About Distance Education

As life becomes more complex, TSTC Harlingen offers a solution designed to help students with conflicting work schedules and lifestyles. With distance learning, students have more flexibility in planning a course load which they can complete in their own homes and within their schedules. Distance learning courses may be delivered through web-based Internet classes or interactive video.

Many people believe distance learning courses are self-paced. This is not true. While students may often complete distance learning course requirements as their schedules permit, they must meet deadlines, complete assignments and take scheduled tests. Distance learning students typically do not have to be in classrooms at specific times, except when required by the instructors. Those who take courses via the Internet complete assignments using computers and communicate with instructors through email and by telephone. Some distance learning courses require proctored testing.

The popularity of distance learning courses has drastically increased State-wide over the past year and at Texas State Technical College Harlingen it's no exception. These pages are designed to provide online information to potential or current distance learning students, whether taking an online or interactive video course. Online courses are typically asynchronous and attended using a computer and an Internet connection. Interactive video courses are synchronous and are attended via 2-way video. In either format its important that you become familiar with the services available to you as a distance learning student.

Before registering for a distance learning course, we suggest you read more of the information provided within these pages to help you understand distance learning better, the computer and skill requirements, class offerings, and the student services available to help you be successful