Distance & Online Learning

Oakton Community College offers many distance learning courses for students who choose to pursue their education independently and efficiently.  This is an excellent option for students with family, job or travel obligations, or with other scheduling conflicts.  Students enjoy the flexibility of accessing their courses each week and completing assignments at times and places of their choosing. 

Students may obtain all of their general education requirements, and earn an Associate in Arts degree and several Certificates from Oakton with distance learning courses.

Note: Some online courses have on-campus requirements.  For example, Biology requires on-campus labs, and Speech requires on-campus presentations.  Several courses also require on-campus testing (see below).  On-campus requirements, if present, are listed in the course schedule.  If you have any questions, please check with the instructor.

IS ONLINE LEARNING RIGHT FOR YOU?
The ideal candidate for a positive distance learning experience is self-motivated, organized and disciplined.  Distance learning courses are as rigorous and time-consuming as those taught in a classroom setting.

The Online Assessment System for Internet Students (OASIS) are two 5 – 10 minute online assessment tools that evaluate study skills and/or learning styles and provides tips for making the most of your online course based on the evaluation.  To take one or both surveys, click on the OASIS link, and then choose to explore either your "Study Skills" or "Learning Styles". There is no charge to take the surveys.

TESTING
Although most of Oakton's courses are entirely online, approximately half of Oakton’s online courses, including all online math and language courses, require testing in a proctored setting, either in the Testing Center on either campus, or at a local college, university, or other acceptable alternative when a student is unable to travel to campus.

Students requiring out-of-district testing must submit a Test Proctoring Request form as soon as possible at the beginning of each term to initiate the process. 

Those testing on campus do not need to make any special arrangements, and do not need an appointment.  Students simply come to the Testing Center prior to whatever deadlines the instructor has provided.

FEES
All students taking online courses are assessed a $50/course online technology fee.

GETTING STARTED
Already registered for online? Follow these Five steps to get started!