Welcome to Mesabi Range Virtual Campus. Online learning at Mesabi Range Community and Technical College is not meant as a replacement for the traditional classroom setting but rather a viable alternative for students who are unable to attend traditional classes.

If you are thinking about taking an online course from Mesabi Range  please keep in mind the following information. All students taking online courses at Mesabi Range are expected to understand the process for accessing their online course(s). In addition, Mesabi Range believes that each student enrolled in an online course must understand and possess certain qualities that lead to successful learning in an online or distance format. These qualities include:

• Motivation - Students taking online courses need to be self-motivated. Distance education tends to be self-directed by nature. In asynchronous learning students are not required to be online at a specific time, therfore, students must be able to motivate themselves to complete the required course work in a timely fashion.
• Focus - Students taking online courses need to be focused. As with motivation, a student must be able to focus on the task at hand and meet deadlines for assignments and postings. Students must be able to concentrate as they navigate through the course site.  Course sites can become confusing and a student who cannot focus may find it too difficult to continue.
• Computer Literacy - Students taking online courses need to have computer skills that will allow them to easily navigate through a course site and complete required work online.
• Strong Communication Skills - Students taking online courses need to be able to communicate clearly. Most online courses require students to interact via online discussion and/or e-mail with instructors and other classmates. A student with strong communication skills will be able to express themselves clearly through the written word. Misinterpretation of messages can easily happen. Students are also expected to contact their instructor if they are having any difficulties in an online course.

Are you ready? Minnesota Virtual University has a guide plus useful information.

Online orientation is for students who are taking their first online course at Mesabi Range Community and Technical College.