Distance Learning

Students that wish to participate in our programs that cannot physically attend the River Valley Technical Center have the option of participating in our programs via distance education. The process of enrollment is the same for both in-house and our distance students. All participants will be working with the same software and lab materials regardless of location and will be part of the daily class meetings using teleconferencing technologies. In addition, all students will have access to the same course materials via our Learning Management System which provides all of the course materials and information, regardless of location.

Once a student is accepted into the program, our technology support personnel will work with each school to assist in configuring their network so that students will be able to access all of the online content for the program. This also includes the teleconferencing system that connects all of the classrooms together. This virtual classroom allows students to see each other and participate in class discussions with both other students as well as the instructors.

In addition to the daily online meetings, instructors will arrange face-to-face meetings with students at each location to enhance the virtual classrooom experience. These meetings allow the students to develop a deeper rapport with the faculty and also allows the instructors to understand the specific needs of each student.

Lastly, there are "all-day" sessions that bring all of the students together throughout the year for group meetings. These are an important aspect of the program, in that they allow both the instructors and students the opportunity to meet each other and explore new components of the program that they are enrolled in.

Taking a program using Distance Education is different then coming to the Center. Students that are motivated, self-directed, and that take control of their own learning are the ideal candidates. All students will have an interview with the program instructor prior to the start of class to make sure that they will be comfortable using the technology in the class.

Students who enroll in the program typically have interests in music, drama and technology. Many, but not all, are musicians that wish to expand the use of technology to produce recordings. Many students wish to begin careers in film, television, or radio after graduation, with most pursuing post-secondary degrees.

To find out more, give us a call at (802)885-8305.