Distance Education

Distance Education and Online Education are often used synonymously.  Regardless of the terminology used, at Lamar State College - Orange online education is when students take a majority of coursework from a distance, off campus through the Blackboard learning management system. Depending on course requirements, students might have to come to campus for testing or lab components. Online education offers students several advantages for completing their education. Students are able to engage in education at a distance, in the comfort of their own home, and working at a relaxed self-pace.

Lamar State College - Orange adheres to the definition set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of distance education and good practices. In addition, LSC-O follows the guidance of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges’ distance education definition and standards.

What do online courses require?

Online courses allow students the opportunity to overcome issues of time and space in higher education. Students do not have to frequently travel to campus with a regular schedule and are provided opportunities to work at a pace more comfortable to the student.

Online courses require students to be self-motivated and have the ability to create a work schedule that meets the demands of the online environment.

Valid reasons for taking an online course include: a more flexible course program to accommodate busy work or family schedules and reduce travel.

Problems that students encounter:

  1. Technology issues
  2. Family and work distractions
  3. Feeling isolated from peers and the instructor
  4. Inability to navigate the Blackboard environment
  5. Maintaining the pace of the course
  6. Continuing the demanding reading and writing requirements.

Warning: Do not take online courses for the wrong reasons. A common misconception of online classes is that they will be easier- they are not! Online courses require a lot of dedication, reading and self-motivation.

How much time does an online course take?

Students should plan on spending an average time similar to a face-to-face course, if not more depending on reading and writing skills. For example, a three-hour credit course has a three-hour a week lecture component with an additional outside work obligation. Therefore, students should plan to spend an average of three to five hours a week on one online course.

The course management system or platform used for distance education at LSC-O is primarily Blackboard, which is accessed through the Internet. To log in to these online classes, students must have access to the Internet.

Distance Education Information

Distance Education Courses

Note: Not all of these courses are offered every semester.