Distance & Online Learning

The College offers online courses which are an extension of the on-campus course offerings. Over 100 Internet courses are offered in General Education, Computer Technology, Business, Health Science, and Office Technology. During each term, emphasis is placed on offering Internet courses which support programs at the MSU - GF College of Technology, as well as other units of the Montana University System.

Programs

• Medical Transcription AAS Degree
• Medical Transcription Certificate of Applied Science
• Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate of Applied Science
  
• Health Information Technology AAS Degree
  
• Medical Billing Specialist Certificate of Applied Science
  
• Medical Billing and Coding Specialist AAS Degree
• Montana University System Core
  
• Associate of Arts
  
• Associate of Science
  
• Computer Information Technology (90% online) AAS degree
  • Microcomputer Support
    
  • Network Support
    
  • Web Development
    

Additional information, including detailed course descriptions, is available on the web at distance.msugf.edu. For answers to questions about distance learning opportunities, please visit our website or call the Distance Education Department at 406-771-4440 or 800-446-2698, ext 4440.

Internet Classes

The College uses a variety of delivery methods to best accommodate students and hires qualified faculty, both inside and outside of the Great Falls area, to meet the needs of students working part- and full-time. These faculty are trained and supported by the Distance Education Department to deliver effective instruction over the Internet. Courses are currently being delivered using the WebCT C.E. 4.1 course management software. However, the College will be implementing a new learning management system within the next year. Online students follow the same registration procedures as campus-based students. Online students have full access to MSU – Great Falls College of Technology library resources and now have the opportunity to order textbooks online through the COTtage Bookstore (http://www.thecottagebookstore.com). The College plans distance learning opportunities, coordinates their delivery with academic departments, and provides student and faculty support services. Please contact the Distance Ed office for more information about the programs and/or course offerings. Students at a distance are an important part of the campus community!

Mixed-Mode (Hybrid) Classes

A hybrid or mixed-mode course combines the traditional classroom setting with an online component. The amount of on-campus class time varies but is less than a traditional face-to-face class. Students enjoy the flexibility and convenience of an online course as well as the benefits of meeting face-to-face for interactive classroom instruction.

Web-Enhanced Classes

Many of the on-campus courses are web-enhanced and use various online tools to enrich the class. An instructor may post lecture notes, grades, and allow email contact online. Assignments may be turned in electronically.

Advantages: You Can –

• Take courses from the comfort of your home.
  
• Earn a degree online while you work.
  
• Log in and complete assignments any time of day or night.
  
• Complete prerequisite courses online before relocating.
  
• Save on travel and childcare costs.
  
• Blend a course with your work schedule.
  
• Enjoy learning through an online format.

Challenges: You Must –

• Be self-motivated.
  
• Learn to communicate effectively using technology to connect with other students, faculty, and the Distance Education Department by using e-mail, phone calls, and posting to discussion groups.
  
• Beware of procrastination – online courses follow the same calendar as on-campus courses.
  
• Learn to use the technology along with the content of the course.
  
• Own, purchase, or gain access to updated software and a newer personal computer for some courses. The latest version of Microsoft Office Professional and the newest Internet Explorer browser are recommended.
  
• Install a sound card (required for some courses).
  
• Read instructions and all course materials versus attending on-campus course lectures.
  
• Have regular access to an Internet-ready computer and basic computer skills.

You May –
Be required to find a testing proctor or come on campus to take exams for your online course(s), especially mathematics, accounting and computers.