Catalog 2013-2014

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Distance Learning

Distance learning is a flexible and convenient alternative to taking face-to-face courses; however, online courses are not easier! Online learners need to be ready to take an active role in their learning to ensure a successful learning experience. Online courses at Athens Technical College typically require one or more proctored exams. A proctored exam requires students to go to one of the campuses of Athens Technical College or to locate a proctor (typically at a local college, university, or testing center) and complete the exam as directed by the instructor. The following phrases explain distance learning at Athens Technical College:

  • Taught by college faculty, distance learning courses are comparable to the same courses taught in a traditional classroom setting.
  • Distance learning courses have the same course content, student learning outcomes, and grading policy and criteria as face-to-face courses.
  • Students who take online courses need strong study, time management, Internet, and reading comprehension skills to be successful.
  • On average, online courses require a minimum time commitment of 15 hours each week to complete all assignments. Students interact with the instructor and other students through the online learning environment.
  • Thinkwell and MyMathLab learning management programs are used for the majority of math courses offered at Athens Technical College. ANGEL, a learning management program, is used for all other distance learning courses available at the college. Students receive a username and password to access these learning management programs.

Eligible for E-Learning at Athens Technical College

In an effort to ensure the best change of successful completion of online courses, Athens Technical College requires students who plan to take online courses to meet the following criteria:

  • Must hold a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
  • May be in learning support in only one area (English or math) and it cannot be Reading.
  • Must meet all course prerequisites.
  • Must be in good academic standing; students on probation or who are returning to college after having been academically dismissed are ineligible to take online classes.
  • Must have no history of failing (F) or withdrawal failing (WF) grades in the course they wish to take online.
  • Must have completed the Orientation Process for Online Classes before meeting with their advisor.

Definitions of Types of Distance Learning Courses

The following terms describe the instructional methods used to deliver distance learning courses at Athens Technical College:

  • Online - Online courses are taught using the Internet, with the bulk of the course content, activities, and interactions occurring online. Online courses may require an on-site component and that component must be detailed in the course syllabus. Online courses may require proctored exams
  • Hybrid — Courses are taught primarily via the Internet and partially via an on-campus classroom. (Example: Monday/Wednesday on campus; all other coursework online).
  • Web-enhanced — Online resources are used to suplement face-to-face classroom intruction. The web-based component of the course supports classroom instruction and may require students to use the Internet to interact with one another and the instructor, to review content, do research, complete and/or submit assignments, or take tests. Almost all courses offered at the college are, at minimum, web-enhanced.
  • Video-conferencing — Face-to-face course taught at two or more locations at the same time. The course is delivered by interactive audio/video technologies with the instructor teaching in one of the classroom locations, broadcasting to the other classroom location.

Support for Distance Learners

The director of distance education and instructional technologies supports faculty and students and manages the college's web-based instruction and instructional technology needs. Students requiring technical support for their distance education courses are encouraged to:

  • Visit the E-learning web page for information regarding software and hardware requirements. This information is available on the college website.
  • Contact the course instructor for assistance.
  • Submit a help request form through the college website. On class days, students can expect a response from technical support within 24 hours.

For more information about services and resources available to all students, including distance learners, please visit the Current Students link on the college website.