Skip to content

Online learning options

If you have responsibilities and involvements that make a flexible course format more ideal to continue your education, you have options at Young Harris College.

On your time

Some online courses can be accomplished at any time of day and from any location (often called asynchronous classes). They are offered through Moodle, our learning management system.

In real time

Real-time online courses (often called synchronous classes) include live, scheduled class meeting times. Classes meet using Microsoft Teams and are combined with regular online resources and assignments in Moodle.

Register for online classes

Current YHC students should talk to their advisor to register. If you are not a current YHC student, you must first enroll in the college before registering for online classes.

a group of women posing for a photo

eSummer program

Working this summer and can’t get back to the mountains for classes? The eight-week eSummer Program offers both core and upper-division courses perfect for your major. Many of our summer courses can also be used for dual enrollment for rising juniors or seniors in high school.

a man working on his laptop

Early college program

If you are a high school student taking dual enrollment classes, refer to the Early College program for specific steps you need to take to enroll.

Frequently asked questions about online learning

What is expected of me in an online course?

Taking an online course provides students with flexibility by replacing face-to-face traditional classes with engaging online instructional activities. Online courses require that you work on your own at a computer and do a lot of reading. In order to be successful in an online course, you must:

  • Successfully complete the Moodle Online Orientation course prior to the class start date
  • Download and install all necessary software and be willing to watch tutorials if you need help with the software
  • Seek help from your instructor when needed
  • Regularly log in to the online course and follow the course calendar located in this syllabus
  • Fully engage in the online learning activities including podcasts, homework, discussion forums, and projects
  • Ensure that you have a quiet learning space for completing your online work

If you still are unsure if an online class is right for you, download and complete a self-inventory.

How comfortable should I be using technology?

An online course will require students to download and upload documents, participate in online forums, and discussions and take online quizzes and tests. Students should be comfortable using a computer, navigating the Internet and sending/receiving email.

What are the technology requirements for online courses?

You must have access to a computer (not a tablet) with:

  • Broadband Internet connection. Examples of broadband Internet connection are high-speed DSL or cable modem. You must have a back-up plan (a local library or fast-food restaurant, for example) in case your Internet goes out. Lack of wi-fi is not an acceptable excuse for missing a deadline.
  • Chrome for Windows and Apple computers with the Proctorio extension installed
  • YHC e-mail
  • A webcam with microphone for quiz/exam proctoring
  • The latest version of Adobe Reader
  • A current word processing software
  • Other software as dictated by course requirements in the course syllabus

Students are provided with a downloadable copy of Microsoft 365. Once you have obtained a YHC username and password, use these instructions to download the software.

When and where will I take the final exams for these courses?

Final exams are held in the last week of the semester. They can be taken from anywhere with a good Internet connection. The exams have a window of time to be taken and you can choose when to take the exam in that window of time. Once you begin, you only have 150 minutes to complete the exam. You must use a computer with a webcam/mic and a Chrome browser.

To ensure the security and integrity of the exam process, a proctored experience is required for successful completion of a YHC online course. A proctored exam is one in which the student is monitored while taking the exam. All YHC Online Courses have proctored final exams. Some may have additional proctored tests within the course.

Environment requirements for testing

  • A quiet, secure, fully lighted room for the examination
  • No other people in the room
  • Sit at a clean desk or clean table (not in a bed or sofa)
  • No talking out loud or communicating with others by any means (with the exception of contact with the faculty member in an emergency)
  • No leaving the room
  • Nothing except computer and external cameras on the desktop or tabletop. This includes the removal of all books, papers, notebooks, and other materials, unless specifically permitted in written guidelines for a particular examination.
  • Students are not allowed to use the following unless otherwise noted by instructor/exam giver: Excel; Word; PowerPoint; Calculator (online/computer or handheld devices; Textbooks (online/computer or hardcopy books); Notes (online/computer or hardcopy notes); Pen and Paper (for the purpose of taking notes during exam or calculations); Other websites.
  • External cameras, when possible, should be placed on the lid of the laptop or where it will have a constant, uninterrupted view of the test taker
  • No writing visible on desk or on walls
  • No music playing
  • No other computers or other digital devices running in the exam room
  • No headphones or ear buds allowed
  • Webcam must be focused on the individual test taker
  • Lighting must be good quality

What is Proctorio? Is it required?

Young Harris College has partnered with Proctorio to provide proctored exams in all YHC online courses. Proctorio is a cloud based system that integrates with the Moodle LMS (Learning Management System). Proctorio authenticates the identity of the test taker and captures the entire exam session which is later reviewed by the instructor.

Students will need a computer with a webcam and microphone (internal or USB), their student ID, the Google Chrome browser, and the Proctorio extension for exams. Proctorio is NOT compatible with tablets such as the Kindle Fire or iPad. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure these requirements are met.

If you have technical problems with proctoring, check to make sure that you are using the Chrome browser and have the Proctorio extension installed. If you continue to experience technical issues, Proctorio offers 24/7 technical support to students at  866-948-2039.  This number should work 24/7 but you may have to leave a message and receive a call back.

Will I have a flexible schedule?

Although online courses take a lot of time and work, the time and work can be done on your schedule. If a student has work or family commitments, an online course might be a good fit.

Note: Real-time online courses do require you to log on during certain hours. Currently this only applies to the courses for the Master of Arts in Teaching. All other online courses can be done on your schedule.

How will I find my way around my course?

YHC uses Moodle as its main tool for online courses and students will be required to pass a short orientation which will familiarize the student with the activities within Moodle. Within each YHC online course, the faculty member will be the guide to help the student navigate the course.

Now that I’ve decided to take an online course, what do I do next?

Once registered in your online course, you will receive information about your course materials and how to access the Moodle orientation. Students should complete Moodle orientation before the course start date. Students can email the instructor to ask about specific requirements.

Online credentials and licensure

NC-SARA approved

Young Harris College has been approved by Georgia to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education.

Professional licensure information

If a student is not a resident of Georgia and is taking a course or program leading to professional licensure, Young Harris College cannot guarantee the course or program leads to professional licensure in the student’s home state.  Each U.S. state or territory defines its own requirements for licensing and/or certification in professional fields and Young Harris College recommends that the student inquire with the appropriate licensing agency or board in the state the student intends to practice prior to enrollment.

Students interested in Teacher Preparation Programs should review the Professional Licensure Information for the YHC Teacher Preparation program in the Master of Arts in Teaching program handbook or the NC SARA Teacher Education Directory.

a person using a laptop

Questions about
online courses?

Contact the Office of the Registrar at (706) 379-5230 or email [email protected].