Online learning experiences will be part of all program delivery methods, including face-to-face (in-person) delivery. As there is no one-size-fits-all approach to program delivery, the amount of online learning required will vary across courses.
Flexible online delivery means that instead of meeting with your instructor and classmates on campus, you’ll connect with your class and access course materials on a virtual platform. You’ll complete and submit assignments and assessments using online tools and apps.
We know that online learning may be new to many of our students. It may even be scary to those who aren’t familiar with how it works.
That’s why we’re working hard to ensure our online program delivery gives you every opportunity for success:
- We’re working hard to ensure your courses and programs provide opportunities to engage with your instructors/fellow students and build important class connections.
- We’re developing assignments that are appropriate and fair in the online environment.
- We’re designing courses with flexibility in mind, so they fit your own schedule as much as possible.
The skills and tools you use in online learning are becoming essential features in nearly every industry workplace and career path. Flexible online learning will make it easier for you to hit the ground running in the new world of work from day one.
If you have questions that aren’t answered below, please email studentservices@rrc.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RRC Polytech use a specific online system/platform to teach? If so, do all classes use the same platform or is it random?
Yes. All online courses are primarily delivered on LEARN, RRC Polytech’s online learning management system. Delivering courses on LEARN:
- Ensures a consistent look and feel to the courses you take
- Provides a home for all course information and requirements, notifications, contact information for your instructor, and course materials (presentations, readings, videos, and more)
- Allows you to participate in discussions online and submit your assignments electronically
You may have the opportunity to engage with online content and activities using other tools, depending on your course.
Are students who take online courses doing nothing more than reading books and watching PowerPoint presentations?
Instructors will use a variety of methods to present course material to make sure your learning experience is engaging. Some of these methods may include:
- Videos
- eBooks
- Articles
- Discussions
- Demonstrations
- Synchronous (real time/live) online meetings
- Projects – both group and individual
- Online quizzes
Will all RRC Polytech courses be delivered via online conferencing (Zoom, WebEx, Skype, Microsoft Teams, etc) all the time?
No. Courses will be a blend of synchronous learning (“live” sessions using these tools) and asynchronous learning (activities you can work on as your schedule allows). How the two are blended will depend on the course. Recordings of all live sessions will be made available for those unable to attend.
Will courses have instruction, or will they be self-guided?
Instructors will guide you every step of the way, providing information and clarification as they facilitate your learning in the course. All instructors will hold virtual office hours to connect with students directly. In many courses, instructors will include video elements and/or live sessions to connect with you and your classmates.
What is the College doing to make online courses engaging?
As much as possible!
- We’re designing all online courses to be interactive
- Instructors will use a variety of instructional methods to present materials in different and engaging ways
- The types of assignments will also be varied, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in different ways
- Classmate interaction will be an important feature of each course: you’ll be asked to engage in the content together, via the course’s discussion forums, or work on projects using collaborative tools such as those you’ll find in today’s workplaces
What is “synchronous” and “asynchronous” learning, and how much of each should the students expect?
Synchronous delivery is learning delivered live at a specific time (e.g. students participate in a live video session with their instructor from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.). Synchronous delivery helps provide an invaluable social connection with your instructor and peers, and gives you the opportunity to interact and actively engage in live learning activities with peers, ask questions about difficult concepts, and demonstrate learning while gaining immediate feedback from instructors and peers.
Asynchronous delivery is learning that students can access when they choose (e.g. a posted recording of a lecture that students can watch and discuss using a discussion board). Asynchronous delivery allows students to choose when they learn and access resources and support as needed.
Most courses will feature a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning for students. In combination, the two methods allow students to maintain connections with their instructor and classmates (synchronous) and provide flexibility (asynchronous).
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.