A.POLICY:

Zane State College is committed to providing high-quality distance learning opportunities that meet the diverse needs of its students. Distance learning allows students to complete courses and degree programs without the need for traditional on-campus attendance, offering flexibility in time, location, and pace of learning. This policy establishes the standards and guidelines for the delivery, management, and quality assurance of distance learning courses and programs.

B.POLICY GUIDELINES:

1. Definition of Distance Learning:
   • Distance learning refers to educational delivery where instruction occurs when the instructor and student are not in the same physical location. This includes fully online courses, hybrid courses (a combination of online and face-to-face instruction), and other technology-mediated learning environments.
   • Online courses at Zane State College are delivered through the College’s learning management system (LMS).
2. Course Design and Delivery:
   • Distance learning courses must meet the same academic standards and outcomes as traditional face-to-face courses.
   • Faculty members developing and teaching distance learning courses must complete training provided by the College to ensure that online pedagogy, technology use, and best practices are effectively applied.
   • Courses must be designed to promote student engagement, active learning, and regular interaction between students and instructors, as well as among students.
   • The quality of online courses is maintained through regular review and adherence to the College’s distance learning quality assurance standards.
3. Faculty Responsibilities:
   • Faculty are responsible for timely communication with students, providing clear expectations, and maintaining regular virtual office hours for distance learning students.
   • Faculty must provide timely feedback on student assignments and ensure that all course materials, including assignments, exams, and other activities, are accessible to all students.
   • Faculty are expected to maintain academic rigor and uphold standards of academic integrity within the distance learning environment.
4. Student Responsibilities:
   • Students enrolled in distance learning courses are responsible for ensuring they have reliable access to the technology required to

participate in online coursework (e.g., internet access, computer, software).

• Students must adhere to course schedules, deadlines, and academic integrity policies as outlined in the syllabus and other course materials.
• Students are expected to actively engage with course content, participate in discussions, and complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Technology Requirements and Support:
  • Zane State College provides technical support to both students and faculty for issues related to the learning management system (LMS) and other technologies used in distance learning.
  • The College ensures that online resources, including digital library services and advising, are available to distance learning students.
  • The College’s LMS will meet accessibility standards to accommodate students with disabilities, in compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements.
• Evaluation and Assessment:
  • Distance learning courses will be evaluated using the same methods as traditional courses, including student evaluations, course completion rates, and assessment of student learning outcomes.
  • Continuous improvement of distance learning programs will be driven by feedback from students, faculty, and regular reviews by the Distance Learning Committee.
  • The College will monitor and ensure that the credit hours assigned to online courses meet federal and state guidelines, including the requirement for equivalent instructional time and student work.
• Compliance with State and Federal Guidelines:
  • Zane State College distance learning programs comply with the policies and guidelines established by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE), the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Distance learning courses will adhere to federal financial aid requirements, including the demonstration of student participation and academic engagement.
• Data Privacy and Security:
  • The College takes measures to ensure the privacy and security of student data in compliance with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) regulations.
  • All communications, grades, and course materials are handled through secure systems to protect student information.

C.POLICY HISTORY:

This policy was developed to enhance the access and quality of distance learning opportunities at Zane State College. It supports the College’s mission of providing flexible and accessible education to a diverse student population.