Distance Education

J.F. Drake State Community and Technical Colleges offers a selection of courses taught through distance education. Distance education focuses on utilizing technology and teaching methods to provide instruction to students outside the regular classroom and thereby increase flexibility and scheduling options.

There are two types of distance learning courses offered:

• Hybrid Courses: Hybrid courses a combination of in-person and online instruction. While Hybrid courses will have days, times, and locations listed on the course schedule, no more than 50% of instruction should be in-person. Hybrid courses are clearly identified in the course schedule.
• Online Courses: An online course is one in which 100% of instruction takes place online through a learning management system. Online classes are clearly identified in the course schedule.

Depending on the course and/or program, there are two formats in which instruction can be delivered in distance education courses:

• Asynchronous Instruction: Asynchronous online instruction allows students to access course materials, complete assignments, and engage in learning activities on their own schedule without real-time interaction with the instructor or classmates.
• Synchronous Instruction: Synchronous online instruction involves real-time, interactive learning experiences where students and instructors meet virtually at scheduled times using tools like video conferencing or live chat.

All distance education courses require a reliable and current computer with high-speed internet access. A list of minimum technical requirements can be found by visiting the Basic Technology Requirements section. Additionally, distance education courses require computer literacy and reading comprehension skills, as well as self-discipline and motivation. Students may register for distance education courses in the same way they register for traditional courses and there are no additional tuition costs associated with distance education courses.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties related to distance education courses, please submit an IT Help Desk ticket at helpdesk@drakestate.edu.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELATED TO ONLINE COURSES: Per SACSCOC and Federal Department of Education requirements, online exam proctoring software are used to verify the identity of students participating in online courses. Also, per Federal requirements, attendance is measured by “active participation” in the course. Active participation is defined as completing an attendance verification activity (as identified by the instructor) for each online course in which the student is enrolled. Simply contacting the instructor via telephone or email or just accessing the course will not count as attendance to satisfy requirements of federal financial aid.

Drake State is committed to making education accessible and affordable for all of our students. We feel that it is important that students are not charged additional tuition or fees for choosing to enroll in online or hybrid courses. This policy aligns with our mission to provide flexible, high-quality educational options to meet diverse learning needs. 

The College assigns generated student identification numbers (A numbers), instead of Social Security numbers, as a means of protecting students from identity theft. These unique numbers are used to help prevent unauthorized access to student records. Social Security numbers are only accessible to administrative departments that are required to use them for state and federal reporting. All students are issued ID cards each academic year of enrollment. Students are encouraged to carry their ID card at all times. There is a $5.00 fee for replacement cards.

All students are required to complete the Attendance Agreement Verification for every course they are enrolled in each semester. This verification confirms your participation and is a necessary step to maintain your enrollment status in each class. Failure to complete the verification by the deadline may result in being dropped from the course.

All distance education classes will require at least one proctored exam. Honorlock is a licensed product within Canvas to provide this service. The use of Honorlock helps to ensure the student taking the exam and completing coursework is the same student enrolled in the course. Honorlock ensures exam integrity by combining AI-driven monitoring with live proctor interventions, browser lockdown tools, and unique features like detecting leaked test content and unauthorized devices.  

• Identity Verification
  • Student authentication: Honorlock requires students to verify their identity before starting an exam, typically through photo ID checks and facial recognition. This ensures that the person taking the test is the enrolled student.
• Browser & Device Security
  • Browser Guard™: Prevents access to unauthorized websites, applications, or multiple monitors during the exam. Phone detection: Honorlock can detect if a student tries to use a secondary device, like a smartphone, to look up answers. Copy/paste & print restrictions: Instructors can disable these functions to prevent students from saving or sharing exam content
• Audio & Video Monitoring
  • Speech detection: The system listens for trigger phrases like “Hey Siri” or “OK Google,” while allowing students to read aloud without false flags.

Honorlock secures exams by verifying identity, locking down browsers, detecting unauthorized devices, monitoring audio/video, and actively removing leaked test content. Its mix of AI and live proctors ensures integrity while minimizing stress for students.

