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Online Education

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The Los Rios colleges offer online classes that can supplement in-person classes or be used to pursue a 100% online degree. Online classes are a great way to take advantage of having the full course inventory of four outstanding colleges at your fingertips!

Online Class Inventory

Online Classes at Los Rios

We are adding more and more online classes every semester! Check our class schedules to see what online classes we're offering in the current and upcoming semesters.

Online Classes at Los Rios

California Virtual Campus

The California Virtual Campus Online Education Initiative (CVC-OEI) is a collaborative effort among California's community colleges to provide students with better access to online courses. The goal is to allow students to search for online classes across California and apply/enroll directly through the website.

CVC-OEI Classes

Get Ready for Online Learning

Canvas Online Learning System

Canvas Online Learning System

Learn how to access and use Canvas, our online learning management system.

Learn About Canvas

Technology Resources

Technology Resources

Learn how to access all the tech resources you need, including apps for your classes, free and loaner computers, and internet and WiFi. You can also reset your password, set up security questions, or contact Tech Support if you have additional questions.

Find Tech Resources

Online Support Services

Find online support services at each of our four colleges.

Definitions for Commonly Used Terms in Online Education

Here are explanations of words used in online education.

Asynchronous – Online, Any Time
Asynchronous online classes are available any time, 24/7 via Canvas. Regular and substantive interactions with the instructor and other students will take place through online discussions, group assignments, email, and other means. Asynchronous classes are not self-paced. Contact the instructor for details regarding due dates for class assignments and activities.
Synchronous – Online, Real-Time
Synchronous online classes have scheduled, live meetings to provide simultaneous interaction with the instructor and other students in real time.
Fully Online
Fully online classes are taught 100% online using web-based tools. Orientations, class meetings, assignments, lectures, and discussions all take place online.
Partially Online
Partially online classes are mostly taught online using web-based tools. The professor may choose to have an in-person orientation or other in-person meetings or tests.
E-Learning
E-learning (short for electronic learning) covers a wide set of applications and processes, including web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the internet, audio, video, broadcast, interactive TV, and more.
Web-Enhanced
Web-enhanced classes are taught in person but are supplemented with web-based activities, such as online projects, discussions, or tests. Only American River College offers this type of distance education class.

Online Education FAQ