Polk State offers distance education options across all disciplines. Information about specific courses and fully online programs can be found on the College’s website (Online@PolkState). A student applying to the College can select the online campus option. An online-specific Student Success Advisor can ensure proper registration for classes.
Online courses are delivered in two modalities within the Canvas learning management system: Live Online (this requires regular online class meetings) and Online: No Live Meetings (this functions as a typical asynchronous course, with assignment completion and other deadlines used as attendance). The instructors posts syllabus, course files, announcements, grades, assignments, and additional instructional materials through Canvas.
An instructor may communicate using a variety of methods including email, Canvas messaging, discussions, grading feedback, quiz feedback, and synchronous options (e.g., web conferences). The Course Syllabus is available by the first day of the term, and the student is advised to review this document carefully regarding assignment, attendance, and testing requirements and instructions.
Online courses may require additional fees, especially for exam proctoring. Many instructors require proctored examinations. A student needing specific accommodations may make an appointment to complete proctored examinations in the Teaching/Learning and Computing Center (TLCC) at the College’s campuses or centers at no cost. If a student is not located near one of the TLCC locations, the student can request options to complete the examination via online proctoring (e.g., Honorlock) or at a proctoring center (e.g., another college or official testing center). Remote proctoring options require a fee. Under certain circumstances the College may provide remote proctoring at no cost. Information about this is provided through the College website under the Remote Proctoring Option page.
Security of personal information in the distance learning environment is protected through the learning management system, Canvas. Users are required to log in to utilize Canvas functions such as the assignment, quiz, and discussion tools. The learning management system also uses a grades tool for secure dissemination of student grade data.
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