Distance Education

Distance education is a flexible and convenient alternative to taking face-to-face courses; however, online courses are not easier. Distance Education learners need to be ready to take an active role in their learning to ensure a successful learning experience.

Athens Technical College requires at least one proctored activity in each distance education course. A proctored activity is a required learning event such as a midterm or final exam or presentation for which students must appear in person and present photo identification (such as a driver's license or Athens Technical College student identification card) to verify their identity. A proctored activity must be one that is accomplished on campus as specified by the instructor. In special circumstances, students may complete the proctored activity at an approved alternate site such as a college or university testing center or other educational or military settings.

The following phrases explain distance learning at Athens Technical College:

• Taught by college faculty, distance education courses are comparable to the same courses taught in a traditional classroom setting.
• Distance education courses have the same course content, student learning outcomes, grading policy, and criteria as face-to-face courses.
• Students who take distance education 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.
• Blackboard Learn, a learning management program, is used for all distance education courses. Some courses also use publisher resource sites. Students receive a username and password to access the learning management system and publisher sites.