Distance Learning

The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) defines distance learning as “the acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance.” TVCC adheres to the minimal recommendations outlined in the “Principles of Good Practice for Academic Degree and Certificate Programs and Credit Courses Offered Electronically” recommended by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).  

Distance learning at Trinity Valley Community College offers opportunities for students to further their educational goals when employment, family responsibilities or other scheduling problems prohibit regular (in-person) attendance on one of the College’s campuses. This style of course delivery might also appeal to those students who desire a more non-traditional alternative when pursuing a college education.

TVCC’s distance learning program utilizes the following technologies:

  • Synchronous, two-way live interaction by utilizing Zoom web conferencing to provide instruction to students apart from the instructional site.
  • Asynchronous online instruction, referred to as e-Courses, that utilizes the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) and Panopto video software for the online platforms.

TVCC offers the following options for asynchronous instruction:

  1. Fully online courses are those in which all instruction and evaluation methods are delivered online using the Canvas LMS system.  Prior to enrolling in an online course, it is strongly recommended that the student reviews the course syllabus to determine the methods of instruction and evaluation in the course, plus determine their readiness for online instruction using the free, 2 minute Online Readiness Self-assessment to receive feedback on their skills for taking online courses.  Some online courses require proctored exams in a proctored environment, thus necessitating travel to an approved testing site.  It is the student’s responsibility to abide by the requirements outlined in the course syllabus.
  2. Hybrid courses combine the best elements of traditional, face-to-face instruction and online instruction.  Distance learning hybrid (HYD) courses are those in which the majority (51% +) is delivered online while there is some classroom and/or laboratory meeting times.  Classroom hybrid (HYC) courses are those in which the majority (51% +) is delivered in the classroom with some online component.  Prior to enrolling in hybrid courses, it is strongly recommended that the student reviews the course syllabus to determine the required dates of class/lab attendance.  It is the student’s responsibility to abide by the attendance requirements outlined in the course syllabus.

Any student enrolled in an asynchronous course with TVCC (fully online or hybrid) will be provided an institutional assigned secure log in to access the Canvas LMS system. The user name will be uniquely assigned to the TVCC student who is registered for the online course.  The unique user log in information is to be used by the online student enrolled only and is subject to the institution’s technology resource and acceptable use policy.  Furthermore, sharing or loaning log in information with other individuals is strictly prohibited and will be subject to the consequences outlined in the institution’s technology use policy.

Online courses do require additional skills, such as time management, technology skills, and self-motivation. Before embarking on an online journey, it is strongly recommended that the students complete the online readiness self-assessment to gain information on how to prepare for learning in an online class. 

For information about distance learning at TVCC, please visit our website at www.tvcc.edu/distance-learning and complete the Online Student Contact Form on the Distance Learning homepage. We will reply with information and resources about online and hybrid courses. For additional questions, please email  ecourseshelp@tvcc.edu.

Note:  A distance learning fee applies to all online courses.