What is "Distance Education"?
Distance education classes offer students a non-traditional learning
opportunity in which to earn college credit. Distance courses are equivalent
to on-campus courses in terms of transferability. There is no distinction
made on college transcripts concerning mode of instructional delivery.
Although there are no special requirements for enrolling in distance
education classes, an extra amount of motivation, self-discipline, and
time management skills are required.
What opportunities
does HCC provide through Distance Education?
An affordable and convenient way for students to obtain an education
General academic classes that can be used for university transfer
Technical and workforce training classes that prepare students
to enter their chosen field
Comprehensive student and technical support services, and
A dynamic faculty who are specially trained and or experienced
in instruction using alternate delivery modalities.
Where do I find a listing
of Distance Education course offerings?
Distance education course offerings are posted under "DE Courses Offered"
on the DE Homepage
every semester. In addition, distance education course offerings are
also published in the schedule of classes. Distance education classes
are listed under the "Distance Education" heading, as though it were
a separate HCC college. If you have difficulties locating course offerings,
please contact the Distance Education Office at 713-718-5275, option
#1.
How are Distance Education
classes taught?
There are two (2) "modes of instructional delivery" for distance education
classes:
Videocassette and Internet:
Videocassette: Instead of attending regular classes on
campus, videocassette course students view video taped programs
each week on their television sets at home, have assigned readings
in textbooks and study guides, and take exams administered on campus.
Some video courses also have written assignments. Students enrolled
in videocassette courses will have videotapes checked out to them
for the entire semester during class orientation at the beginning
of the semester. Check the DE class schedule or the online DE course
listing for orientation information.
Internet: Students taking an internet course do weekly
assignments at their own computers and communicate with their instructor
by electronic mail. The Course Management System (CMS) for Internet-based
courses at HCC is called WebCT. Students are given an opportunity
to view a comprehensive WebCT Student Orientation during the online
orientation for their Internet-based class at the beginning of the
semester. However, if a student is new to WebCT, he/she is encouraged
to become familiar with WebCT prior to beginning their first semester.
Since online orientations are public access (meaning no password
is required in order to view them), students are encouraged to visit
the orientation of the class in which they are interested in enrolling
the semester prior to their enrollment to review the WebCT Orientation
module. In this module, there is a link for students to “View the
Entire WebCT Student Orientation” that most new students find very
helpful in ensuring a successful start to their online classes.
Most Internet-based classes require exams to be taken on campus.
All courses require textbooks. For courses offered over the Internet,
students are strongly encouraged to have reliable Internet access
at home.To take these courses at home, a student must have the following:
A reliable computer, preferably with speakers
Basic computer knowledge.
Internet service provider.
Word-processing software.
Additional requirements for Computer Science Technology courses are:
All Computer Science Technology courses require microphones.
Some Computer Science Technology courses may require a video
camera and student-purchased software. See
http://tc1.hccs.edu/,
for more information
Where are DE course
tests administered? PLEASE NOTE: Not all instructors use
the testing centers listed below. Please check with your instructor
to see if you will be using the Distance Ed Testing Locations. If you
are, then the testing schedule for your testing weekend is as follows:
Note that the "drop in times" are the times that you may show up to
take your exam. If the drop in time is 4pm-7pm you may show up at any
time between 4pm and 7pm and you will still be given 2 hours to take
your exam. HOWEVER, if you show up late (even 1 minute) you will not
be given your exam. SHOW UP EARLY! Don't forget, you must bring a picture
ID in order to receive your exam. Click on the above testing location
for a map.
What is "course orientation?"
All distance education students, both new and returning, are required
to attend an orientation session for each course they take. Orientation
is like a first class day; it provides students with critical course
information that is necessary before the student can begin completing
the coursework. At the on-campus orientation sessions, which are required
for videocassette classes, the students meet the instructor and receive
course information, as well as information on procedures. The campus
attended for orientation can be different from the campus attended for
review sessions and testing. Orientation dates and times will be published
under each course in the Schedule of Classes. ALL Internet class orientations
are on-line and would be reflected as such in the class schedule. Online
class orientations can be found by visiting the
DE Homepage
and clicking on the “Access DE Courses/Orientations” link.
