Distance learning classes are designed for students whose work and family schedule prevents them from being able to take an on-campus classroom class scheduled at the same time every week. If you are serious about your education and wish the flexibility of being able to take a college course any time day or night, then you should consider a distance learning course.

• You should be familiar with using a personal computer for word processing and connecting to the Internet. If you do not own or have access to a personal computer, Western Piedmont provides computers on campus in the Carr Hall open lab. Distance learning courses assume that you are eager to learn and can motivate yourself to complete the course.
• Online students gain experience and skills that will make them marketable in the 21st century.
• Online learning is active and flexible. Students analyze and evaluate independently while reading, writing, and discussing heavily.  Based on their preferences and needs, instructors and students can work on a course at 3 p.m. or 3 a.m.
• More students participate online because they are less self-conscious and less subject to the time pressure that can inhibit classroom discussions. Instructors, in turn, get enhanced one-on-one contact with students.

Through the Internet the whole world becomes the classroom.  Take the self-test and see if you are ready for Distance Learning.

What are the Requirements and Competencies for becoming a distance learner?

Submit an Admissions Application Find a course Financial Aid Assistance Register for classes Pay for classes (FACTS) Purchasing Textbooks and Class Material

What do I need to succeed in a distance learning course?

Internet Access Computer Hardware and Software Computer Knowledge Email Up-to-date Browser Reading and Writing Skills Motivation

How will I connect to my course?

After you have registered and paid for the course, you will be able to login to your course on the first day of the semester at http://bb.wpcc.edu, or click the Blackboard Login link on the Western Piedmont home page.

Student Email Accounts

WPCC will be utilizing a free email service from Google Apps for Education, so all WPCC students will be issued an email address with the extension @go.wpcc.edu. Please do not create a Google email account because it will go to @gmail.com instead of @go.wpcc.edu.

The first time you log into Google you will be asked to activate your account by typing some weird characters (called captcha).  After you type these characters, scroll down and agree to the terms, which should take you to your inbox. 

Click on Student Email to access your email account now, or type http://mail.go.wpcc.edu/ in your browser's address bar.