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Online & Distance Learning FAQ

This list covers some common questions. For other questions, Enrollment Services, Academic Advising, or the Student Help Desk may be able to assist you.  Still can’t find the help you’re looking for? Try looking in the Lane Directory.

You can participate anytime, anyplace you have Internet access. Online courses require little or no on-campus attendance. Online courses designated as “Online In-person Testing” will require proctored exams. Interaction with the instructor and other students is provided through discussion forums and email. You don't have to be online at a certain time every day, but you will be expected to log on and participate in the course regularly beginning the first week of the term. You’ll be responsible for maintaining your own computers and software required for each class. Plan to dedicate at least as much time for an online course doing class activities, studying and homework as you would for an on-campus course.

Online courses follow the same term schedule as classes on campus. Study times can be planned for your convenience, but exams and assignments must be completed by assigned due dates. Online courses aren’t easier than on-campus classes, but you gain the flexibility of studying when it’s best for you, save travel time and expense, and allow you to balance school, work and personal responsibilities.

 

You may be dropped for nonattendance. If you’re enrolled in online courses, you’ll need to participate in one online class activity during the first week of classes to avoid being "No Show Dropped." 

The last day to drop a class for the term and not be charged for the class is at the end of the first week, Sunday, at 11:59 p.m. Courses are dropped in ExpressLane. Instructors are not required to drop you if you do not login or attend.

Online courses are accessed through Moodle, Lane’s learning management system.

Learn how to log in to and use Moodle

You’ll need access to a computer with an up-to-date browser and reliable internet (high-speed internet access is recommended). Ensure your computer allows you to download and upload files, browse websites, and play audio/video files. A webcam and microphone may be needed in some classes. Need to borrow a computer? Visit the SHeD for information about computer loans.

Lane will provide you with a student gmail address. Use this address for all Lane- related communication. 

To take online courses, you‘ll need to be comfortable using email and be able to operate a browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Safari. Software specific to your course or program may also be required. You’ll need good time management and reading, writing and communication skills. You also need to be organized, self-motivated, and an independent learner.

Resident and nonresident tuition for online courses is charged at the same rate as on-campus courses. Online courses have a $10 per credit fee up to a maximum of $50 per course. You also pay an $11 per credit technology fee and a $5 transportation fee. Some courses may have departmental fees in addition.

If you are taking only online courses, you do not pay the Student Activity, Health Clinic or Transportation ($27 bus pass) fees.

Veterans receiving educational benefits and international students should check current regulations before enrolling in online or hybrid courses.

In order to receive a refund of tuition and fees, you must officially drop courses in myLane by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday of the first week of classes. It is your responsibility to drop any course in which you do not plan to participate.

Credit Fees and Expenses Information

 

You may need to come to campus if your online course requires you to take exams on campus or with an approved proctor. Check with your instructor at the beginning of the term and ask about testing requirements. Classes that list “Online InPerson Testing” in the instructional method column will require on-campus exams. If you live outside the local area, plan to find a proctor in your area.

Hybrid courses combine traditional classroom activities with online learning so that time spent in the classroom is reduced but not eliminated. A hybrid course is designed to integrate face-to-face and online activities and take advantage of the best features of both so that they reinforce and complement one another. The ratio of classroom time to online activity may vary from course to course. To locate online or hybrid classes in the web schedule, look for the Online/Hybrid icon

  • Be prepared to attend the class sessions. The days, times, and location will be listed on the web schedule.
  • You'll need access to a computer with reliable internet (high-speed internet access is recommended)·
  • You'll access the online portion of the class through Moodle, Lane's learning management system.
  • Hybrid courses have a $10 per credit fee up to a maximum of $50 per course

Yes! Your Lane email address (@my.lanecc.edu) is where official college communications will be sent, and it is the best address to use when reaching out to an instructor. Find their email in ExpressLane. You will also have access to the GSuite collection of tools. Need help accessing your email and GSuite for the first time? Check out this instruction guide.

Zoom is a conference/meeting software that your instructors may use to provide video lectures or a way for classes to meet when everyone can't be together physically. You can access a Zoom meeting by logging on through a computer, tablet, smartphone, or even by calling in from a landline telephone. Zoom is free to students.

How to Zoom