Austin Community College has been dedicated to serving a variety of students including those that cannot attend traditional on-campus classes. These students either have multiple demands on their time from work, family, and community responsibilities or are located in parts of the ACC service region that require long commutes to ACC campus locations. Distance Learning classes are designed to meet the needs of these students by providing time and/or place-independent courses in which students can participate anytime, anyplace.

Distance education is instruction that:

• is delivered other than where instruction originates
• has an interactive component
• has a structure that includes assessment

ACC currently offers serveral differnt types of distance learning delivery options including Web-based courses, courses on videotape, courses delivered via local cable channels, and live interactive video courses at remote locations. Adapting your class for distance learning requires that you take some time to:

1. analyze your course objectives and student outcomes
2. analyze your audience
3. review the technology options available to you including their advantages and disadvantages
4. and finally, select the technology medium that is most appropriate to meet your course objectives and serve your students.

If you are interested in teaching a distance learning course take some time to the Distance Learning Website which defines the guidelines for adapting, designing and delivering your course. Instructional Design staff are available to assist you in adapting and developing your course and completing the DL Course Proposal Form before it is submitted for approval. IDS staff will also work with you throughout the development phase to provide instructional and technical support based on best practices.

For additional information about adapting your course for distance learning delivery, start here by initiating a project or contact one of our Instructional Design Specialists at Instructional Development Services.

For additional information about distance learning contact the Office of Distance Learning at 512-223-8026 or email dl@austincc.edu.