A student has the right to trademark or copyright any literary material and to patent any inventions unless duties of the courses enrolled in, or the College, charges the student with, or includes, the duty of producing material for the College to copyright or trademark, or to develop an invention for the College to patent. A student is entitled to all profits earned from copyrighted or trademarked materials or patented inventions developed exclusively on the student’s time and without the use of College funds, materials, or facilities. 

Copyrighted or trademarked material or patented inventions developed totally or partially on College time with the use of College materials or facilities or with College funding shall be owned by the College. 

If you register for distance education courses (online or hybrid), you must have the necessary technology for accessing Canvas course materials and completing activities.  This means having access to a computer running on an up-to-date Windows or Mac operating system that is connected to reliable high-speed Internet. This computer must also be equipped with a working webcam and microphone.

Note: Honorlock is an online remote proctoring service that allows students to take exams remotely. It can be installed on devices running Windows 10+, MacOSX 10.15+, and ChromeOS. Honorlock is incompatible with iPads, Walmart Branded Camera (Onn / Surf Onn), Amcrest Cameras, and Nexigo Cameras.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has issued Final Rules on Distance Education and Innovation which go into effect on July 1, 2021. Under the new regulations, the U.S. Department of Education requires that all online courses and programs for which students may use Title IV funds (federal financial aid) include regular and substantive interaction between students and their instructors. This ruling applies to both synchronous and asynchronous courses, with the primary focus being asynchronous courses. The Department of Education has the authority to audit courses and programs at institutions receiving Federal Financial Aid. 

The ED defines “substantive interaction” as engaging students in teaching, learning and assessment, that is consistent with the course content under discussion and includes at least two of the following activities totaling at least 50-60 minutes every week for a 3 credit-hour course in a long fall/spring semester, or a scaled number of minutes for a course with a different number of credit-hours and a shorter or longer semester:

1. Attending a synchronous class, lecture, recitation, or field or laboratory activity, physically or online, where there is an opportunity for interaction between the instructor and students;
2. Submitting an academic assignment;
3. Taking an assessment or an exam;
4. Participating in an interactive tutorial, webinar, or other interactive computer-assisted instruction;
5. Participating in a study group, group project, or an online discussion that is assigned or led by the instructor;
6. Interacting with an instructor about academic matters; and
7. Required discussion forum activity associated with the course materials

Regular and Substantive Interaction Primer for Faculty

This is a guide to demonstrate to GSCC faculty how RSI should be incorporated into their online classes.

RSI Resources by Trey Martindale

RSI resources for faculty from a leading blogger in distance education.

Inside Higher Ed Article on RSI

OSCQR Rubric - RSI Compliance Information

Want to know how well you will do in an online course? Click this link to take our "Online Readiness Assessment for Students."

• If you scored at least 4/5: You have demonstrated that you can meet the demands of an online course. Your willingness to participate and interact with your classmates and instructors will promote your success.
• If you scored at least 2/5: To succeed in an online course, you must carefully choose a place to study compatible with your work habits. Devise a way to keep track of your assignments and due dates so you can plan your work. You need to be willing to interact with your instructor and fellow classmates when you have questions.
• If you scored 1/5 or below: Perhaps an in-person course would better align with your needs and study habits. Face-to-face interaction in a physical classroom may be a better choice.

Importance of Good Study Habits, Course Interaction, and Participation

Many online courses rely heavily on written communication. This may make the course less appealing to those who require directions in alternate formats. It is important to understand your own learning style and make accommodations that will fit your personal needs. This may include communicating frequently with your instructor to ensure you fully understand instructions. However, all is not lost! Many online courses now include streaming video or audio files, chat sessions, and synchronous meetings.

Fully participating in an online course, communicating with your peers, and sharing your experiences will also assist you in successfully completing an online course.

