Distance Education FAQ

1. 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.

2. 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.

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3. Do I have to know how to set my VCR in order to record programs for a telecourse?

Alvin Community College uses a video-tape check-out system so that students do not have to worry about TV reception or setting the VCR. At the being of the semester, instructors will check out to the students the tape lessons for the full semester.

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4. If I do not attend class, how will I be able to ask my instructors questions?

All Alvin Community College instructors have office hours that will be listed in the Student Information Packet. 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.

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5. 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.

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6. Do I ever have to come on campus?

Yes. But only for the orientation session, tests and possibly discussion sessions. If you are enrolled in a science class with a lab, you will also need to come on campus for that lab.

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7. 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.

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8. 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.

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9. Are distance education courses easier than on-campus courses?

There should be no major difference in difficulty between distance education courses and on-campus courses. Successful completion of a distance education course requires self-discipline and dedication.

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10. 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.

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11. 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.

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12. 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.

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13. 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.

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14. If I don't have Windows98 and/or Microsoft Professional Office97 on my computer at home, will I still be able to take either of those internet courses?

In order to complete the assignments you will need to work on a computer with the software program for the class you are taking. The Office Administration Department has several labs that are available with these programs. It may be a little more difficult, but if you have self-discipline and dedication you can successfully complete a distance education course.

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15. 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 video lessons more than once or spend as much time as you desire to cover the internet lessons.

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16. If I don't know how to use the web, can I still take an internet course?

Yes, part of the orientation for the internet is to help the student become familiar with the tools needed to complete the assignments.

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17. Do you mean all I have to do is watch TV for the telecourses?

Watching the TV program is only one part of a telecourse. You must also complete textbook and study assignments and take tests. Successful completion of a telecourse requires self-discipline and dedication.

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18. If I have a question at night, can I call my instructor?

All distance education faculty have voicemail. You can call and leave a message any time, even when the faculty member is not in the office.

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19. What if I cannot attend the scheduled orientation session for the class I want to take?

Contact the instructor for that class at the phone number or the e-mail address listed for that course to schedule a make-up time for orientation.

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