SWCC

What is DDL?
The Distance and Distributed Learning Department of Southwest can help you advance a career, work on a degree or certificate, or achieve personal goals…all without missing a day of work or play. DDL offers affordable educational programs and courses that meet the needs of an ever changing lifestyle.

The cost of our tuition is well below that of any four-year university and our credits are transferable.

SWCC is an accredited institution of higher learning and thereby held to the high standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. With over 30 years of experience delivering distance education, we have built a reputation for quality service and support.

Regardless of the delivery method: Internet-based, Compressed Video, or Video (DVD), our courses and curriculum are built to help you achieve success.

Is DDL right for me?

Are you a good candidate for distance learning?

Distance Learning courses can be challenging for certain types of students. Effort is required in communicating with your instructor, as well as in keeping organized and staying on a schedule.

One must be able to work independently, but be comfortable reaching out for help as often as necessary.

Please take a minute to use this Distance Learning Assessment and learn about skills you may need to develop for distance learning success.

You may also access valuable study tools developed by Virginia Tech at this link http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdyhlp.html  to assist you in preparing for Distance Learning courses.

System Requirements

The following requirements are highly recommended. While slower processors and RAM may be functional, you may find using them unpleasant.

Hardware recommendations

1 GHz Pentium processor

128 MB RAM or higher

56K modem, cable modem, or DSL

Windows 2000 or higher

RELIABLE Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If using a Mac: PowerMac G3 or higher, OS 8.1 or higher

It is extremely important that you have a reliable ISP, especially if your course requires that you take tests online. If your ISP tends to drop your connection, you may have to retake tests.

Software recommendations

Web browser: Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, Netscape 6.0 or higher, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.( popup blocker turned OFF)
Not sure of operating system or browser version? Click here to check it.

VCCS Student e-mail and Blackboard account. (provided when you completed the application to SWCC)

Microsoft Word (2000 or higher)

Adobe Reader

Additional software as required by course instructor

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OPTIONAL Downloads

(Links provided to be installed at your own discretion based on your system/class needs - contact respective user support for assistance if needed)

	Common File Extensions	PC	Mac
Java	n/a	Download	Download
Macromedia Flash Player	fla • .swf	Download	Download
Macromedia Shockwave Player	fla • .swa • .swf	Download	Download
Adobe Acrobat Reader	.pdf	Download	Download
Open Office	.doc • .docx .ppt • .pptx .xls • .xlsx .rtf • .txt	Download	Download
Microsoft Office .	doc • .docx .ppt • .pptx .xls • .xlsx .rtf • .txt	Download	Download
Microsoft Office Viewers	.
Word Viewer	doc • .docx	Download	n/a
PowerPoint Viewer	.ppt • .pptx	Download	n/a
Excel Viewer	xls • .xlsx	Download	n/a
QuickTime	.mov • .qt	Download	Download
RealAlternative Real Player	.ra • .ram • .rm	Download	n/a
Real Player	ra • .ram • .rm	Download	Download
Media Player Classic	avi • .vlc • .wmv	Download	n/a
Ad-Aware Spyware Removal			Download
SpyBot Search and Destroy		Download
WinZip	zip • .rar • etc.	Download
WinRAR	rar • .zip • etc.	Download	Download

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