Online and Hybrid Courses

Distance education offers Austin Community College (ACC) students a convenient way to earn college credit through online and hybrid courses where the majority of instruction occurs when students and faculty are not in the same place. These interactive, web-based classes are designed for students who desire flexibility in their studies. Course content and transferability is identical to classes offered on campus, giving students more scheduling options and a wider selection of classes to meet their needs.

ACC offers three types of distance education courses to choose from:

• • • Online – ONL
      Instruction and testing are fully online without required class times.
    • Synchronous Virtual Class Meetings Required – DLS
      Instruction is fully online with required online meetings during the specified days and times listed.
    • Hybrid Distance – HYD
      Instruction is mostly online with some on-campus meetings. An ACC ID card and personal safety measures will be required when on campus or on site.

The enrollment and registration process is the same for distance education courses as it is for on-campus courses. Fully online degree and certificate programs are offered. Visit the ACC Online website for complete program information.

Other Class Options

Refer to Instructional Modalities at ACC.

• • • Hybrid Classroom – HYC
      Instruction is mostly on-campus with the remaining instruction online. An ACC ID card and personal safety measures will be required when on campus.
    • Hyflex – FLX
      A face-to-face (F2F), synchronous course section that allows students to attend virtually on any given class day. An ACC ID card and personal safety measures will be required when on campus or on site.

Distance Education Course Orientation

All distance education courses begin with a mandatory orientation. Refer to the course section description in the Course Schedule to find orientation instructions for the class. Students who fail to meet a course’s orientation requirements risk being withdrawn from the course for non-attendance. Students should contact the course instructor immediately to clarify any questions about the orientation or other course requirements.

Distance Education Course Delivery in Blackboard

Distance education classes are taught using Blackboard, the College-approved learning management system for online course delivery. Classes may use additional hardware and software, but the College-approved learning management system must serve as the gateway.

• • • Secure Access to Blackboard
      Students use their unique ACCeID and password to securely login to Blackboard.
    • Course Availability in Blackboard
      Courses are available in Blackboard for students no later than the Friday before the session begins. For students who register after the session begins, it may take up to 24 hours for the course to appear in Blackboard.
    • Course Confidentiality in Blackboard for Students
      Only work submitted to open forums, like discussion boards, can be accessed by other students in the class. Assignments, grades, and correspondence are not viewable by other students.
    • Professional Use Expectations for College Information Systems
      The following statement appears on the Blackboard login page regarding the expectations and policies that all users must abide by:

Unauthorized attempts and actions to access or use of ACC systems, and the data herein, is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary actions, or civil and/or criminal prosecution.

By accessing and/or using this system, you understand and consent to the following: (1) that you will abide by ACC Administrative Rules and Policies. (2) that any data created, transmitted and/or stored on ACC system resources is the property of ACC and is subject to access, monitoring, recording and audit in compliance with laws and ACC policies. (3) Users have no expectation of privacy.