Distance Education

The Distance Education Program at SPC is committed to providing quality non-traditional alternatives in the delivery of instruction to students regardless of geographical location.  Many of the instructional departments at South Plains College offer courses through Distance Education.

Distance education courses differ from traditionally taught courses only by their methods of delivery. Distance education courses are made available to students via the Internet and interactive television (two-way audio and video). 

Online Courses

An online course is one in which instructors deliver lectures and assignments via the Internet.  Communication with the instructor and classmates is done by electronic mail and/or electronic discussion groups, as well as various other forms of communications.  Internet access and e-mail are required for all online courses.  Additionally, students should be very familiar with sending attachments via e-mail.  Depending on the courses, knowledge of particular computer software packages may also be required. 

WebCT

South Plains College uses WebCT for the delivery of online courses.  The WebCT site is located at webct.southplainscollege.edu.  Students will not be able to access their online courses until the first official class day. 

Interactive Two-Way Video (ITV)

This type of distance education course enables students to receive instruction at remote locations by two-way audio and video.  At the present time, connection to these courses is available only at locations that are in South Plains College's service area and that have interactive television classrooms.  High school students who are accepted as early admission students may enroll in certain college classes and attend those classes via interactive television without leaving their high school campuses. 

Technical Support

Technical support  is available to all students enrolled in Internet-based courses.  Support hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Student support is available by e-mailing tromo@southplainscollege.edu or calling (806) 894-9611, ext. 2180.  When e-mailing a request for help, include your full name, course enrolled, name of instructor and a phone number where you can be reached.

Textbooks

Textbooks for distance education courses taught by SPC instructors are available at the South Plains College Bookstore.  However, is a student is enrolled in a distance education course and does not reside in proximity to the bookstore, books can be ordered online at http://www.sp-levbookstore.com/.  For more information about ordering textbooks, contact the SPC Bookstore, (806) 894-9611, ext. 2397.

For more information about distance learning, contact Jim Walker, Dean of Continuing and Distance Education, at (806) 894-9611, ext. 2340, or jwalker@southplainscollege.edu.