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Distance learning is a course delivery format in which the majority of the instruction (interaction between students and instructors and among students) occurs when students and instructors are not in the same place. Instruction may be synchronous (live-occurring at the same time) or asynchronous (occurring at different times). A distance learning course may use the internet, interactive videoconferencing (two-way audio/video connection), audio conferencing, and/or media such as video cassettes, DVDs, and CD-ROMs as part of the distance learning course or program.
By taking advantage of distance learning courses students can begin, complete and/or continue educational careers even when it is not possible to attend class on campus. Credit earned by completing distance learning courses transfers the same as traditional (on campus) courses. Students taking distance learning courses apply, register, and enroll using the same processes as on campus students; however, these can all be accomplished online.
Midland College offers a variety of distance learning course formats including:
Online courses are developed by individual instructors and provide complete course delivery through the use of a learning management system. In the course schedule, these are listed under the Online heading which appears after each course section. Courses that are fully online are designated by a WB_ under the section column.
Hybrid courses are developed by individual instructors and consist of scheduled class meetings (face-to-face) and an online component. In hybrid courses the number of face-to-face meetings are reduced and replaced with a required online component. These courses are listed under the Classroom and Online heading which appears after each course section. Hybrid courses are designated by a HY_ under the section column.
Interactive videoconference courses are developed by individual instructors and consist of scheduled class meetings in which the instructor and students are at different locations but use interactive videoconferencing (live, two-way video/audio connectivity) to access and participate in class sessions. These courses are designated in the course schedule by (MCNET) appearing after the course title listing.
The Virtual College of Texas (VCT) allows students to access courses via the Internet that are not offered at Midland College. Students can view the schedule at www.vct.orq and all enrollments must be made through Midland College. Call 432-685-5538 for more information.
Important: Computer access and a reliable internet service are required for students who enroll in online, hybrid, and/or VCT courses.
Student Authentication and Verification
Midland College is committed to ensuring academic integrity by providing measures to ensure that the student who registers in a distance learning course is the student who is participating, completing the work, and receiving credit. Midland College uses a variety of methods to accomplish this including:
Secure login and password information is generated and provided to the student upon enrollment in a distance learning course. This personal information should be protected and not shared.
Proctored examinations are required in most Midland College distance learning courses. Your instructor will provide specific information for which assignments and/or tests may require proctoring services and how to obtain these services.
Other technologies are also utilized by Midland College to deter and identify academic integrity violations in distance learning courses.
Taking online the first time? SmarterMeasure is a diagnostic tool which helps students identify if they are at-risk of not doing well in an online, hybrid and/or technology rich course. The SmarterMeasure Learning Readiness Indicator is a web-based tool that measures: on-screen reading rate and recall, technical competency, individual attributes, life factors, preferred learning styles, and typing speed and accuracy. The SmarterMeasure Learning Readiness Indicator can be accessed at http://www.midland.edu/students/academics/smartermeasure.php. Upon completion, a detailed report is provided. For additional information, please contact the Department of Distance Learning at (432) 685-5537.
Online Courses and Canvas
You’ve registered for your Online Course, now what?
1. Contact your instructor. Email your instructor to let him/her know you’ve enrolled. You can find your instructor’s email address from the online list or by checking the course schedule. You may or may not receive a return email from your instructor.
2. All Midland College students have a Midland College email account. (VCT students do not.) If this is your first class, email from your classes will be directed there. Go to the MC Email web page to determine your username and password and then follow the link to login to your email account.
3. Go to the Midland College Bookstore’s website to find out what books are needed for your class.
4. Within one business day after you register for your course a Canvas account will be created for you. The exception is VCT students who will not have an account until the day before classes begin.
5. Determine your Canvas user ID and password to login to Canvas.
6. The online courses in which you are enrolled should become available to you by 8:00 a.m. of the first class day.
7. If you can not login using the suggested login method try retrieving your password. Your password will most likely be sent to your Midland College email account. If you still can not login please click on the Help link on the Canvas login page.
8. The online courses in which you are enrolled should become available to you by 8:00 a.m. of the first class day.
9. Do not wait for an email from your instructor. On the first day of the term you should log in to Canvas and access your course.
Helpful Links
Online Instructors’ Email Addresses
Midland College Course Schedules
Student Email
Resources
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Microsoft Powerpoint Viewer
Midland College Bookstore
Midland College Library Online Resources
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