Learn more about how to meet deadlines successfully and avoid procrastination through these important tips:

• Understanding and Overcoming Procrastination
• Time Management and Organization

• If you scored at least 4/5: You have met the basic technological requirements for participation in an online course.
• If you scored at least 2/5: Your computer may need some upgrades or additional software installed to ensure the best possible online learning experience. You should have an up-to-date operating system, current version of a browser, high-speed Internet access, virus protection, and possibly headphones with a microphone. The complete list of hardware and software required for online learning may vary slightly by course. Review specific course requirements before starting any online course.
• If you scored 1/5 or below: You may not be ready for online courses. Taking a seated course on basic computer skills may prepare you to take online courses in the future. Speak with your advisor for more information.

Importance of computer Skills

Being comfortable with the Internet and familiar with computers will aid you in completing an online course. Remember, you are not alone. All students experience technical difficulties from time to time. Before you report your technical difficulties, it is important to ensure that you carefully followed the instructions. It is equally important that you communicate with your online instructor in order to ensure your success. Technical skills alone will not make you successful. There are other factors involved, such as time management and motivation.

Test and enhance your computer skills:

• Computer Basics Tutorials
• Improving Your Computer Skills

• If you scored at least 4/5: You have demonstrated that you have adequate time management and motivation necessary for participation in an online course.
• If you scored at least 2/5: You need to improve your time management skills and study habits (such as keeping yourself on track, meeting deadlines, and working independently) before you can be successful in online learning. Set some challenging goals for yourself and commit yourself to achieving them.
• If you scored 1/5 or below: Personal conflicts may hinder your progress in an online course. Seated courses may be a better option at this time.

Importance of Time Management, Personal Commitment and Motivation

The flexibility of the online environment can promote procrastination. Therefore, it is essential to set aside ample time to complete your work. Not only will this result in a better grade, but it may also result in learning more from the course and prevent the need to withdraw.  In addition to managing your time, you should also have a clear commitment to your career goals, as well as realistic expectations of a course. Both of these elements will aid in your completion of an online course.

Learn more about how to meet deadlines successfully and avoid procrastination through these important tips:

• Understanding and Overcoming Procrastination
• Time Management and Organization

Drake State protects the security, confidentiality, and integrity of student records, adhering to the same privacy standards for online students as it does for students studying on campus through strict adherence to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) rules. The official FERPA statement is available for students to view on the college’s website in the Catalog/Student handbook.  

Drake State issues a unique username and password to each student upon enrollment and each college employee upon the date of employment that is required to access the Canvas Learning Management System, the platform used for distance education. Canvas is an online platform used by faculty to share course materials, assignments, exams, and facilitate chat and discussion forums. It is also used by students to participate in discussions, upload assignments, and take quizzes and exams. Canvas LMS maintains the privacy of individual students’ assessments and grades.

Drake State shall not permit access to or the release of education records or personally identifiable information contained therein, other than directory information as defined with the paragraph titled “Directory Information,” without the written consent of the student, to any party other than the following: 

1. Other school officials and teachers of the college who have been determined by the college to have legitimate educational interests;
2. Officials of those schools or school systems in which the student seeks or intends to enroll, upon the condition that the student may receive a copy of the record if desired, and have an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of the record;
3. Certain authorized representatives of federal departments/agencies or state educational authorities for purposes of audits, evaluative studies, etc. Data collected will be protected in a way that prevents personal identification except when specifically authorized by federal law. The data will be destroyed when no longer needed for such purposes in connection with a student’s application for, or receipt of, financial aid;
4. State and local officials or authorities to which such information is specifically required to be reported or disclosed pursuant to state statute adopted prior to November 19, 1974;
5. Organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs and improving instruction, provided such studies do not permit the personal identification of students to be released to persons other than representatives of said organizations and providing that such information will be destroyed when no longer needed;
6. Accrediting organizations in order to carry out their accrediting functions; and
7. Pursuant to a lawful subpoena or court order; other appropriate persons in an emergency to protect the health or safety of the student or others. 

