisor.

Interactive Television (ITV) courses

Interactive Television (ITV) courses are courses taught at another college and broadcast to Madisonville Community College or courses taught at MCC and broadcast to other sites. The close-circuit TV system makes it possible for the student to talk to the instructor and classmates at the distant location. The class may be broadcast simultaneously to several other community colleges. Students are required to come to MCC at the time the class is broadcast. Assignments are submitted by mail, FAX, or e-mail. Students who wish to talk with the instructor after the broadcast may do so by e-mail or phone. A facilitator is available throughout the class broadcast to assist students with the equipment. ITV allows students to take classes that might not be available locally.

Is ITV right for you?

Interactive Television (ITV) courses are taught at another college and broadcast to Madisonville Community College. The close-circuit TV system makes it possible for the student to talk to the instructor and classmates at the distant location. The class may be broadcast simultaneously to several other community colleges. Students are required to come to MCC at the time the class is broadcast. Assignments are submitted by mail, FAX, or e-mail. Students who wish to talk with the instructor after the broadcast may do so by e-mail or phone. A facilitator is available throughout the class broadcast to assist students with the equipment. ITV allows students to take classes that might not be available locally. See MCC’s Distance Learning Schedule for requirements of individual classes.

Taking this self-assessment instrument will help you decide if an ITV course is right for you:

I am able to regularly attend the class at the listed broadcast times.
I am able to work and learn independently with little need for direct supervision.
I am comfortable working with equipment such as microphones and overhead projectors.
I plan to allocate at least as much time in my schedule for the ITV course I want to take as I would for a similar course taught by more traditional methods. For most ITV courses this will be three hours in the ITV classroom plus nine to twelve hours a week outside the classroom for assignments and study.

If you answered “yes” to the above questions, an ITV class may be right for you. Before registering discuss the special demands of an ITV class with your advisor.

KET courses

A KET course is a class broadcast on the Kentucky Educational Network. Students are required to watch weekly programs, complete readings in a textbook, and submit assignments to the local instructor. Most KET courses require the student to come to campus for face-to-face meetings or exams. Communication with the instructor is by telephone, FAX, or e-mail.

Is KET right for you?

KET courses are broadcast on the Kentucky Educational Network. Students are required to watch a weekly program, complete readings in a textbook, and submit assignments to the local instructor. Most KET courses require the student to come to campus for face-to-face meetings or exams. Communication with the instructor is by telephone, FAX, or e-mail. See MCC’s Distance Learning Schedule for requirements of individual classes.

Taking this self-assessment instrument will help you determine if a KET class will be a good fit for you right now:

I have reliable access to KET on my home television at the time classes are broadcast.
I have reliable access to a VCR.
I am able to work and learn independently with little need for direct supervision.
My schedule does not allow attendance for on-campus classes.
I plan to allocate at least as much time in my schedule for the KET course I want to take as I would for a similar course taught by more traditional methods. For most KET courses this will be twelve or more hours a week.

If you answered “yes” to the above questions, a KET class may be right for you. Before registering discuss the special demands of a KET class with the instructor or your advisor.