Center for Distance and Innovative Learning

Joy Macke, MS, Dean of Academic Operations
Phone: (419) 995-8823
Email: macke.j@rhodesstate.edu 
Office: KH 205

With Rhodes State College's online offerings, students can work towards earning a certificate or degree in a way that's tailored to their goals and busy schedule.  Experienced Rhodes State faculty deliver online courses utilizing Canvas, an industry-leading Learning Management System (LMS) that engages students in a dynamic and collaborative learning environment that supports achievement. Canvas facilitates online quizzes, discussion boards, videos, student/instructor feedback, and more. Students are a part of a community of learners when enrolled in online courses at Rhodes State College, and faculty support them every step of the way.

Online learners should have access to and be comfortable using a computer and the internet and be highly motivated, organized, and self-directed. Online courses are not easier than traditional courses, just more flexible, and students spend the same amount of time completing an online course as a traditionally structured course. 

Distance Learning Student Identity Verification

All courses and programs offered via distance learning must verify that the student who registers for the courses is the same student who participates in, completes, and receives academic credit. Student identity is authenticated through RSC's Canvas Learning Management System through the issuance of a unique username and password, complying with federal requirement 34 CFR 602.17(g).

Online vs. Hybrid/Blended courses – two different types of delivery

Online courses provide flexibility to learn at home, work, or anywhere with internet access. All the content needed to complete your courses is available to you online, through Canvas, without stepping foot on campus. You can buy any required textbooks through the College's online bookstore.
Note: Some online courses may require proctored exams. Check the course syllabus for more information.

Hybrid/Blended courses combine the best features of face-to-face classroom instruction and instruction online. Students are expected to alternately attend regularly scheduled courses or lab periods on campus and to have the motivation to study and complete coursework online. Online coursework may consist of video lectures, podcasts, or self-directed instruction. Specific information regarding the online course content is given to students during the scheduled class period.
Note: Some hybrid/blended courses may require proctored exams. Check the course syllabus for more information.
Note: Some classes may choose to use a hyflex delivery. This modality allows a student to attend the class on campus or join virtually.

Online vs. Hybrid/Blended certificates and degrees– two flexible ways to complete your education
Online certificates and programs provide flexibility to learn at home, work, or anywhere with internet access. All the content students need to complete a certificate or degree is available to online, through Canvas, without stepping foot on campus.  Online certificates and degrees provide the most flexibility for completing educational goals.

Hybrid/Blended certificates and degrees provides the option of having some courses on-campus and other courses online. They take advantage of the best features of both face-to-face and online learning.

General Information
Attendance. Although distance education courses offer students the option of completing most of their coursework off-campus, attendance will be tracked as an indication of progress. This means that all students must be actively working on all currently enrolled courses. Assignments must be turned in on time, and regular contact with the instructor is also required. Weekly progress on course assignments and projects is needed to gain an understanding of the course's content and to demonstrate required competencies satisfactorily. Lack of progress will negatively impact the earned grade and, if flagrant, could result in a grade of "E." Current information regarding distance education courses can be found at The Center for Distance and Innovative Learning website.

For More Information
For more information regarding online courses and programs, contact the Center for Distance and Innovative Learning at cdil@RhodesState.edu or (419) 995-8008.