Drake State provides students an annual notice of their Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) rights. Students will be notified by publication of the regulations in the College Catalog/Student Handbook, Annual Security Report and College’s Website. 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the confidentiality of student education records. The term “educational records” at Drake State is aligned with FERPA and generally includes any record, whether in a printed, handwritten, audio, video, or computer media format, maintained by Drake State containing information directly related to a student. Certain records are, however, excluded by FERPA from this broad definition, such as those made by instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel and kept in their sole possession. 

All computerized records of student admission, educational academic transcripts, financial aid, and financial accounts are maintained on the Banner computer system or electronic storage. All users must have a valid user I.D. and password that provides them access to specific menus which have been assigned based on user requirements. In addition to the use of passwords to secure computerized student records, the entire computer network is secured by a firewall. 

Paper copies of academic student records are stored in secured file rooms located in the Admissions Office under the supervision of the Director of Admissions/Registrar. Hard copies of student financial aid records, student accounts, and student disciplinary records are stored in locked offices in securable filling cabinets under the supervision of the Director of Financial Aid, the Director of Fiscal Affairs, and the Dean of Students. 

Confidentiality and access to student record information is controlled in accordance with the Family Educational Right and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and the implementing regulations, 34 C.F.R Part 99 to ensure confidentiality of student record information. Certain information classified as public or directory information may be released to the general public without prior written consent from a student. If the student requests non-disclosure of their records, their statement of non-disclosure is kept in their file and anyone using the system cannot release the information. Information is not released to third parties without the written consent of any student who requests non-disclosure of public or directory information. In addition to FERPA, the College is in compliance with the Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information, 16 C.F.R. Part 314, issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as required by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLB) Act, P.L. 106-102. These Standards are intended to ensure security and confidentiality of records and information. 

Drake State maintains information about students which facilitates the educational development of students and the effective administration of the college to guarantee the protection of student right of privacy and access as provider under FERPA. Only authorized personnel have passwords that allow them to view and edit student records information. Access is limited to only the information necessary for the user’s job and student record retention is governed by state and federal guidelines.

The College uses digital imaging as a method of storing paper documents. Paper documents are imaged and stored digitally on the College's image server. These documents are then accessible to select personnel on campus. A complete backup of the image server is performed nightly. The Banner system is backed up to an additional local server at the College. 

NOTICE: Under the Federal Family Educational Privacy Rights Act, 20 U.S.C. 123g, Drake State may disclose certain student information as “directory information.” Directory information includes the names, addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and major fields of study of students, as well as information about the student’s participation in officially recognized activities and sports, the weight and height of members of athletic teams, the dates of attendance by students, degrees and awards and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by a respective student. If any student has an objection to any of the aforementioned information being released during any given semester or academic year, the student should notify the Registrar, in person or in writing, during the first three weeks of the respective semester or academic year. 

Individuals are Fully Responsible for their own actions while using Drake State’s (Drake) “computer technology” (defined as Drake computers and computer-related equipment, programs, supplies, and network communications, including Internet access gained through Drake’s computer network). Users must respect the privacy and rights of others, and the integrity of both the hardware and software being used. Accordingly, users must assume responsibility for making the best possible use of access privileges and for not abusing them. Employee questions concerning access, acceptable and unnacceptable use, should be directed to the Coordinator of IT Services. Student questions should be directed to the appropriate instructor or the Dean of Students. 

Limited Access: Drake reserves the right to limit the access of any and all employees and students to certain software programs or directories. Each user is provided with a certain access level. A user may not access a computer without authorization or exceed authorized access. A user’s activity is restricted to access of only those programs or directories in that user’s respective access level. Likewise, a user may not obtain access to another level by means of another user’s access. Any user who exceeds their respective level, assists another user to gain access to an otherwise inaccessible level, or allows another user to gain access to an otherwise inaccessible level will be held accountable for the violation of this policy. A user may not continue to enter an access level which was previously assigned to the user but which has since been suspended, revoked, or otherwise continued. No user may knowingly: 

• Use either Drake computer technology or personal technology to “break into” or “hack into” college or other computers and storage devices for the purpose of reading, copying, deleting, modifying or distributing data and/or information of others, or any other purpose;
• Give passwords, access codes or other security level access information to others; Share personal or Drake e-mail accounts. 

