Distance Learning

Distance Learning

Gadsden State Community College offers a large selection of courses taught through distance learning. 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. Gadsden State’s Teaching & Learning Center is the department that is responsible for supporting distance learning activities and technologies.

There are two types of distance learning courses offered at Gadsden State:

• Hybrid Courses: Hybrid courses a combination of in-person and online instruction. While Hybrid courses will have days, times, and locations listed on the course schedule, no more than 50% of instruction should be in-person. Hybrid courses are clearly identified in the course schedule within OneACCS.
• Online Courses: An online course is one in which 100% of instruction takes place online through a learning management system. While most Gadsden State’s online courses require no on-campus physical attendance of any kind, students may have the option of taking exams on campus. Online classes are clearly identified in the course schedule within OneACCS.

Depending on the course and/or program, there are two formats in which instruction can be delivered in distance learning courses:

• Asynchronous Instruction: Asynchronous online instruction allows students to access course materials, complete assignments, and engage in learning activities on their own schedule without real-time interaction with the instructor or classmates.
• Synchronous Instruction: Synchronous online instruction involves real-time, interactive learning experiences where students and instructors meet virtually at scheduled times using tools like video conferencing or live chat.

All distance learning courses require a reliable and current computer with high-speed internet access. A list of minimum technical requirements can be found by visiting https://gadsdenstate.libguides.com/TLC/basictechnology. Additionally, distance learning courses require computer literacy and reading comprehension skills, as well as self-discipline and motivation. Students may register for distance learning courses in the same way they register for traditional courses within OneACCS and there are no additional tuition costs associated with distance learning courses.

For questions related to distance learning at Gadsden State, please send an email to the Teaching & Learning Center at tlc@gadsdenstate.edu. If you are experiencing technical difficulties related to distance learning courses, please submit an IT Help Desk ticket at https://www.gadsdenstate.edu/admissions-aid/helpdesk.cms.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELATED TO ONLINE COURSES: Per SACSCOC and Federal Department of Education requirements, online exam proctoring software are used to verify the identity of students participating in online courses. Also, per Federal requirements, attendance is measured by “active participation” in the course. Active participation is defined as completing an attendance verification activity (as identified by the instructor) for each online course in which the student is enrolled. Simply contacting the instructor via telephone or email or just accessing the course will not count as attendance to satisfy requirements of federal financial aid.