What is Distance Education

Distance Education happens when the instructor and student are separated by space and/or time. The gap between the two can be bridged through the use of technology.

Distance Education offers programs to students throughout the States of Vermont and New Hampshire who wish to participate in a program at the River Valley Technical Center, but may not wish to physically be at the Center everyday.

Students can connect to their instructors and classmates using Blackboard software through their Browser, chat, SmartBoards, field trips, and interactive media which are all examples of synchronous activities.

Students can also access course work through e-mails, discussion board postings, archived content, internet resources, lab kits, podcasts, Google video tutorials, and online tests and quizzes which are considered asynchronous activities.

How Distance Education Works

Distance Education at RVTC is not your Mama's education.

Here's how it works:

• Each morning, you will login to our distance classroom through Blackboard.
• Each class session, the instructor will chat with the entire class to
  • cover new material,
  • answer questions,
  • and assist you in your projects.
• You will meet virtually with your instructor everyday.
• Then, once a week, your instructor will meet with you at your home school.
• Periodically, you will be able to come to RVTC to participate in all day sessions.
• You can take
  • tests,
  • quizzes,
  • submit assignments,
  • and check your grade online.
• After class sessions are over, you will still be able to access course materials in Blackboard.
• RVTC will also provide
  • lab kits,
  • podcasts of Google video tutorials,
  • and archived lectures.