Online Learning

Online/Distance Learning Student Responsibilities

Distance Learning

Distance learning occurs when the student and instructor are separated by distance, time and/or location. Minnesota West provides avenues for distance learning for students; interactive television (ITC), zoom rooms, and online courses. ITV courses are offered at the same time in different locations.

Interactive Television (ITC)

Interactive Television and zoom rooms are used extensively at Minnesota West. This technology provides students with a broad range of classroom experiences that might not otherwise be available. Using state-of-the-art two-way video conferencing, instructors and students are brought together in full video and audio. In many cases, instructors enhance their teaching with technical tools that are available in these specially equipped classrooms.

When a class lecture or lab is being recorded for any reason, students will be informed that a recording is taking place. Students will be advised as to the purpose of the recording, how it will be used, and the process for destroying of the recording. Students wishing to record a class must have written permission from the instructor.

Minnesota West Online Courses

At Minnesota West, efforts focus on developing internet based courses that parallel campus courses. Online courses at Minnesota West are taught by college faculty who work with students throughout the duration of the course. Instructors apply the same rigorous academic standards for success with an Online course as they do in their traditional classroom courses. Online courses are delivered through Minnesota West‘s online learning management system Desire2Learn Brightspace.

All students are enrolled in an Introduction to Online Learning course. It is recommended that you review this course before you take an online course.

To obtain the maximum benefit of online courses, it is the student’s responsibility to be actively engaged in the online learning experience by:

  • Attending online classes per the instructor's requirements, participating in online discussion, and setting aside time for online coursework
  • Proactively seeking assistance when needed.

For information, review  Online Learning