Center for Distance and Innovative Learning

Jean A. Wisuri, MA, Chair
Phone: (419) 995-8870
Email: wisuri.j@rhodesstate.edu
Office: 151A SCI

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 with using a computer and the internet and also 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. 

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 course 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 choose to attend the class on campus or to 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 you are 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.

Technical Requirements and Skills

To be successful online, students need the ability to:

• use Windows operating system or Macintosh operating system.
• use a web browser (such as Firefox or Google Chrome);
• use word processing software;
• download and upload files;
• manage files and folders;
• download software.

Recommended Computer Specifications

Student’s computer should meet the minimum suggested specifications:

• Windows 7+ or Macintosh OS X 10.10;
• 2.5 GHz Processor;
• 8 GB RAM;
• Graphics Card: 1 GB GPU with 29 GB/s Bandwidth and DirectX 11 compliant;
• A high-speed Internet connection (minimum of 512kbps);
• Webcam and microphone;
• Android and iOS both support the two most recent versions of their respective operating systems.

Minimum Software Requirements:

Student’s computer should meet the minimum software requirements:

• Latest version of Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome

Note: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is used by all faculty on campus and is required for select courses/programs. Please see your course syllabus for course-specific technology requirements.

You’re all set, now check out the online certificates and degrees that can get you where you want to go!

Available Online Certificates and Degrees  

Online certificates and degrees provide you the flexibility to continue your education when your busy life keeps you from coming to campus and you know the importance of continuing your education. 

Fully Online Certificates

• Accounting Clerk
• Business Administration
• Business Management
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals
• Digital Marketing
• Esports Management & Coaching
• Human Resource Management
• Liberal Arts
• Marketing
• Medical Coding and Billing
• Project Management
• Real Estate
• Supply Chain Management
• Tax Preparer
• Team Leadership

Fully Online Two-Year Programs 

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Human Resource
• Digital Marketing and Media
• Associate of Science with Business Concentration

 For more information about online certificates and degrees, contact the CDIL at cdil@rhodesstate.edu or 419-995-8008.