Goal of Distance Learning
Distance Learning is a convenient alternative to the traditional on-campus method of instruction. Online and blended courses require you to be self-directed, independent learner with excellent time management and study skills. Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.
Online Learning
For many students, educational success is possible through an online learning environment. Online is best for students who are comfortable using a computer and who can work well independently or with limited supervision. This doesn’t mean fewer assignments or less one-on-one interaction with instructors and peers. Online classes require active participation and a solid sense of time management.
Columbus Technical College offers a wide variety of online courses allowing students to mix traditional and online courses to complete their academic programs. The College also offers a select group of academic programs completely online. The start and end dates for online classes are the same as Columbus Tech’s on-campus classes. Select the links to view the Proctoring Procedure and to download the Proctor Approval Form.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
Columbus Technical College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Columbus Technical College is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which authorizes colleges to enroll students in states other than Georgia in online courses. Columbus Technical College has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. Columbus Technical College students can only enroll in online programs from states that are also members of NC-SARA. Please check the website, National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, to see if your state is a member of NC-SARA.
Out-of-state Online Students
Any complaints pertaining to a Columbus Technical College online course or program should be filed with Columbus Technical College in accordance with the grievance process detailed here and in the Student Handbook.
Complaints needing further investigation beyond the college level may be submitted to TCSG using the Program Integrity Complaint Form. Before submitting to TCSG, students need to ensure they have followed the institution’s process.
A student may appeal to the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC) if the institution’s and TCSG’s resolution is not satisfactory; however, please note that the Commission will not investigate a complaint unless the student has exhausted all available grievance procedures outlined by the institution. GNPEC does not resolve complaints about student grades and student conduct violations. These complaints fall under the jurisdiction of institutional policy
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a national initiative that establishes uniform standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education. SARA simplifies the process for institutions to provide online courses across state lines and ensures consistent consumer protections for students. If you are an online student residing in a SARA-participating state, you have specific rights and a formal process for addressing complaints related to distance education.
SARA Student Complaint Procedure and Policy
Learn about the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) complaint process, including your rights as an online student and the steps to resolve concerns. This resource explains the types of complaints that fall under SARA, how to begin with your institution’s grievance process, and when to escalate to your state’s SARA portal entity. Read the SARA Student Complaint Procedure and Policy.
GA-SARA Online Student Complaint Form
The U.S. Department of Education’s “Program Integrity” regulations require that each state have a student complaint procedure in order for public and private higher education institutions to be eligible for Title IV funds. GA-SARA is responsible for monitoring all written and signed student complaints against degree-granting institutions authorized to operate in Georgia through SARA. If, after exhausting internal grievance procedures, the institution of higher education has not responded to the complainant’s satisfaction, or a satisfactory remedy has not been found, the complainant may contact GA-SARA for further investigation into the issue. View the GA-SARA Online Student Complaint Form.
Columbus Technical College has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA is a nonprofit organization that helps expand students’ access to educational opportunities and ensure more efficient, consistent, and effective regulation of distance education programs.
Recognizing the growing demand for distance education opportunities, higher education stakeholders – including state regulators, education leaders, accreditors, the U.S. Department of Education, and institutions – joined together in 2013 to establish the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), which streamlines regulations around distance education programs.
SARA consumer protection provisions require the institution’s home state, through its SARA State Portal Entity, to investigate and resolve allegations of dishonest or fraudulent activity by the state’s SARA-participating institutions, including the provision of false or misleading information. A student has the right to lodge a complaint or grievance. The student should begin the complaint process with the institution, and if a resolution is not found, the student should contact the institution’s home state SARA Portal Entity. NC-SARA maintains a directory of State Portal Entity (SPE) Contacts and SARA Student Information Process Information by State. Here is an overview of How to File a SARA Student Complaint. The SARA Student Complaint procedure and policy can be found here. Students can also access the GA-SARA Online Student Complaint Form.
100% Online Programs
For the latest information, visit the Technical College System of Georgia Online Program website, GOLD and select Columbus Technical College in the college dropdown list.
Student Online Success (S.O.S)
Students will be equipped with strategies that contribute to success in an online class as evidenced by earning the S.O.S. training certificate. Completion of the S.O.S. training will increase students’ level of comfort with online learning shown by an increase in their assessment of their self-efficacy. Completion of the S.O.S. training will decrease the gap between student achievement on campus vs. online.
Getting Started
If you think online learning is a real possibility for you, be sure you have a basic understanding of computers and the technical requirements needed for success, a regularly accessible (not public) computer, reliable internet access, and a Blackboard-supported browser. Blackboard Browser Checker
CTC recommends using either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox as your web browser when working in the Blackboard LMS. Review the instructions for logging into Blackboard via the Okta Portal.
Contact the Director of Distance Learning at 706-649-1748 or email vclark@columbustech.edu if you have questions about Online Learning. The Director of Distance Learning also provides tier-two Blackboard support to students when the Computer Support Lab computerhelp@columbustech.edu is not able to resolve their Blackboard related issues.
FAQs
What are online courses?
Online courses are delivered over the Internet using web pages, e-mail, online discussion forums, etc. CTC online courses cover the same content as their traditional counterparts on campus, but Instructors provide personal interactions through e-mail, discussion forums, or collaborative sessions.
How do online courses work?
Students “attend” online courses by accessing the Blackboard Learning Management System website and completing assignments according to the class schedule and syllabus. Online learning is NOT a go-at-your-own-pace situation. There is a schedule involved. Also, some instructors/classes may use additional book publisher sites and content specific to their courses. Refer to your course syllabus for details concerning any required sites or technologies.
Do I have to come to campus?
For the most part, no. However, instructors may schedule synchronous web conference sessions or special activities that must be completed on campus. Additionally, at least one major exam or graded activity will need to be “Proctored”, either on campus by your instructor, or by an approved third-party Proctor. Your instructor will inform you of this and other required campus meetings in the course syllabus.
You may also make an appointment to see an instructor on-campus or communicate via e-mail or telephone. If you need face-to-face interaction, it’s strongly encouraged to make an appointment as opposed to dropping by.
Do I have to be online at a certain time each day (or week)?
Not usually, but this often depends on the instructor and his/her preferred style of teaching. The syllabus is always the best guide to answer what’s due and when. If you are unsure, our instructors are just an email away.
How do I register for an online course?
Transient students (those who are enrolled at another college besides Columbus Tech) must complete an Online Application HERE. If you are a campus student, please contact the Academic Advisement Center at 706-649-1113 or email: aac@columbustech.edu.
How much does it cost?
Online courses cost the same as traditional CTC courses, priced according to the number of credit hours.
What student services and resources are available?
Online students have access to the same student services and resources as on-campus students. Please visit our Academic Support page for more information.
How quickly will my online instructor respond to my questions?
The course syllabus lists the office hours for each instructor. Instructors should respond quickly during the posted office hours and otherwise within one business day of the sent email message (Monday – Thursday). If your instructor is unavailable or has expected delays (i.e. out of town, at professional development training, etc.), he/she will inform the class.