Is Distance Learning Right for YOU?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the course like?

This is a multimedia course developed to meet the demands of non-traditional students. It is identical to the course that is offered in the traditional lecture/lab format at ACC. The medium of delivery is quite different. The course is delivered over the Internet and you communicate with your instructor and classmates using your computer. Like the traditional classroom setting, you will complete homework, discussion questions, tax returns, and tax research. Exams are taken at any of the ACC testing centers. Quizzes are taken on Blackboard. Students utilize internet, word processing, spreadsheets, internet research, and e-mails.

If you do not have a reliable computer and/or Internet connection, you can use the computers at any ACC Library.  If you choose to work in this manner, be sure to schedule quality time, every week, so you can work and keep caught up.  You must use the Internet at least two times every week to be successful in this course.  The use of the Internet will range between 8 and 20 hours per week.  (This is an Internet driven course.)

This course is delivered via Blackboard. This is a password protected communication platform. This system works best with Internet Explorer. You do need to access the course via a reliable Internet provider and using a high speed internet connection.

Specifics of the course are stated in the online orientation. The online orientation will be available in blackboard on the first day of class. The online orientation must be completed by the end of day on Friday during the first week of school.

How do I complete the online orientation?

The online orientation is available in blackboard. There is an announcement posted in blackboard that directs you to the appropriate place in the course. During the online orientation, you will be introduced to the course, syllabus, instructor, and course guidelines/requirements. Students who register during adds/drops will be added to Blackboard the day after enrollment.

What technology do I need? What are the computer requirements for this course?

This course requires that you have high-speed internet access. You must be able to view audio and video files in flash. (Your computer will need to have a sound-card or speakers.) You must have access to Excel and word processing (save documents as doc, docx, pdf, xls, xlsx, or rtf files). 

Other technology requirements will be explained during the online orientation.

If you do not have a dependable computer or access to Microsoft Office, you can work at any ACC Library computer lab. 

It is critical that you log into Blackboard site at least 2 times per week.  If you cannot make this type of commitment, this is not the right course for you.

Which students succeed in this course?

This course works best for students who:

1. Are responsible and are able to take initiative to see that established deadlines are met.
2. Are comfortable with the use of the Internet, e-mail, and computer applications (word processing, spreadsheets, and other simple programs) and are not beginners with the use of any of these computer applications. You should have a reliable computer that you can use on a regular basis.
3. You must not be a procrastinator. As in a traditional classroom setting, there are established deadlines for completing your work, including exams. You will be dropped from the course if you do not meet the deadline for the Blackboard Online Orientation Assessment.
4. Are able to learn from the text. If your learning style requires visual hands-on learning in a classroom setting, this is not the class for you.
5. Do not think that this course is easier than going to class.
6. Do not think this is an easy A.
7. Need the flexibility that an online course offers.
8. Have planned to take an online course. Students who decide on this format at the last minute usually do not do well in this course. Students who plan the work in this course, register for it early, and start it on time are the ones that generally do well.

Resources that can help you determine if this online course is right for you:

What Every Student Should Know About Online Learning

http://dl.austincc.edu/

How do I enroll in this course?

Visit the Open Campus web site at http://dl.austincc.edu/students/#DL101.Take the 10-question survey. (Located in Learning Styles Self-Assessment)

Spend some time at the ACC Distance Learning site. There are some excellent tools to help you be successful in an on-line course. http://dl.austincc.edu/

If, after reading this information and taking the 10-question survey, you are sure that ACNT 1331 or ACNT 1393 PCM is for you and have meet the required prerequisites, you are welcome to enroll in this course.  

Any final comments?

This distance learning course is just as difficult as the on campus course. Many students drop the course because they say they need the classroom interactions. Many drop because they fail to keep up with the rapid pace (same as the on campus course). Before you enroll, make sure that you will be successful in the course. This course will be time consuming and you cannot get behind with the requirements.

Last Updated: September 4, 2010 5:16 PM