Distance Learning Policy

Distance learning is defined as a formal educational process in which the majority of the instruction (interaction between students and instructors and among students) in a course occurs when student and instructor are not in the same place. Distance learning focuses on utilizing technology and teaching methods to provide instruction to students outside the regular classroom and thereby increase flexibility and scheduling options. Two types of distance learning courses are offered by Enterprise State: online and hybrid.

  • The entirety of an online course’s content is delivered asynchronously through the college’s learning management system. No synchronous meetings are required. Tests are proctored remotely using a variety of digital means, which may include use of monitoring with a webcam and microphone by an online proctoring service for the examinations. 
  • A hybrid course uses a combination of online and classroom-based instruction, with approximately 50% of the course content being delivered asynchronously through the college’s learning management system. Attendance in synchronous class meetings is required. Testing may be required on campus or proctored remotely using a variety of digital means, which may include use of monitoring with a webcam and microphone by an online proctoring service for examinations.

Both hybrid and online courses require the student to have access to a computer, webcam, and stable Internet connection, preferably high-speed. Additionally, distance learning courses require computer literacy and reading comprehension skills, as well as self-discipline and motivation. Students register for distance learning courses in the same way they register for traditional courses.

All online courses require at least one proctored exam. See the ESCC Proctoring Policy.

Enterprise State Community College is committed to protecting the privacy of all students by utilizing unique usernames and passwords for each student to access the learning management system through Microsoft MyApps which requires two-factor authentication.

Attendance and Attendance Verification

Attendance in distance education courses is defined as completing and submitting academic

work. To attend a distance education course, a student must actively participate by
engaging in an academically related activity. This type of activity might include a graded discussion forum post, a quiz or test submission, a homework submission, or any other instructor-evaluated activity that requires student engagement in the learning process.

 

Attendance Verification

Distance education courses require each student to provide evidence of participation by completing and submitting the Attendance Verification Quiz. This quiz will open on the first day of the semester and close (end) on the fifth calendar day of the semester at 12 noon. Students who are reported for non-attendance in a class will be withdrawn by the Registrar and may only be readmitted to the course by following current College policy related to readmittance.

 

Withdrawals and Reporting Last Day of Attendance (LDA)

The reported LDA for a student who withdraws or earns a final course grade of “F” indicates the last date the student completed an academically related activity.