Distance Education Student Support

Distance Education Student Support

Distance learning provides students with access to education through a network of various technologies, allowing instructor and students to interact at a distance without having to be physically present in the same location. Distance learning provides students greater flexibility in achieving their educational goals through audio, video, and computer technologies. At UHMC, distance learning can be offered in cable, HITS or Skybridge, online, or hybrid modes.

Online mode: The Internet allows students to take a course from home using a personal computer. Depending on the online course, students may be required to log in at a specific day and time (synchronous) or at anytime (asynchronous).

HITS or Skybridge allows students to take a course from one location while the instructor teaches from another. Class meetings are held at a specific time and place (synchronous). Both instructor and students can see and hear each other, simulating a face-to-face class environment. In most HITS or Skybridge courses, there will be an online component for outside class communication, material distribution and assignments.
All distance courses follow the semester schedule, have weekly assignment deadlines, may require regular participation in discussion boards, and are as rigorous as on-campus courses. Most instructors will use some form of electronic communication, so students should be prepared to check their UH email regularly.

Taking a distance learning course, in many cases, provides students greater flexibility. As a result, students have more control over their own learning, and passing will depend on their self-discipline and commitment.

Upon enrollment in any section in any distance modality (cable, Skybridge, online, and hybrid), students receive an automatic email message that informs students of the modality of the class, possible supports, and an opportunity to contact someone with questions.

Login Sites & Support