Distance Learning

Internet or Online Courses are a convenient and flexible alternative for obtaining college credit.  Instead of attending classes on campus, students may take a college course from home, office or other convenient location using a computer with Internet access.  Students can access assignments, notes, class presentations and exams through the Internet at times that fit their schedules.  Online courses are the same as on-campus classes in academic quality, credit hours, transferability and cost and taught by distance learning certified faculty members.

Definition of Distance Education
For the purposes of the SACSCOC accreditation review, distance education is a formal educational process in which the majority of the instruction (interaction between students and instructors and among students) in a course occurs when students and instructors are not in the same place. Instruction may be synchronous or asynchronous. A distance education course may use the internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite, or wireless communications devices; audio conferencing; or video cassettes, DVD’s, and CD-ROMs if used as part of the distance learning course or program.

Definition of Correspondence Education
Correspondence education is a formal educational process under which the institution provides instructional materials, by mail or electronic transmission, including examinations on the materials, to students who are separated from the instructor. Interaction between the instructor and the student is limited, is not regular and substantive, and is primarily initiated by the student; courses are typically self-paced.

Hybrid or Blended:  “Hybrid” or “Blended” are names commonly used to describe courses in which some traditional face-to-face time has been replaced by online learning activities. In a hybrid course, a portion of the class learning activities are online, which reduces the amount of time spent in a traditional, face-to-face classroom. 

Difference between a Hybrid and online?  Students who take hybrid courses continue to meet in the classroom for the number of scheduled hours for that course. An online or distance course is conducted entirely online. 

Web-enhanced: Web enhanced courses meet on campus however instructors may use a platform for assignments, notes, class presentations or exams through the Internet.

Instructure Canvas Overviews: Overview sessions are available at the start of each semester and cover how to use Instructure Canvas and its tools. The overview sessions cover how to log in, how to access the course content, how to use the communication tools such as mail and discussion tools, how to take a test, and how to check your grades. The overview does not replace your class orientation. Check the Center for Distance Learning web site for the schedule of Instructure Canvas Overviews.

Online Course Requirements & Skills:  Online courses provide an alternative course delivery mode for students. The successful distance learning student must be highly motivated, self-disciplined, goal-oriented, focused and self-directed.  Students considering enrollment in an online course should be able to meet the following minimal technical requirements and skills.

• Have access to the Internet
• Possess basic Internet navigation skills
• Have an email account and basic email skills
• Have a working knowledge of the Windows or Mac computer environment

The degrees and certificates listed below as 100% Online can be completed fully at a distance by enrolling in online classes. Programs and certificates listed at >50% Online can be completed by enrolling in both face-to-face and online classes.

For further information regarding the above items, students may contact the instructor listed for each course. Additionally, students may also visit the St. Philip’s College Center for Distance Learning site at http://www.alamo.edu/spc/distance-learning/ or call (210) 486-2239.

SmarterMeasure:  It is also highly recommended that you take the SmarterMeasure online assessment to determine if you are a good candidate for online classes. The assessment results will also provide resources to help you better prepare to take online classes. You can find the SmarterMeasure assessment tool at http://stphilips.smartermeasure.com/. Login with Username: spcstudent  Password: spcuser

Brainfuse - 24/7 Online Tutoring

St. Philip’s College provides Brainfuse online tutoring service. Using Brainfuse is simple, fast and always available. Students connect to live educators from any computer that has Internet access, with no special software installation or equipment required. Students work one-on-one, in real-time with a tutor, communicating using a virtual whiteboard technology.

Access Brainfuse through ACES or through your Canvas courses.