Frequently Asked Questions
Distance Education
You’ll need access to a modern, internet-connected personal computer with an up-to-date web browser. We recommend Chrome® or Firefox™ for using MyCourses, as there have been some technical issues with exams and discussion boards when using Internet Explorer®. Additional required software will be listed on each course schedule. For more information, see our answers to frequently asked technology questions.
If you don’t have access to a computer, you’re welcome to use the computer labs located on both COA – Elizabeth City and COA – Edenton-Chowan, as well as the computers available at COA – Elizabeth City and COA – Dare libraries.
Distance Education courses are best suited to those who are:
- Motivated and disciplined to work independently
- Able to set goals and work steadily to meet them
- Able to manage their time effectively
- Responsible self-starters
- Willing to direct their own efforts
- Proficient at reading for comprehension
Online courses also require a certain amount of computer expertise, including the ability to:
- Navigate the internet
- Check and send email
- Send emails with attachments
- Compose and edit documents using word processing software
- Become familiar with MyCourses
Visit our Online Learning Readiness Quiz to assess your current aptitude for taking an online course.
What are the differences between online, hybrid, blended, web conferencing and face-to-face courses?
They are all different types of instruction. Below are descriptions for each:
- Internet (online): Courses in which 100 percent of instruction is delivered online with you, your classmates and your instructor interacting online from separate locations and times
- Hybrid: Courses in which greater than 50 percent but less than 100 percent of instruction is delivered online using a combination of both online and face-to-face settings
- Blended: Courses in which less than or equal to 50 percent of instruction is delivered online using a combination of both online and face-to-face settings
- Web Conferencing: Courses taught live at a scheduled time using an online web conferencing platform such as Zoom™ or Collaborate™
- Face-to-Face: Courses in which 100 percent of instruction is delivered in the classroom and may use the LMS to post supplementary instructional materials
There are three ways to register for classes:
- In person at either COA – Elizabeth City, COA – Edenton-Chowan, COA – Dare, or COA – Currituck
- By contacting Admissions, or your advisor
- Online using the MyService website
Tuition for Distance Education courses are the same as on-campus courses. Tuition charges for any North Carolina community college is subject to change, effective at the beginning of each fall semester.
Once you’ve activated your accounts, return to the MyCourses* site and sign in with the same username and password. Due to audit requirements, courses will be visible the first day of classes starting at 12:15 a.m., at which time you’ll be able to view your current semester’s courses. Log in to MyCourses from the student portal or directly through the MyCourses web page. Use the username and password set when activating your COA accounts. If you have reset your password since activating your account, use the new password. Usernames are usually your firstname_lastname (john_doe, jane_doe). Once logged in to MyCourses, you’ll have access to the COA 101 Introduction to MyCourses (Moodle) for Students course and the Academic Support Center’s MyCourses web resources.
*New students will have access to MyCourses one week before the start of their class.
If you need face-to-face assistance with navigating MyCourses or understanding how to use a particular software application, lab assistants are available at COA – Elizabeth City and COA – Dare libraries and in room 302 in the Workforce Development building at COA – Edenton-Chowan. Distance Education offices are located at COA – Elizabeth City on the second floor of building B, room B 217 or B 223.
The technology section offers tutorials for basic computing and various operating systems. The Microsoft Office section has tutorials for Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher (Office XP, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010 and 2013). The mobile applications section offers applications to help you learn through your smartphone.
If you’re having an issue with MyLabsPlus, keep in mind that your access code is case sensitive, so be sure to enter letters in the appropriate case. Another common issue arises when purchasing from somewhere other than the bookstore, and accidentally getting a MyLabs access code rather than a MyLabsPlus access code (you’ll need to buy the “Plus” version).
If you’re still having issues, please contact the Pearson help desk (MyLabsPlus is supported through Pearson) at 888-883-1299 or 800-677-6337, available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.