Centers for Independent Learning
College of DuPage

(630) 942-2131
e-mail

Locations
- Bloomingdale
- Glen Ellyn
- Naperville
- Westmont

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Flexible Learning at College of DuPage?
Flexible Learning courses and support services can be found at the College’s four Centers for Independent Learning (CILs) located on campus in Glen Ellyn and at the three Learning Commons in Bloomingdale, Naperville and Westmont Regional Centers. 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.

The CILs administer and deliver instruction for a variety of delivery formats. Course materials are distributed by a variety of media, including 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. Most students who successfully complete Flexible Learning courses say that independent learning is equal to or more difficult than classroom-based learning. This is because students must invest the extra time and effort necessary to essentially teach themselves. This is accomplished by using the 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: appointment-based courses, telelearning courses, open lab math, and group-instruction foreign language courses. Most of these formats allow students to proceed at their own pace 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 the Centers for Independent Learning (CILs) provide?
CILs offer more than 100 non-traditionally delivered college courses.
Courses are offered in a broad variety of learning and instructional formats: print, video, computer-mediated, radio and television broadcasts, CD ROM and Internet.

The Testing Lab facilities at each center 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
  

Flexible Learning students need to be self-directed and self-motivated in their approach to learning, and they must possess 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. You can also view a check list that will help you determine if this is the right choice for you.

What types of students take Flexible Learning courses?
Many Flexible Learning students enroll out of necessity 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, independent learning course at an off-campus CIL?

• One-stop access to support services
• Convenience
• Flexibility
  

Three Learning Commons locations close to home: Bloomingdale, Naperville and Westmont. At these convenient, easily-accessible neighborhood locations, students can take advantage of a wide range of support services in a one-stop setting during early morning, daytime, evening and weekend hours. 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 faculty members at the CILs?
Most Flexible Learning faculty also teach classroom-based courses at COD. A Flexible Learning instructor has a minimum of a master’s degree in the appropriate subject area.

CIL faculty serve as facilitators by supporting and assisting their assigned students. They can interact with the students in person and by voice mail, phone, e-mail and fax. All CIL faculty schedule hours during specified days and times each week and make themselves available to Flexible Learning students.

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