Distance Education at Delaware Tech
Delaware Tech offers courses in several different modalities. In a distance education course, a percentage of learning occurs when students and the instructor are not in the same location. Students in these courses still meet the same learning objective as those in traditional in-person classes.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Course Modality
When registering for courses, you may be able to choose your course modality. All modalities meet the same learning objectives, but some modalities may fit your needs and preferences better than others. Before making your decision, consider your level of self-direction, learning preferences, academic skills, and technology skills. Review the descriptions and questions below to help you reflect.
Self Direction
A self-directed learner can decide when, where, and how they will complete their academic work, without guidance from others. Similarly, a self-directed learner can develop their own schedule to meet deadlines. When deciding whether you are a self-directed learner, consider the following questions:
- Am I able to meet deadlines without being given a set schedule of when to complete work?
- Do I need the accountability of live classes, or can I manage my time independently?
- When I have a goal, can I determine what to do in order to achieve it?
- Am I able to stay on task while working by myself?
Are you looking to become more self-directed? Read section 3.5 of College Success by OpenStax: Prioritization: Self-Management of What You Do and When You Do It
Learning Preferences
Your learning preferences include when, where, and how you like to learn. For example, you might prefer regularly scheduled face-to-face classes, or you might prefer to watch video lessons from home when your schedule allows. When determining your learning preferences, consider the following questions:
- Would I prefer to attend class during a scheduled meeting time?
- Do I want the flexibility to determine where I complete coursework?
- Do I prefer to learn from live instruction or from self-paced materials?
- When collaborating with others, do I prefer to meet face-to-face or virtually?
Does your work or home schedule dictate your preferences? Delaware Tech offers resources to help you balance work, life, and school.
Academic Skills
Good academic skills are beneficial to all students. Some course modalities, however, require more independent learning. In those cases, it helps if you already have a strong understanding of how to complete coursework without direct guidance. When determining your academic skills, consider the following questions:
- Am I able to learn from watching instructional videos and reading instructional texts?
- Am I able to communicate clearly in writing?
- Am I comfortable following directions without being able to ask for immediate clarification?
- If I am struggling, am I willing to reach out for help?
If you’re struggling in a course, always start by contacting your instructor. If you need additional help, visit one of Delaware Tech’s Writing and Math Centers or explore options for tutoring.
Technology Skills
All courses utilize technology, but certain course modalities rely on it more than others. While technology support is available to all students, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to troubleshoot issues on your own. When deciding whether you have the appropriate technology skills for a course modality, consider the following questions:
- Do I have consistent access to a device with reliable internet?
- Would I be able to participate in regularly-scheduled virtual meetings?
- Am I comfortable troubleshooting technology issues on my own?
- Do I meet Delaware Tech’s Minimum Technology Requirements?
Looking for more information about Delaware Tech’s online platforms? Explore technology resources to learn more.
Course Modalities
Use the accordion below to learn more about the course modalities available at Delaware Tech. Descriptions can also be found on our Course Type Descriptions page.
As you read the descriptions, consider your responses to the reflection questions. Which modalities best fit your level of self-direction, learning preferences, academic skills, and technology skills?
What it looks like: Courses take place at a scheduled time on campus, where you’ll meet face-to-face with your instructor and classmates. You will have assignments to complete outside of class, but instruction takes place on campus during class time.
Best for you if:
- You want face-to-face interaction with your instructor and classmates.
- You prefer to attend class on a set schedule.
- You want the opportunity for immediate guidance and feedback from your instructor.
Best for you if:
- You want regular face-to-face connection with your instructor and classmates, even if it’s not every week.
- You are self-directed enough to work independently on weeks when class does not meet in person.
Best for you if:
- You want maximum control over when and how you attend class.
- Your ability to visit campus or attend live sessions varies from week to week.
- You are self-directed enough to work independently if you choose to attend asynchronously.
Best for you if:
- You want the flexibility of learning remotely but benefit from a set schedule.
- You want live interaction with your instructor and classmates, even if that interaction takes place virtually.
- You have a dedicated space, reliable device, and stable internet connection for attending virtual meetings.
- You’re comfortable troubleshooting basic technology issues.
Best for you if:
- You are a self-directed learner with strong time management skills.
- You want maximum flexibility in when and where you complete coursework.
- You have the academic skills to learn from videos, readings, and interactive activities without the instructor present.
- You’re comfortable troubleshooting basic technology issues.
- Regular Communication: You'll receive timely feedback from your instructor to make sure you stay on track.
- Active Participation: You'll engage with classmates and content through discussions, activities, and projects.
- Clear Deadlines: You'll receive a schedule with clear due dates at the beginning of the course.
- Support Services: You'll have access to tutoring, advising, technology help, and library resources.
Student Resources
Need help preparing yourself for a distance education course? Use the buttons on the resource below to learn more about Delaware Tech’s student supports!