Distance Learning
/prod01/cdn-pxl-elginedu-prod/media/website/site-assets/images/hero-banners/online-learning-d2l.jpg)
Credit online classes at ECC.
General frequently asked questions.
For many of us, e-learning occurs amidst busy work schedules, family priorities, and other challenges. ECC delivers a high-quality academic experience for students enrolled in online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses to meet all students' needs. We connect students to on-campus support services and student life programming through Campus Central, D2L, Remote Hub, and Social Channels.
Strategies to thrive in your online classes.
- Successful online students become experts at defining their priorities and building (and keeping) a schedule that allows them to focus on the most important things to them.
- Spending a little time upfront getting and staying organized in your online classes will save you time throughout the semester and help keep your stress levels low.
- Think of the discussion board of an online class as the heart of the classroom.
- Practicing good “Netiquette” means adhering to certain online behaviors to know about and practice.
- Success in college (and, honestly, success in life) is primarily based on consistently following the goals and aspirations we set for ourselves.
- Cultivate curiosity in all you do for school, and watch as that curiosity "pulls" you through the difficult moments.
What Support and Resources Are Available for Online Learning?
Most student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and wellness services, are available remotely, so there is no need to come to campus. Learn more about our support services.
Chromebooks are available for checkout at the Library. If you need it for classes at ECC, let us know at circdesk@elgin.edu.
If you need Wi-Fi for your studies, learn more about affordable or free wi-fi options for students.
Are Online Classes For You?
- Decide if online classes suit you.
- Online assessment system (Oasis) for internet students.
New & Returning Students
- View class listings
- First-time ECC student. Apply
- Must register by the start date of the class.
- Attend an orientation for first-time distance students
- Get books and course materials from the bookstore
- D2L login instructions
- Student email
Access information is sent to your student email account before the start of class. Contact the Distance Learning Office if the email is not received by the course's start date. - Online tutoring is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Online learning is a form of education where instruction occurs when students and instructors are in separate locations. Online learning at ECC consists of online classes and hybrid classes. We recognize that this learning occurs amidst many students' busy work schedules, family priorities, and other challenges. We have worked hard to develop a wide selection of courses to allow students to learn and progress toward their degree or certificate online. We are equipped to provide most of our services online. Whether you are a student coming to campus or completing your education online, we offer flexible options to help you maximize your online learning experience.
Online classes utilize the internet as the source of access to the course content and as a communication tool for the student and faculty members.
Hybrid classes are courses in which approximately 50 percent of instruction, evaluation, and communication are provided electronically via the course management system. The time required in a traditional classroom setting is reduced but not eliminated.
D2L is the course management system used by ECC to access online classes. Faculty and students log into the system using their usernames and passwords. Students must be registered in a course using the D2L website to access the system.
Students registered in an online learning class will receive an informational email approximately one week before the start date of the class. This email provides essential information about the class and log-in details to D2L, where the course syllabus and other necessary course resources are available.
Your instructor remains an integral part of the learning process and provides specific course instructions and guidelines. Depending upon the class, various tools help you learn the course content.
Most online instructors provide a week-by-week schedule, while other instructors allow students to self-pace their learning.
Yes, as you are required to learn the same material. The only difference is the course delivery method.
Yes. Whether you are enrolled in online classes, hybrid classes, or traditional classes, the financial aid process is the same.
Yes. There is also an online orientation available for students. This orientation will provide you with the information needed for first-time online learning students. You may complete the orientation entirely or select the areas that fit your needs.
Yes. Public access computers are available in the college's computer labs or library with Internet access, word processing, and other software and computer print stations. ECC offers a technology loaner program, including graphing calculators, hotspots, Chromebooks, childcare grants, and other supports to help you succeed in college. If you are currently registered, you can check out Chromebooks by requesting them at the library's Circulation Desk in Building C. Don't hesitate to contact the Circulation desk at 847-214-7337 if you have any questions.
The computers in the college's computer labs and library have free Internet access. To connect your computer to the internet, investigate different internet service providers (ISP). You may qualify for the Internet Essentials Service if you qualify for the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Pell Grant, etc.
Need service right now? Illinois state agencies released a wi-fi hotspot map to help students without internet access at home to study.
No. Register for an online class precisely the same way you register for any other course. Apply and register on the ECC website.
For online classes, testing depends upon the instructor. Most exams are completed online. Some classes require a proctored setting. This proctored setting can include the ECC testing center, your local college, or your local library; proctored tests are arranged with your class instructor.
ECC transcripts do not differentiate between online learning and face-to-face courses.
If your technical problems involve getting or staying connected to the internet, contact your internet service provider (ISP). Once you are online and have problems with your course website, contact the online learning help desk at 847-214-7620 or email d2lhelpdesk@elgin.edu. In your email, include the following:
- Your first and last name
- ECC ID number
- Course section of the inquiry
- Professor(s) name
Contact
Distance Learning Technical Help
Building C, Room C210
847-214-7620
d2lhelpdesk@elgin.edu