RCC has named its Distance Education program, FLO, Flexible Learning Opportunities. The program was developed as a result of the RCC Mission. The FLO program takes on two formats at RCC.

The first form of delivery is asynchronous education in which the teacher and the students are separated not only by distance but often by time as well. For example, RCC offers a variety of distance learning delivery formats such as telecourses, interactive computer-assisted courses along with web courses or online courses. These courses require that students take on much of the responsibility for their learning in an independent format while being directed or facilitated by the instructor throughout the course. Asynchronous classes require first time FLO students to attend FLO Orientation at the beginning of the term.

The second form of delivery is called synchronous education which is delivered at RCC via Interactive video technology. This form of distance learning is very much like traditional instruction except that occasionally the teacher is physically separated from the students, but both students and the instructor can be seen and heard over video technology synchronously, at the same time. The students are still required to attend class at an appointed time, but can attend the courses at either of RCC's campuses. Students have orientation during the first class meeting.

Types of courses offered are below.

Online Courses--Some courses now are taught online via the Internet through Blackboard an online course management tool and may make use of CDROM technology, videos, or computers in other ways to enhance or teach the course. These courses make use of technology to provide information, to communicate and to collaborate with faculty and other students in the class. These courses require proficiency in accessing the Internet and in sending/receiving e-mail including attachments. All courses require a minimum of two proctored tests at an RCC site and the use of e-mail as a communication tool. Students must either have Internet access at home or work or have access to RCC computers. Online courses are also found in the schedule with section number of 63-64.

Hybrid Courses- Hybrid Courses are a blend of traditional and distance learning courses. "Hybrid" is the name commonly used nationwide to describe courses that combine face-to-face classroom instruction with course learning online. These courses will use a significant amount of time with course learning online and, as a result, reduce the amount of classroom seat time. Out of class time will be delivered through technology at the convenience of the student. Hybrid course are found in the schedule with the HYB icon. These courses require a first class meeting, where each instructor will give the specifics of when and how often they will meet on campus.

Interactive Video Courses--Interactive video courses are more like traditional courses. Class attendance is required; however, they are more flexible in that the students may attend the campus most convenient to them, Warsaw, Glenns and occasionally other distant sites. Interactive Video classes are just that-students and faculty interact over high speed communication lines and televisions. These courses are found in the schedule with IV (Interactive Video). Interactive Video courses have orientation at the first class meeting. To identify these courses in the class schedule, look for the IV icon throughout the schedule with section number of 66-69 & 84.