Types of Courses Offered at IWCC
Online Courses Through IWCC
In an online course, students interact with their instructor and classmates through the Internet. There are usually no campus visits required. If you take an online class, you will read lectures, submit assignments, take quizzes, and do other course activities online. Iowa Western online courses follow the same schedule as traditional classes, and students are required to complete work each week.
Iowa Western delivers online classes through two platforms.
- ROC (IWCC's course management system)
- ICCOC (Iowa Community College Online Consortium)
Through the ICCOC partnership, the college can offer online courses to students interested in distance education alternatives. To learn more about the ICCOC, click on the following link www.iowacconline.org.
A number of degree programs are offered 100% online through IWCC.
Are These Courses Right for You?
Online courses are the most convenient delivery method at Iowa Western, but they also require the most time, self-discipline and time-management skills. Because you never attend class on-campus (except in special circumstances) you need to be extremely motivated to do well in the course.
Students who are the most successful at online coursework possess the following skills or qualities:
- good reading and writing skills (able to grasp important concepts from assigned reading and effectively communicate through written papers and/or threaded discussions)
- able to manage time efficiently (scheduling time each day for the online class, keeping up with assignments)
- self-motivation (able to work independently in the class without the interaction with teacher and students, as in a typical face-to-face class)
- competent in utilizing the computer and Internet (able to save and attach documents and use the Internet browser to navigate through the class or to look up information)
A number of degree programs are offered 100% online through IWCC.
Hybrid Courses
Hybrids are courses in which a significant portion of the learning activities have been moved online, and time spent in the classroom is reduced but not completely eliminated. The goal of a Hybrid course is to combine the best features of in-class teaching with the best features of online learning. Hybrid courses promote active, independent learning and reduce class seat time. Students are required to participate in class each week and to complete weekly coursework online.
Are These Courses Right for You?
Hybrid courses are designed for students who can be successful in online courses but who wish to retain the value of personal contact with the instructor and other students. Hybrid courses are very convenient but require more time, dedication, and time-management skills than traditional classroom learning.
Self Paced
Self-paced courses give students an opportunity to work at their own pace under the supervision of a faculty member. Delivery is typically in an online format.
ICN Courses
Iowa Western Community College offers courses over the ICN. ICN courses allow students to attend class at the campus or center closest to home. Lectures are delivered through the fiber optics system and are shown on a television screen. Students are able to interact through microphones and a camera system. The fiber optics sites include Iowa Western at the Council Bluffs and Clarinda Campuses and at an expanding number of sites in southwest Iowa. It provides an opportunity to enroll in college credit classes with having to travel great distances.
You may also wish to take the Is Online Learning For You? Quiz