Mar 19, 2024  
Catalog/Handbook 2017-18 
    
Catalog/Handbook 2017-18 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Distance Education


Polk State offers online or distance education through for hundreds of courses and a growing number of programs via the internet.  Information about courses and programs can be found on the website for Online@PolkState.  Students apply to the college and select the online campus option. An advisor dedicated to online students will ensure proper registration for classes.

The courses are delivered asynchronously through Canvas, a learning management system.  Instructors post syllabi, pages, announcements, grades, assignments, and offer additional instructional materials.  Instructors may also communicate using a variety of methods including email, discussions, grading feedback, quiz feedback, and synchronous options through web conferences.  Students have access to the course syllabus prior to the first day of the term and are advised to review the syllabus carefully to ensure the requirements of the course meet the students expectations, including instructions for taking exams.

Polk State College does not charge distance learning fees for courses; however, depending on the course, additional fees may be required, especially for exam proctoring.  Many instructors require proctored examinations.  Students may complete proctored examinations in the Teaching and Learning Computer Center (TLCC) at the College’s campuses or centers for free.  If a student is not located near one of the TLCC locations, there is an option to complete the examination at an additional cost through online proctoring software or at a proctoring center which the student is responsible to find on his or her own.​

Security of personal information in the distance learning environment is protected through the learning management system. Users are required to log into Canvas. Students utilize​ tools for assessment such as the assignments, quiz, and discussion tools. The learning management system also uses a grades tool for secure dissemination of student grade data.