Procedure 207.07: Curriculum Distance Instruction
- The College recognizes that distance instruction may not be possible in some academic disciplines. Not all courses fit well nor will be offered in distance format.
- Instructor teaching style and breadth of experience with online instruction will be taken into consideration by academic administrators when course loads are assigned.
- Faculty controls the planning, content, and review of curricula in all learning formats.
- Academic supervision of faculty teaching the same course will be the same, regardless of whether the course is taught in a distance mode or in traditional format.
- Faculty who teach distance courses will be evaluated by their students under the same evaluation schedule as all other instructors. (See Policy 217)
- Professional development activities for distance instructors will be offered annually by the Office of Human Resources & Organizational Development and Instructional Support & Online Learning (ISOL).
- For all courses taught completely or in part through any distance learning format, a learning management system (LMS) will be employed. This system will be accessed by a unique password established by and only available to the student.
- The records of distance learners are subject to the same level of confidentiality as all other student records. (See Privacy of Student Records, policy 813)
- There will be no additional fee charged by the College for verification of student identity.
- Faculty credentials required for instruction must be the same, regardless of the format of the course.
- Courses in all formats, including online and hybrid, are included in the assessment of student learning outcomes.
Out-of-State Students Enrolling in Distance Education Courses
As a member of NC SARA, A-B Tech is able to serve individuals residing in all U.S. states with the exception of California. This is in compliance with federal law and the Department of Education requirements regarding the enrollment of students in distance education.
Distance Learning Complaint Process for Out of State Students
Students who are enrolled in distance courses and residing in states other than those listed, who desire to resolve a grievance related to enrollment should follow the College's Student Appeals Policy located in the Student Handbook. If an issue cannot be resolved internally, the student may file a complaint with your State. The Student Grievance Contact Information for Individual States provides phone numbers, emails and/or links to state education agencies. (Attached) A-B Tech Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and College Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Pursuant to Board policy, Chapter 200, Section 207.07, this procedure must be followed with all forms of distance instruction.
Definitions:
Instructional Support & Online Learning (ISOL):An instructional support group that assists faculty with instructional design, assessment techniques, and incorporating technology into the classroom whether online, hybrid, or face-to-face.
Learning Management System (LMS):A software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of training programs, classroom and online events, e-learning programs, and training content.
Department of Education, 20 U.S.C. 1001 and 1002; 66947 Federal Register, Vol. 75, No.209, October 29, 2010, 600.9 State Authorization (c).
Owner: Vice President for Instructional Services
Date Effective: April 10, 2013