Does my class have
a Professor?
An HCC professor instructs all online and videocassette courses and
students may contact this professor when they need assistance or have
questions. Information on how to contact the professor will be provided
at the orientation session.
Can I take DE classes
if I don’t live in Houston?
Yes! Students living or working out of Houston during the semester in
which they are enrolled at HCC in online classes need to make special
arrangements to accommodate their needs. First, students are encouraged
to email their instructors prior to the orientation being posted to
the DE webpage to obtain text book information. Any DE staff member
can assist you in locating your instructor’s contact information. Please
call 713.718.5275, option #1 to speak to a DE staff member for assistance.
With required text information, students can order texts prior to the
first class day through an online bookseller. Second, students must
locate an appropriate person in their area who can serve as a testing
proctor in the event that their instructor requires paper exams. Please
read information regarding this requirements at the following URL:
http://distance.hccs.edu/de-counseling/student_out_houston.htm
Do DE courses require
a textbook? Where to I purchase my DE course textbooks?
Yes; most DE courses will require one or more textbooks, just as do
on-campus classes. All DE course textbooks are housed at the Central
College bookstore. Students can order their books online by
visiting
the bookstore’s website
or visit the Central College Bookstore to purchase books, or visit any HCC Bookstore to order the books to be sent to that Bookstore location
from the Central College Bookstore. This option usually takes 24-48
hours for books to be shipped from Central to another HCC Bookstore.
What is the Virtual
College of Texas (VCT)? The Virtual College of
Texas (VCT) is a collaborative of Texas' fifty community college
districts and the State of Texas Technical College System. Through the
VCT, students may register at their local colleges to take credit and
non-credit distance learning courses from other colleges throughout
Texas. If HCC does not offer a class online that you need, please contact
the Distance Education Department to determine if the class is available
through the VCT. The VCT liaison in the Distance Education Department
is Mary Beth
Schallici at 713.718.5252. Additionally, the
DE Counselors are
happy to assist students with VCT questions.
How Many Distance Education Courses
Should I Take Each Semester? Read our
article on choosing the number of courses you should take per
semester. (PDF)
What are WebCT and
Blackboard WebCT and Blackboard are two separate Course Management Systems
(CMS) on which online DE classes at HCC are presented. Students will
login to WebCT, Blackboard, or both – depending on which CMS is used
to host their online course – to access the online classroom through
the semester. At the beginning of each semester, the online class
orientation for your DE class(es) will present a module that
contains information about WebCT and Blackboard. DE strongly
encourages students to review all modules of online orientation
carefully.
Can I see an example of what an
online (Distance Education) course typically looks like?
Sure! All visitors, new, and returning students are encouraged to
thoroughly review a free, online course called Successful Online
Students (S.O.S.) Not only will the S.O.S. give you a glimpse into a
typical online class, but it also presents helpful information about
distance education at HCC. Please click the following URL to view an
example of an online Distance Education course:
http://www.distance.hccs.edu/de_sos.html
HCC Online Class Registration Information
Where can I obtain guidance
on navigating online registration? Click here to
view/print a PDF document that will assist you with the online registration
process.
I attended HCC last semester,
but I've never used the Student Web Registration System. How do I get
a Web User ID?
If you attended HCC sometime during the last year, you already have
a Web User ID and temporary password waiting for you and you can retrieve
it by going the HCC Homepage
and clicking on the “Register Here” starburst. Select the "Registration
and More..." option and then follow the instructions on the Login screen
for new students. You will keep the same Web User ID throughout your
HCC career. If you need assistance with online registration, please
contact a DE Counselor or Student Service Associate for assistance at
713.718.5275, option #4.
I've forgotten my Web User
ID. What do I do?
Go to the HCC Homepage at
www.hccs.edu and click
the “Register Here” starburst, select option "Registration and More..."
. This will take you to the Login screen. Follow the instructions there.
If you need assistance with online registration, please contact a DE
Counselor or Student Service Associate for assistance at 713.718.5275,
option #4.
Why can't I choose my own
Web User ID? It doesn't look like any number I'm familiar with.
