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.
Course Delivery Methods
FACE-TO-FACE (F2F) - Students attend in-person in a classroom setting at scheduled times. The course syllabus and grades may be posted online in the Canvas learning management system. Any online course activity complements in-person class sessions without reducing the number of required class meetings.
MULTI SITE CLASSROOM – The Interactive Classroom Network (ICN) is a state-of-the-art distance delivery system. This system allows real time interaction between instructors and students located off campus. The Interactive Classroom Network (ICN) serves students throughout Central Wyoming College’s service area.
HYBRID FACE-TO-FACE (F2F)/ZOOM - 100% of course instruction is delivered in a synchronous mode. Classes meet both face-to-face and via Zoom web conferencing. Requires an Internet connection and a computer or mobile device with microphone capabilities.
HYBRID FACE-TO-FACE (F2F)/ONLINE - Online activities and assessments are mixed with face-to-face classroom meetings for a prescribed number of hours. Requires a computer and Internet access.
In this type of course, traditional classroom instruction and approaches (including group work, student discussions, and lab work) are supported by online components. The online component complements or may even replace class lectures, so that class time is used for more active learning activities that reinforce new skills and knowledge. These in-person class sessions may be held each week, or at strategic pre-set times during the semester.
HYBRID ZOOM/ONLINE - Online activities and assessments are mixed with meetings at scheduled times using Zoom web conferencing. Students do not need to be on campus for any portion of coursework or evaluation. Requires an Internet connection and a computer or mobile device with microphone capabilities.
ZOOM (WEB CONFERENCE) - Students meet at scheduled times using Zoom web conferencing. Students do not need to be on campus for any portion of coursework or evaluation. Requires an Internet connection and a computer or mobile device with microphone capabilities.
ONLINE (Internet Based Instruction) – 100% of course instruction is delivered online. Students have the opportunity to learn whenever and wherever, and do not need to be on campus for any portion of coursework or evaluation. Requires a computer and Internet access.
IMPORTANT: Enrolling in a course being recorded or transmitted over the Interactive Classroom
Network or via Zoom web conferencing 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 or online at https://cwc.textbookbrokers.com.
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.
Canvas Help
The Teaching and Learning Department staff are available to help you with Canvas. We can be reached directly at (307)855-2161, (307)855-2200, or by emailing cwcde@cwc.edu.
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/student
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. Contacting your instructor frequently during the course of any distance education classes can help you be more successful. Look in the course syllabus for details on how to contact and communicate with your professor. If you are unable to contact your instructor, please reach out to the Teaching and Learning Department so we can assist.
Your CWC instructor will communicate with you throughout the semester as necessary. However, you are encouraged to call or email your instructor at any time for help with course-related problems or questions. And 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. Try not to fall behind, but if you do, call your instructor to let them know you are having a problem keeping up. Your instructors want you to be successful and communication is essential.