Internet Access: Any employee or student access to the Internet through Drake’s computer network is limited to the acceptable use as set out below. Likewise, any employee or student who accesses the Internet through Drake’s computer network for an unacceptable use or defined above or causes an unacceptable result will be held accountable for the violation. 

The use of the Internet must be in support of education, research, college-related service activities, or college administration and consistent with the mission of Drake State of any material in violation of any federal or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Any use of the Internet through Drake’s computer network for political advertisement or political lobbying is also strictly prohibited.

do have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities. 

It is acceptable to use Drake computer technology for purposes relating directly to education, educational research, college-related service activities, and administration of Drake. Examples of acceptable use are: 

• Using the software/hardware only in the condition and settings provided by Drake. User may not modify software settings, to add or delete hardware components or modify software features, unless so instructed by appropriate college officials.
• Using the network for the purpose of instructional support. This may include class assignments, research, skill development, and/or the production of materials used in the educational process. 

It is unacceptable to use Drake computer technology for any illegal purpose or to interfere with or disrupt other users, services or equipment. Such unacceptable use includes, but is not limited to, the following: 

• Engage in activities to damage or disrupt computer, computer system, network information, data or a program by such acts as virus creation and propagation, wasting system resources, or overloading networks with excessive data.
• Engage in activities for the purpose of promoting personal gain and/or profit or use of college technology for organizations other than Drake.
• Engage in any activity which is in violation of the Code of Alabama (1975) §§36-25-1 through 36-2530, as amended (the “State Ethics Law”), or which, in the opinion of the Drake Administration, may be contrary to such law.
• Use of any computer technology in a manner that violates patent protection or license agreements.
• Engage in any activity that violates any and all copyright laws. Such activity may include utilizing Drake technology to copy and/or distribute copyrighted materials of any type that the user does not have a valid and legal right to copy.
• Engage in any use that is illegal or results in the commission of any illegal activity.
• Use Drake computer technology to support or oppose any candidates or candidates for public office, or for any other political purpose. (Use of State property for political purposes is against Alabama law.)
• Transmit messages of a romantic or sexual nature to any person or persons.
• Create, display, transmit or make accessible threatening, racist, sexist, offensive, annoying, or harassing language and/or material.
• Knowingly access or transmit information which contains obscene or indecent material as defined by law.
• Knowingly perform an act, which will interfere with the normal operation or use of computers, terminals, peripherals, or networks.
• Create copies or take into the user’s personal possession copies of Drake owned software and/or hardware technology such as computers, components, disks, or peripherals.
• Using another person’s computer account or allowing someone else to use your account (e-mail, secure systems, etc.).
• Share personal or Drake e-mail accounts.
• Masking the identity of an account or machine or in any manner misrepresenting your identity in email or other electronic communication.
• Communicating any information concerning password, identifying code, personal identification number or other confidential information without the permission of its owner.
• Creating, modifying, executing or re-transmitting any computer program or instructions intended to obscure the true identity of the sender of electronic mail or electronic messages, collectively referred to as “Messages,” including, but not limited to, forgery or Messages and/or alteration of system and/or user data used to identify the sender of Messages.
• Attempts to gain unauthorized access to any information facility, whether successful or not. This includes running programs that attempt to calculate or guess passwords, or that are designed and crafted to trick other users into disclosing their passwords, and any attempts to circumvent data protection schemes or uncover security loopholes. It also includes electronic eavesdropping or communication facilities. 

Drake State reserves the right to deny the privilege of the use of any or all types of computer technology to individuals who violate this Acceptable Use Policy. Users may also be held accountable for violations of Federal and/or Alabama Laws (i.e., Computer-Related Crime, etc.). Violations of this policy may result in the termination or suspension of employment, suspension of computing privileges, disciplinary review, any other forms of employee or student discipline, and/or financial restitution to Drake State for any damages and costs related to inappropriate or unacceptable use, and/or criminal or civil legal action. Drake State reserves the right to modify or clarify this policy at any time.