The system generates the Web User ID from the Student ID number. Student
ID is sometimes called your "Empl ID" and is your unique identifier
in the Student Administration system. Please remember that the HCC registration
Web User ID is DIFFERENT from what is/will be your DE WebCT (Internet
Course Access) User ID. For information on how to login to your online
Distance Education course, please visit the WebCT Orientation found
within your online class orientation, or go to the main DE Homepage
at www.distance.hccs.edu
.
I've forgotten my HCC registration
password. What do I do?
If you have forgotten your password, but set yourself a password clue
in the past, you can get a "hint" from the system to help you remember.
Simply click on "Registration and More..." to go to the Login screen,
and click on "Need a Password Hint?". Otherwise, you will have to call
the Information Center for a password reset. They are open Monday through
Thursday 8-8, Friday 8-6, Saturday 9-6 and Sunday 1-6. The number is
713-718-8800.
I recently submitted an application
for admission as a Semester Credit Hour. How do I get a Web User ID
for the HCC Student Web System?
After you submit the online HCC application over the web or in person,
the system will generate a Web User ID for you automatically. However,
all previous college transcripts and/or appropriate test scores must
be received prior to registration. Allow previous college transcripts
an opportunity to be received, then follow-up with the DE Counselors
for registration assistance. See the
DE New Student Admission Steps page to review the steps in the Admission
Process. After the admission process is complete, the DE Counselors
will provide you registration instructions.
I recently submitted an application
for admission as a Non-Credit, Continuing Education student or Adult
High School Student. How do I get a Web User ID for the HCC Student
Web System?
If you submitted an online application as an Adult High School (AHS),
Continuing Education (CEU), or Non-Credit (CEU) student, you will only
be eligible to enroll in AHS or CEU classes. Distance Education classes
are semester credit hour(SCH) classes. If you have accidentally submitted
an AHS or CEU application, please contact a
DE Counselor for assistance in completing an SCH application, which
is required to attend DE classes for credit at HCC.
I was a student more than
a year ago, but am returning to HCC. How do I get a Web User ID for
the HCC Student Web System?
If you last attended HCC more than a year ago you must have your HCC
records reactivated before you can register. The fastest way to update
your file is to visit your closest HCC location and report to the Registration
Office. However, if you live out of the Houston area please contact
the Distance Education Counselor for assistance with this process. If
you are returning as a Semester Credit Hour student you must establish
residency before receiving a Web User ID. After your records are retrieved,
the system will generate a Web User ID for you automatically. This process
runs every half-hour, so you may have to wait up to a half-hour for
your Web User ID to be generated. To retrieve your new Web User ID,
simply click on
Registration and More to go to the Login screen. Follow the instructions
there for first time users.
The class I want to register
in started yesterday. Can I register through the web?
Maybe. Students are allowed to register, add, drop, or swap classes
online until the end of the registration and/or add/drop period. Please
review the registration calendar in the class schedule to be familiar
with registration dates, or contact a DE Student Services staff member
for assistance at 713.718.5275, option #4 or
decounseling@hccs.edu.
Can every student with a HCC
Web User ID register over the web?
Yes. Even students who are required to take developmental coursework
due to TSI restrictions may now register online. However, students with
some types of service indicators (holds) on their record may have to
go to the campus to register. You will be notified of any service indicator
"holds" when you login and you must visit an HCC campus to clear your
record of service indicators. Adult High School students must come to
campus to register in person. Please contact a DE Student Services staff
member for assistance at 713.718.5275, option #4 or
decounseling@hccs.edu
if you have difficulty with online registration.
How can I pay fees over the
web?
Click on "Registration and More...". After you login, click on "Financial
Services". You can use a valid Mastercard, Visa, or American Express
card to pay your full tuition and fees. You cannot use a debit card
or a non-USA credit card. If you wish to pay with a check, cash, or
if you would like to discuss payment arrangements you must go to your
closest HCC campus Cashier's Office.
IMPORTANT: Students must pay tuition
and fees in full at the time of registration. If payment is not made
on the day that you register, you may be dropped from the class without
notification.
When are my fees due? The
system says they are due today!
All tuition and fees must be paid at the time of registration. Failure
to pay tuition and fees at the time of registration will result in a
student being dropped from class(es) without notice.
Can I make just a partial
payment over the web?
