- What is the mission of the Distance Education Program?
- How good is the quality of distance education courses?
- If I do not attend class, how will I be able to ask my instructors questions?
- Is registration any different for distance education courses?
- Do I ever have to come on campus?
- Will financial aid help pay for my Distance Education courses?
- If I do not have a computer at home, can I still take an internet course?
- Are distance education courses easier than on-campus courses?
- Will the distance education courses count toward a degree?
- How much do distance education courses cost?
- If I have small children at home, will I need a sitter?
- I am taking some courses on campus, so can I also take distance education courses?
- It's been years since I was in a classroom, can I keep up?
- If I don't know how to use the web, can I still take an internet course?
What is the mission of the Distance Education Program?
The mission of the Distance Education Program is to meet the instructional needs of a changing student population, including but not limited to, non-traditional, time-bound, and place-bound students.
How good is the quality of distance education courses?
The quality of distance education courses is equal to the quality of on-campus classes. Academic standards are the same for both types of courses.
If I do not attend class, how will I be able to ask my instructors questions?
All online classes can be accessed through MyBlackboard. Each class has an email link which can be used to contact the instructor. All Alvin Community College instructors have office hours that will be listed in the class syllabus as well. Students can call or go to the instructor's office at the listed times, or they can correspond with the instructor by using e-mail inside of MyBlackboard.
Is registration any different for distance education courses?
All admission and registration requirements are the same for students taking credit classes on campus or students taking distance education courses.
Do I ever have to come on campus?
Not for most courses, but please check in the catalog for specific details, as some instructors may require students to come on campus for orientations or tests. If it is impossible for you to come to campus for these requirements, special arrangements can generally be made.
Will financial aid help pay for my Distance Education courses?
Distance Education courses will count as part of a student's course load for financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid Office for a financial aid application and to discuss eligibility.
If I do not have a computer at home, can I still take an internet course?
Yes, there are several computer labs on campus that are available for student use. You will need to come on campus to one of these labs to do your assignments. It is often more difficult without a computer at home but if you work hard you can be successful. The Cyberlink Computer Lab has two dozen computers with Internet access and software programs needed for classes, including specialized software.
Location: Building A, 1st floor, Room A-173
Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday noon - 5:00 pm
Are distance education courses easier than on-campus courses?
Academic standards for distance education and on-campus course are the same. Because of the difference in delivery methods, some students report that some distance educations classes are more difficult.
Will the distance education courses count toward a degree?
All distance education courses are equivalent to the on-campus courses both in content and credit hours. Distance education courses will count toward degrees at Alvin Community College and will transfer to a university the same as the on-campus courses.
How much do distance education courses cost?
Tuition and fees are the same low cost as for on-campus instruction. Some courses do have fees added depending on the course. The class schedule shows any assigned fees.
If I have small children at home, will I need a sitter?
Probably not. The bulk of your course work will be done at a time when it is most convenient for you.
I am taking some courses on campus, so can I also take distance education courses?
Yes, distance education courses are good for students who cannot schedule a full load of courses. Distance education courses can allow students to also take courses that have the on-campus sections full.
It's been years since I was in a classroom, can I keep up?
Distance education courses offer an ideal way to regain or strengthen your study skills in the privacy of your own home. You will be able to view the lessons more than once or spend as much time as you desire to cover the internet lessons. You might want to take our Quiz, Are Online Classes For Me if you are considering an online course.
If I don't know how to use the web, can I still take an internet course?
Yes, part of the MyBlackboard Student Orientation is to help the student become familiar with the tools needed to complete the assignments. These orientation are located in the Student Lounge in MyBlackboard.
Contact Information
Distance Education Department
Building D, Room 207
Phone: 281.756.3728
Email: de@alvincollege.edu
