Frequently Asked Questions

Sections:

What is Flexible Learning at College of DuPage?

Flexible Learning courses and support services can be found at the Learning Commons at the Glen Ellyn campus, and the Learning Commons located in the Regional Centers in Bloomingdale, Naperville, and Westmont. These centers are committed to helping busy, self-disciplined learners who need a flexible and convenient learning option to the traditional classroom or online courses.

Flexible Learning course instruction is delivered in a variety of delivery formats and course materials are distributed through many different media sources, such as Blackboard, printed text and study guides, video or audio, computer software and Internet.

How are Flexible Learning courses different from regular classroom courses?

Course objectives and curriculum for COD Flexible Learning courses are the same as those in their classroom counterparts. What's different is the way that instruction is delivered. This is accomplished by using a variety of self-instructional media and print materials that have been designed to deliver the course content. These materials may include a text, study guide or course handbook, a media component, Blackboard, and a course map outlining the sequential step-by-step use of the materials.

How are Flexible Learning courses organized and delivered?

Course organization depends on the format and delivery method: self-paced Flexible courses (some with a weekly appointment) and group-instruction foreign language courses. Most of these formats allow students to proceed at their own pace within the semester and test when they are prepared and ready. In some courses, students can arrange with instructors to start any time after the first week and up to the middle of the term.

What specific services do Learning Commons (LCs) provide?
Learning Commons offer non-traditionally delivered college courses. Courses are offered in a broad variety of learning and instructional formats: print, video, CD ROM and Internet. The Testing Lab facilities at each off-campus Learning Commons provide placement testing, Flexible Learning course testing, and both career interest and proficiency testing. Most courses are supported by Blackboard testing. Academic skills courses help students refresh or develop their reading, math, writing or study skills.

How can I determine if Flexible Learning courses are a good choice for me?
Students can easily succeed in a Flexible Learning class:

By using a self-directed style
By having a sincere desire to learn independently with consistent self-motivation
By maintaining self-discipline and avoiding procrastination
By communicating effectively with instructors and fulfilling course requirements in a timely manner
By possessing effective study skills and habits

Students are encouraged to contact one of the instructors to talk about course expectations and what's needed for successful course completion.

See the "Getting Started" link in the sections panel at the top of this page to determine if Flexible Learning courses are the right choice for you.

What types of students take Flexible Learning courses?
Many Flexible Learning students enroll due to their busy work schedules and family or community responsibilities. Other students enjoy learning independently, have the ability to take control of their own learning, and are attracted to the flexibility and convenience of learning at their own pace. Many students enjoy using the different forms of media that allow them the flexibility to replay and review the materials in order to reinforce course content.

What are the advantages of taking a self-paced, Flexible learning course at an off-campus Learning Commons?

Easily accessible neighborhood locations in Bloomingdale, Naperville and Westmont
Flexible early daytime, evening and weekend hours
One-stop access to support services. During a single visit, a student can turn in homework, check out video and audio lessons, use a computer, take a test, work on labs and check assignments.

Who are the Flexible Learning course faculty members?
Most Flexible Learning faculty members also teach classroom-based courses at COD. A Flexible Learning instructor has a minimum of a master's degree in the appropriate subject area.

Faculty serves as facilitators by supporting and assisting their assigned students. They can interact with their students in person each week, during regularly scheduled hours, and by voice mail, phone, email and fax.