No, you must pay all of your outstanding balance. If you would like
to discuss payment arrangements you must go to your closest HCC campus
Cashier's Office.
Will my browser work on the
HCC website?
Students are encouraged to use Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher when
accessing online registration, as this is the optimal browser when utilizing
the HCC student information system. If you have problems with your browser,
please call the Information Center at 713-718-8800.
How to drop a class. As a result of recent Texas legislative changes, please be
advised that HCC is charging
additional tuition for students who
enroll in the same class three or more times at HCC. While it is the
hope of HCC that students will be successful in their first attempt
at classes, we realize that life demands, academic struggles, and
other issues may result in students needing to take the same class
more than once. Additionally, beginning in Fall 2007, the Texas
Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no
more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational
career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.
This recent legislation further emphasizes the need for students
to understand the institutional services that are available to
assist in ensuring their college success! Please contact a Distance
Education (DE) Counselor for assistance in understanding such
services.
If you have decided to withdraw from a DE class, you MUST CHOOSE
ONE of the following options.
Withdrawal requests MUST be done PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline
to receive a “W” on your transcript. **Final withdrawal deadlines
vary each semester and/or depending on class length, please visit
the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes and
catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to
determine class withdrawal deadlines. Remember to allow a 24-hour
response time when communicating via email and/or telephone with a
DE professor and/or counselor. Do not submit a request to discuss
withdrawal options less than a day before the deadline.If you do
not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that
you are making in the class as your final grade.
Be aware that there is a deadline by which students must drop
classes. This deadline is posted online and in the schedule of
Classes each semester. It is the student's responsibility to confirm
the processing of all class drop requests. To do this, please review
your student records online by visiting
www.distance.hccs.edu, click
"Registration and More", and then choosing "Registration (Online)"
to login.
How do I receive my grades?
Grades are available via the Internet within one week after the
last final exam. Exact dates are published in the class schedule. Students
may view their grades at HCC Online Services. If students need official
documentation of their class grades, there are several ways through
which a student can order an official HCC transcript.
This information is available here.
How do I change my name, address, phone number, and/or email
address?
Forms are available at each campus for students who need to change
their name and or address. NOTE: If your address change results in a
new residency status, you must file a petition for residency change
(with documentation) before you qualify for the new residency rate.
Distance Education students who live outside of the Houston area
must submit a change my name, address, phone number, and/or email address
request to the HCC Office of Student Records for processing. This written
request MUST include the date of the request, the student's full name,
date of birth, last 4-digits of the Social Security Number, phone number,
mailing address, email address. Additionally, documentation such as
a copy of a marriage license or divorce decree, information reflecting
the address change (i.e., utility bill, copy of tax forms, lease/deed,
drivers license, etc.) must be included in the mailing.
The Change of Name, Address, Phone Number and/or Email Address should
be mailed to:
Houston Community College
Attn: Office of Student Records
PO Box 667517, MC: 1136
Houston, TX 77266-7517
How do I request proof of current enrollment?
Students needing enrollment verifications for insurance, loan deferments,
etc. may request a form to be completed any HCC location in the Registration
Office, at the HCC Administration Building at 3100 Main Street on the
11th floor, or via mail. Requests made at 3100 Main may be picked up
twenty-four hours after the request is received.
Distance Education students who live outside of the Houston area
must submit an enrollment verification request to the HCC Office of
Student Records for processing. This written request MUST include the
date of the request, dates of enrollment, the student's full name, date
of birth, last 4-digits of the Social Security Number, phone number,
mailing address, email address. The request should include the address
for where the enrollment verification should be mailed upon completion.
Mail request to:
Houston Community College
Attn: Office of Student Records
PO Box 667517, MC: 1136
Houston, TX 77266-7517
How do I apply for graduation and when will I receive my diploma?
Students should file for graduation with the HCC Counseling Office
where they filed their official degree plan. Please contact the Distance
Education Counseling Department at 713.718.5275, option #4 with question
regarding degree planning and/or filing for graduation.
Diplomas for students who file for graduation by the deadline: October
15, February 15, June 15 will receive their diplomas within one month
after the end of their completion term. Duplicates or replacements may
be requested for Fifteen dollars.
