Distance/Online Education
If you have general questions about distance courses, call the Teaching & Learning Department at (307)855-2161, (307)855-2200 or e-mail cwcde@cwc.edu.
To register for these classes, please contact Rustler Central at (307)855-2115. To avoid delays in receiving materials, register early for distance delivered courses and provide a current address to the Student Records Office.
Initial Log-In Information
You will receive log-in information from your student advisor when you register for classes the first time. If you have trouble logging in, please contact the CWC HelpDesk at (307)855-2198 for assistance.
Interactive Web Conferencing
Distance delivery web conferencing is a hybrid educational delivery system. This system allows real time interaction between instructors and students located off campus via web conferencing. Classes are held at CWC campus or outreach center; however, it is not necessary for students to go to one of the sites. The web conferencing option serves students from any computer that has access to the internet.
Online Remote Instruction
These courses are completed entirely online. Students are required to have internet and computer (or other device) access. Some courses also require specific software. Basic knowledge of computer operations and browsing the internet are necessary for success. Computer and internet access are available on-campus and at selected outreach centers for enrolled students.
IMPORTANT: Enrolling in a course being recorded or transmitted over the Interactive Classroom
Network indicates you understand there is a chance you may appear on the recording and/or be
visible to students at a remote site and give your consent to being seen by other students.
Student Services and Distance Learners
Services are available to distance students to help ensure their success. In addition to those services
discussed in this handbook, such as counseling services, registration and records information, library
resources, textbooks and other supplies, CWC also provides online tutoring for students who need additional assistance. Access to information about online tutoring can be found by signing into the myCentral student portal at https://www.cwc.edu/mycentral/and clicking on the NetTutor link.
Academic Advisement
Taking a distance delivery course does not exempt a student from policies regarding academic advisement. If you are a new student, you must talk to an Academic Advisor prior to registering for
classes. The academic advisors can be reached by calling Rustler Central at (307)855-2115.
Library services
Distance education library services are available. Please call the CWC Library for assistance at (307) 855-2141.
Getting Your Course Materials
Your first responsibility for any distance education course is to purchase the required textbook and any additional materials for your course. Textbooks and course materials are available from the college bookstore. Visit them on the Riverton Campus or, if you live in other areas, contact them for options at (307)855–2201.
Canvas: Access to courses via the Learning Management System (LMS)
CWC uses Canvas to provide online access to courses and course material. Canvas is a cloud-based learning management system that makes teaching and learning easier. Login to your CWC account at https://www.cwc.edu/mycentral and click on “MyClasses” to get started. This is where you will fully participate in your online courses and you will also find that some instructors use Canvas to supplement traditional classes. Canvas offers an internal messaging tool (Inbox) so you can easily stay in touch with your instructor and communicate with other students in each class. In your Canvas course, you can check your grades, participate in discussions, submit assignments, take exams, and complete other learning activities. Instructors use Canvas to create their own virtual classrooms so you will see the same variety in Canvas as you do in your face-to-face courses. Becoming familiar with the Canvas environment and its tools is the first step in succeeding in your online course. Join in, ask questions, and participate as you would in any classroom.
Being a successful student
Web based courses are an excellent method for learning. However, the student must be aware that time management skills are crucial. You will have as much or possibly more work required to succeed in a web based class. To find out more about online learning, go to https://libguides.cwc.edu/studentguide/online
Instructor Communication
Your CWC instructor is available to you throughout the semester to answer course-related questions. Instructor office hours and contact information are available when you log into your classes. Contact your instructor frequently during the course of any distance education classes. Look in the course syllabus for details on how to contact and communicate with your professor.
Your CWC instructor will communicate with you throughout the semester as necessary. However, you are encouraged to call, e-mail or write to your instructor at any time for help with course-related problems or questions. If you are on campus your instructor would like to meet with you personally.
Try not to fall behind, but if you do, call your instructor to let him or her know you are having a problem keeping up. Your instructors want you to be successful and communication is essential.
If you are unable to contact your instructor, please contact the Teaching and Learning Department. This office can be reached directly at (307)855-2161 or by emailing cwcde@cwc.edu. We need to know if you are having difficulty in this area and will forward your message to your instructor. If you live within commuting distance of the campus, don’t hesitate to drop by to visit with your instructor during announced office hours or by appointment.