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Distance Learning Student Handbook

Distance Learning offers ACC students the opportunity to earn college credit by participating in non-traditional course types such as online, instructional television, and hybrid classes. Distance Learning course content and transferability to four-year colleges is identical to classes offered on campus, giving busy students more scheduling options and a wider selection of classes to meet their needs. Find out more about Distance Learning at ACC.

On this page:

Additional Resources:

Registering for a Distance Learning Course

Refer to ACC's registration information website for instructions, eligibility times, and tuition payment deadlines.

  • New and prospective students who have never enrolled in ACC college-credit courses should refer to the admissions process for details on becoming an ACC student. Please note: All ACC admissions requirements must be met before new students are eligible to register for DL classes.
  • Current and returning ACC students do not need to re-apply to the College to register for DL courses. Please note: Returning students who have not attended ACC in a year or more are required to update their files with the Admissions & Records Office. Students must clear any holds placed on their records before they can register for classes.

The ACC Course Schedule lists all DL courses available for the semester. Each listing provides the space availability status for the section, instructor contact information, the course website URL (if applicable), instructions to complete the mandatory DL Course Orientation, and any other important information students may need before registering. Please note: Like other credit courses, DL sections have limited enrollments and may fill and close prior to the end of registration.

— Before You Register for a Distance Learning Course —

Visit Distance Learning 101 to learn more about Distance Learning at ACC, and get a better understanding of whether a DL course is a good choice to meet your learning style, needs, and expectations.

Explore your compatibility with distance education through the Learning Style Assessment; measure your technology skills and find tutorials to develop, review, or renew those skills in the Technical Skills Checklist; find definitions for technical terms in the DL Glossary; and participate in the interactive Passport to Success workshop to learn the basics of distance education at ACC, acquire study tips and strategies, and discover college-wide services as well as support especially for DL students.

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Beginning a Distance Learning Course   (DL Course Orientation)

Students must complete an orientation to begin each DL class. The orientation provides students with an introduction to the course, instructor contact information and office hours, the syllabus and supplementary materials, an explanation of the role of technology, assignment and testing deadlines, and performance criteria for the semester. DL Course Orientations are the first step in establishing good communication—both student-to-instructor and student-to-student—and they are critical to the student's successful completion of a DL course.

Refer to your course section's listing in the Course Schedule to find the orientation options and instructions for your class. For example:

PHIL 1301 Introduction to Philosophy
54321 - Internet access required. J. Doe, 223-1234, email: jdoe@austincc.edu MANDATORY online orientation: www.austincc.edu/jdoe during 1st week of class, or attend Sat 5/24 10-11am RGC 110

Students who fail to meet a DL course's orientation requirements may be dropped from the class. If you are unable to complete your DL Course Orientation as scheduled, contact your instructor immediately to determine if any alternatives are available.

Note: If there are problems contacting or receiving responses from an instructor, students should contact the Academic Department.

Note: Blackboard is a course management system used to supplement the delivery of many of ACC's Distance Learning and on-campus courses. Not every Distance Learning instructor uses Blackboard. To find out if your course is taught using Blackboard, complete your mandatory DL Course Orientation — Blackboard information will be provided if applicable to your DL class.

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Succeeding in a Distance Learning Course

The following suggestions will help you get the most out of your DL course. Visit DL Student Resources for additional support information.

  • Review the syllabus for details about textbooks and other required materials or technologies.
    • DL students may purchase textbooks, software, and other instructional supplies from the ACC Bookstore.
    • For Online (PCM) Courses: Internet access and email are required. Students may use their own computers or the Computer Labs on campus.
    • For Instructional Television (ITV) Courses: Review ITV viewing options, and check the Cable TV Schedule to find broadcast details for each course.
  • Note all assignment due dates and test deadlines given in the syllabus. Familiarize yourself with the course's testing requirements and procedures.
    • For most DL classes, including online (PCM) courses, students use the Academic Testing Centers on campus to satisfy course testing requirements.
    • Students who live outside the Austin-area and cannot travel to an ACC testing center may be able to have their exams proctored at another location through the Distance Testing Program. Instructor pre-approval is required. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss testing options with the instructor prior to registering for the class.
  • Get in the habit of communicating frequently with your instructor. Let the instructor know if you have any questions or concerns about the course. (If you have trouble reaching your DL instructor, refer to the Academic Department listings for departmental contact information.)
  • If you are a new student, make sure to get your ACC Student ID Card early in the semester; it is required to use campus services such as Libraries, Testing Centers, and Computer Labs.

We hope that you find your learning experience enjoyable and rewarding!

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