FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The Distance Education/Instructional Design Department assists and supports the development and delivery of quality distance learning opportunities to meet the needs of a diverse student population through a variety of formats.

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.

All admission and registration requirements are the same for students taking credit classes on campus or students taking distance education courses.

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. 

Distance Education courses 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. 

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 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.