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Online/Distance Learning
Distance learning formats include online, hybrid, and blended courses. All modalities require students to have a computer with a camera, microphone, and reliable Internet connection. All courses will have the same learning outcomes and level of rigor achieved in traditional courses. The delivery of online/distance learning exams will follow HGTC established policy, to include identity verification. Courses may require the use of online proctoring tools or live proctors at approved testing centers.
Online course
Online courses are taught 100% asynchronously online, providing greater flexibility
of schedule and convenience of access to students, unless otherwise specified. Synchronous
online courses will have designated times published in the course schedule.
Hybrid course
Hybrid courses have a mixture of traditional classroom instruction and online instruction.
At HGTC, students will be required to meet face-to-face on average less than 60% of
the required time for a face-to-face course, with the remainder of their coursework
completed online.
Blended course
A blended class is broadcast from a HGTC classroom. Students may choose to attend
in the classroom or online. The students’ locations will be identified through attendance
at the start of each class meeting.
Student Responsibilities
- Understand the attendance policy for each class.
- Understand the rationale for communication with the professor and the necessity of meeting deadlines for contacts, tests, and submission of assignments.
- Communicate with the professor promptly when problems affecting attendance, meeting deadlines, or change in enrollment status occur.
- Be committed to completing assignments and fulfilling obligations to the professor and other students, as required by the class.
- Follow appropriate netiquette; show respect for the professor and other students in all communications, whether in person, on-line, or by phone.
- Consult the College Catalog for information regarding policies and procedures regarding financial aid, attendance, refunds, and other related matters.
- Students should read the "Acceptable Use Policy for Network Services and the Internet" (See HGTC Procedure 7.2.3.1)
D2L (Desire to Learn)
D2L is the HGTC student portal for online and hybrid courses. Access to D2L is through
the myHGTC portal, which requires your HGTC username and password. If you have any
problems with access myHGTC or D2L, seek assistance immediately by notifying Tech
Central (843) 349-5199.
Verifying Your Course Attendance
Students must maintain attendance in their online and/or hybrid courses throughout
the semester, as failure to do so may result in the student being withdrawn from the
course. Students should log into their courses in D2L to access the course instructional
package and directions for starting the course. All online classes have required weekly
assignments tied to attendance. These assignments must be completed in D2L in order
to be counted as present for the week. Although contacting your instructor via email
or other means of communication is important if you have concern or need assistance,
these means of communication do not necessarily count toward validating attendance.
Your instructors define the attendance policies for each course. If you are having
difficultly accessing your course, please contact your instructor first. You may also
contact Tech Central at 843-349-5199 for further assistance with accessing your course.
To Progress in the Course
Students should log into their course no less than once every week. Important dates
should be listed in the course instructional package and found on the course calendar
in D2L. Students should submit work and take tests by the deadlines established. If
a student fails to meet deadlines or miss making contact with their professor for
a week, the professor may drop this student for “absences.” Once a student has missed
over 20% of the course, or two (2) weeks, the faculty is obliged to withdraw the student.
It is the student’s responsibility to keep their professor informed about their participation
in the class. If a student must miss a deadline they should notify the professor in
advance.
If You Cannot Complete the Course
If a student is unable to complete a course, they should notify the professor immediately
by e-mail or by phone. Also, they should go to the Registration Tools card in myHGTC
to withdraw from the class. Students need to pay attention to the withdrawal and refund
deadlines printed in the academic calendar. Depending on the time of the semester,
dropping a class may affect a student’s financial aid eligibility. Students should
check with the Financial Aid Office before dropping a class.
REMEMBER: Online and hybrid classes are a class! Students attend an online class by logging on, completing assignments, and submitting information.
If a student does not complete academic activities, they will be dropped for excessive absences and may be liable for financial aid overpayments. To prevent overpayments, follow the procedures stated above.