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Distance Learning Student Information
Getting Started with Distance LearningWhat is Distance Learning?Distance Learning (DL) provides ACC students with a flexible, convenient way to earn college credit. Instead of attending traditional on-campus classes, students complete a mandatory DL Course Orientation for each Distance Learning class, and satisfy course objectives independently using interactive instructional technologies. Each DL class has an instructor who interacts with students, leads the course, and provides assistance. DL course activities may include reading textbooks and study guides, engaging in online chats, watching videos or streamed media, participating in group projects, using online discussion boards, and writing papers. Exams for most DL courses are taken on campus in the Academic Testing Centers. DL course content and transferability to four-year colleges is identical to courses offered on campus. DL students should expect to spend at least as much time and cover the same course materials and objectives as in the equivalent course on campus. Learn more about DL delivery modes. [top] Is Distance Learning Right for You?Distance Learning classes provide students greater scheduling flexibility, but they also require good time management skills and self-motivation for successful completion. DL courses may not suit every student's needs, expectations, or learning style. If you are considering a DL class, visit Distance Learning 101 to learn more about the DL program at ACC, including distance education terminology, technical skills expected of DL students, study tips and strategies, and information about the support services available for DL students. These online resources can give you a better indication of your aptitude for distance education, and help you decide whether a Distance Learning class is right for you. [top] Distance Learning Course SchedulesThe ACC Course Schedule lists all campus-based and Distance Learning courses for the current semester, including the space availability status for each section. Each DL course section listing also provides instructor contact information, the course website URL (if applicable), instructions for completing the mandatory DL Course Orientation, and any other important information students may need prior to enrolling in the course. Please note: Like all ACC credit courses, DL course sections have limited enrollments and may fill and close prior to the end of the registration period. For each course section listed in the Course Schedule, the number of students enrolled and the maximum class limit, respectively, are shown in brackets. A small "c" to the left of the brackets indicates a CLOSED section which is currently filled. A small "x" indicates a CANCELLED class which is no longer offered. For additional information about reading the Course Schedule, refer to the Course Schedule Key. [top] Registering for a Distance Learning CourseDL students follow the same enrollment steps as students taking on-campus courses at ACC:
ACC students register for courses by phone at 512.454.3774 (toll-free: 1.888.891.2444) or on the web during open registration times. The Registration Worksheet For complete details on registering for credit courses at ACC, including registration eligibility times, tuition and fee charts, and payment deadlines, visit the Admissions & Records Office's registration information website. [top] Beginning a Distance Learning CourseStudents must complete an orientation, either online or on campus, to begin each Distance Learning class. Refer to your course section's listing in the Course Schedule to find the orientation options and instructions for your DL class.
DL Course Orientations are the first step in establishing good communication—both student-to-instructor and student-to-student. Students receive instructor contact information and office hours, the course syllabus and supplementary materials, assignment and testing deadlines, and information about course requirements and performance criteria for the semester. Because the orientation is such critical element in a student's successful completion of any Distance Learning course, 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: The DL Course Orientation differs from TOP, the mandatory ACC orientation for new students who have completed fewer than 12 semester credit hours. [top] Succeeding in a Distance Learning CourseDL courses provide more flexibility than traditional classroom courses, allowing you to balance your life schedule more successfully with your class schedule. To get the most out of your Distance Learning experience, review the following suggestions and strategies.
[top] DL Student ResourcesACC Student ID CardsStudents are required to present an ACC Student ID card in order to use campus services such as Libraries, Academic Testing Centers, and Computer Labs. Students can come to any campus Admissions & Records Office one day after registering for courses to have the photo ID card made. Students must present a valid state or federally issued photo ID, such as a Driver's License, to receive their ACC Student ID card. The ACC Student ID card is permanent; it does not expire at the end of the semester. Each semester, after a student is registered for classes, their ACC ID card becomes valid for that semester. Lost or stolen cards should be reported to an Admissions & Records Office immediately, where a replacement card can be issued; a replacement fee will apply. Contact the Admissions & Records Office with questions about ACC ID cards. Please note: ACC ID cards for students taking Distance Learning courses are not mailed. ID Cards are only available from the Admissions & Records Office. [top] Blackboard for DL CoursesBlackboard is an online course management system used to supplement the delivery of many of ACC's Distance Learning and on-campus courses. Not every Distance Learning course uses Blackboard. To find out if your course is taught using Blackboard, complete your DL Course Orientation—Blackboard information will be provided if applicable to your DL class. Visit the Blackboard support website for additional information, including login instructions, FAQs, and technical assistance. [top] Distance Learning CounselorACC now offers specialized counseling services to address the unique needs of Distance Learning students. The Distance Learning Counselor will work with DL students to help them understand how to select appropriate courses and decide on reasonable academic loads, and address other Student Services questions regarding online and distance education. DL students may email the DL Counselor, or contact her by phone at 223-8187. [top] ITV Viewing InformationInstructional Television (ITV) courses are conducted using a series of pre-recorded video telecourse programs, which may be viewed in a variety of ways. Most programs are broadcast locally on cable television. Videotapes for all telecourse programs are available to be viewed on campus in the Media Centers, and most video programs can be rented for the semester from a telecourse distribution company not affiliated with ACC. Some telecourses have been streamed, and are available to be viewed online from any computer with an Internet connection. [top] Library Services for DL StudentsDistance Learning students have access to library resources online or by telephone, in addition to the on-campus ACC Libraries. DL students may also request to have printed materials mailed to them at home. Visit the Library website to learn more about their services for Distance Learning students. DL students may also contact the Distance Learning Librarian, Leigh Kilman, by phone at 223-3066, email the Distance Learning Librarian, or call the Library Reference Desk toll-free at 1-877-613-6005. [top] Purchasing TextbooksThe ACC Bookstore sells textbooks, study guides, software, and other instructional materials for DL courses. Students are encouraged to purchase materials online from the ACC Bookstore website. Textbooks for classes with on-site DL Course Orientations are also available at the bookstore of the campus where the orientation is held, or at the Rio Grande campus bookstore for courses with online orientations. [top] Testing for DL CoursesMost DL courses, including online (PCM) courses, require students to satisfy testing requirements on campus in the Academic Testing Centers. Testing Centers are located at the Cypress Creek, Eastview, Northridge, Pinnacle, Rio Grande, Riverside, and South Austin Campuses, and at the Fredericksburg, Round Rock, and San Marcos ACC Centers. Students should check with the specific Testing Center to determine hours of operation. Students must present an ACC ID card in order to use the Testing Center. Refer to the Student Guide For Use Of ACC Testing Centers Distance Testing Program: DL students who live outside the ACC service area may be able to complete course examination requirements through the Distance Testing program with instructor approval. Instructors do have the right to refuse requests for Distance Testing services, so it is strongly recommended that students obtain permission prior to registering for courses. It is the student's responsibility to locate an official testing facility to proctor the exams. Please refer to the Distance Testing procedure for detailed information about the program, and to download the required Distance Testing Request & Transmittal Form [top] Tutoring OptionsDL students may use the tutoring labs and computer centers on campus, or take advantage of free tutoring services online:
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provides step-by-step instructions to help students complete the telephone or web registration process successfully. Students with registration questions may contact the Registration Help Line by phone at 512.223.INFO (4636).