Rio Salado College is the college that comes to you - and it does this by way of distance learning.

What is Distance Learning?
Distance learning allows you to take a course anytime and anywhere. It gives you the flexibility of studying when you want (Tuesday evening at 9:00, Saturday morning at 6:30, during your lunch hour at work) and where you want (from your home, from your office, while traveling). Distance learning courses teach the very same competencies as courses offered at a campus; the difference is in the delivery. Instead of having an instructor provide a lecture and lead a classroom discussion, distance courses are delivered over the Internet, by using combinations of print, audio and/or video cassette, and correspondence. Most courses require a textbook and a specially developed course packet. Some courses require CD-ROMs, audio and/or videocassettes - what you will need is specified with each course (you can consult a course schedule speak with a college advisor regarding the equipment needs of each distance learning course).

Distance learning lets you create your own learning experience around your schedule because there are 26 start dates throughout the year. Classes begin every two weeks! The classes have been designed to be 13 weeks long; however, with permission of the instructor, you may accelerate your completion to meet your needs, as well.

How do you begin?
Once you register for a distance learning course, you receive a welcome packet that introduces your instructor and informs you of the required textbook(s) and any other items you will need to purchase. Each course has a specially designed Course Materials Packet you will need to buy as well. This packet contains your lessons and syllabus. (If you take an Internet course, your lessons and syllabus are online; therefore, you will receive a postcard telling you how to log-on for access to these.)

What is important for you to remember is that there is a real instructor assigned to every course - you just don't see him/her in person but he/she is there to guide you throughout your course.

How do you communicate with your instructor?
Because you work through selected readings and assignments on the days and times you choose, you communicate with your instructor in any one or combination of ways. Print-based and/or mixed media courses offer an easy to use voice messaging system. For those students who choose to navigate the web, the Internet courses utilize FirstClass, a conferencing software package that is provided by the College at no extra charge to you.

How do you turn in assignments?
Print-based and/or mixed media students may fax assignments or use labels that the College provides to mail assignments through the postal service. Internet students send assignments online.

Do you have specific due dates for assignments?
Most assignments are due weekly. Some courses offer a more flexible schedule - requiring that you submit a certain number of assignments prior to the midterm and the balance prior to the final.

How do you arrange for your midterm and/or final exam?
In-person testing is required for the midterm and/or final exam. If you live in the Phoenix area, there are 5 easy to reach locations where you can go to take your test. Through the convenience of the testing voice mail line, you simply call (anytime, day or night) and make a reservation - your test will be waiting for you at the location you choose.

If you live outside the Maricopa County/Phoenix area or if you are otherwise unable to come to one of the Rio Salado testing locations, you will work with the testing personnel to arrange for a test proctor.

We hope you will enjoy our distance learning program - where a tradition of excellence joins with mobility to support the independent learner.