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Distance Learning Student FAQs
What is Distance Learning?Distance Learning 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 class, and satisfy course objectives independently using interactive instructional technologies. 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, including online classes, are taken on campus in the Academic Testing Centers. Each DL class has an instructor who interacts with students, leads the course, and provides assistance. 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] Are Distance Learning courses self-paced?Distance Learning courses are not self-paced; they are scheduled to run concurrent with on-campus courses during the standard fall, spring, and summer semesters. Refer to the Academic Calendar for session dates. (Please note: ACC does not offer mini-semesters during Intersession.) DL courses have deadlines for finishing tests and turning in assignments; a course calendar will be provided in the syllabus. All coursework must be completed by the end of the session in which you are registered. Students may be allowed to turn in work early and finish the course before the end of the session, as per instructor syllabus; however, final grades will still be posted at the end of the semester. [top] Can anyone take a Distance Learning course?ACC's enrollment process is the same for all students, regardless of whether they take on-campus or DL courses. All standard admissions, registration, and payment procedures apply.
ACC students in good standing may register online or register by phone during open registration eligibility times; refer to the Registration Worksheet Distance Learning students have all the same rights, privileges, and obligations as on-campus students; see the ACC Catalog and the ACC Student Handbook for further information on college policies and procedures. [top] Do I get the same credit? Will it transfer?Distance Learning courses are fully accredited; course content and transferability to four-year colleges is identical to courses offered on campus. DL courses are not designated any differently than classroom-based courses on ACC transcripts. There are no limits on the total number of credits that may be earned by Distance Learning courses. Students should consult the Articulation & Transfer Services website for information on transferring ACC courses to a four-year institution, or refer to the Quick Reference Equivalency Guide [top] Do Distance Learning courses cost more?Tuition and fees for DL courses are exactly the same as for on-campus courses. Tuition prices are determined by the student's residency status and the total number of course credits for which the student registers. Tuition payment options and deadlines are the same as for DL courses as for all ACC credit courses. Students who fail to meet their payment deadline will be dropped from unpaid courses. [top] Do Distance Learning courses have enrollment limits?Like all ACC credit courses, DL course sections have limited enrollments and may fill and close prior to the end of the registration period. Students should refer to the Course Schedule to determine if a DL section has spaces available for registration. For each course section listed in the 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. ACC does not have waiting lists for closed classes. Neither the DL course instructor nor the Distance Learning Office has the ability to add a student over the class enrollment limit. Students trying to be added to closed DL courses follow the same Class Limit Overload procedure as students trying to get into closed classes on campus. Overloads are done only in unusual and documented circumstances, and petition by students to exceed a class enrollment limit will be considered by the Academic Department only after the official period for Schedule Changes (Add/Drops) has ended. [top] How do I contact my instructor?DL students are responsible for initiating contact with their course instructors by following the DL Course Orientation instructions given in the ACC Course Schedule. Each course listing provides contact information including the instructor's phone number, email address, and office hours. (Please note: If there are problems contacting or receiving responses from an instructor once the course has begun, students should contact the Academic Department.) [top] How do I get an ACC ID card?Students can come to any campus Admissions & Records Office one day after registering for courses to have an ACC ID card made. [Admissions & Records Locations and Hours of Operation] Students must present a valid state or federally issued photo ID, such as a Driver's License, to receive their ACC ID card. The ACC 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 at any campus with questions about ACC ID cards. Please note: ACC ID cards for students taking Distance Learning courses are not mailed. ACC ID cards are only available through the Admissions & Records Office. [top] Does my course use Blackboard? How do I login to Blackboard?Blackboard 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. For more information about using Blackboard, please refer to the Blackboard Support website. [top] How do I take tests for my Distance Learning course?Course testing requirements and procedures will be explained in the syllabus. Most DL courses, including online (PCM) courses, require students to satisfy testing requirements on campus in the Academic Testing Centers. Testing Centers are located at all full-time ACC campuses, and at the Fredericksburg, Round Rock, and San Marcos ACC Centers. Visit the website for specific locations and hours of operation. Refer to the Student Guide For Use Of ACC Testing Centers Please note: DL students who live outside the ACC service area may be able to complete course examination requirements through the Distance Testing program. Instructor pre-approval is required. [top]
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for detailed instructions.