Center for Academic Technology

Rolando Garza, Director
Jernigan Library 213
361-593-2860
Academic Technology Webpage (https://www.tamuk.edu/academictechnology/index.html)

Center for Academic Technology supports academic and administrative services by providing researched-based instructional support through quality training, introductions to innovative technical solutions and progression in distance learning infrastructure. Distance learning covers a variety of options to enhance instruction in web-enhanced, web-substituted and/or online courses and provides support for local and online student populations.

General Restrictions on All Courses

A student who desires university credit for a course must meet the university entrance requirements and the specific prerequisite requirements for the individual course. Students on suspension from any university cannot register for any courses.

Distance Learning Course Types

Distance learning academic credit courses are offered in a variety of delivery types.

Web-Enhanced Courses (Face to Face Courses with Technical Enhancements)

A web-enhanced course is a course in which no planned instruction occurs when the students and instructor(s) are not in the same physical space. The course is supported through the learning management system, which may contain supplemental instruction material for the course.

Web-Substituted Courses (500 Courses)

A web-substituted course is a course in which no more than 50 percent of the planned instruction occurs when the students and instructor(s) are not in the same physical space. The online portion of the course is conducted through the university learning management system which contains instructional material for the course.

Hybrid/Blended Courses (900 Courses)

A hybrid/blended course is a course in which a majority (more than 50 percent but less than 85 percent) of the planned instruction occurs when the students and instructor(s) are not synchronously (same time and space whether virtual or physical) in contact. The online portion of the course is conducted through the university learning management system which contains instructional material for the course.

Fully Online Courses (600 Courses)

A fully online course is a course that may have mandatory face-to-face sessions totaling no more than 15 percent of the instructional time. Examples of face-to-face sessions include orientation, laboratory, exam review or an in-person test. The online portion of the course is conducted through the university learning management system which contains instructional materials for the course.

Video Conference Courses (400 Courses)

Distance learning interactive videoconferencing credit courses are coordinated statewide by the Trans Texas Videoconference Network (TTVN) with central offices located at Texas A&M University in College Station. All Texas A&M System campuses have the ability to collaboratively broadcast and receive hundreds of videoconference courses. TTVN classrooms at Texas A&M University-Kingsville are located on campus and at the Citrus Center in Weslaco, TX.

Distance Learning Degree Programs

Texas A&M University Kingsville offers distance learning master’s and doctoral degree programs. Programs are offered either completely online or through a combination of distance learning delivery methods such as TTVN videoconference (two-way audio-video), off-campus, online or hybrid (combination of face-to-face and online).

Online (Fully Online Programs)/Distance Learning Programs (Combination of Delivery Methods)

Distance Learning programs may change year to year. Please visit the webpage to find a list of current offerings at TAMUK. 

Registration Information

Students enroll in distance learning courses through Blue and Gold Connection in the same manner as face-to-face courses.

All courses are the equivalent to courses taught on campus and are awarded equal credit. All credit course work is calculated as a part of the overall grade point average. A student should expect the same supplemental reading, written reports and other work necessary to make the course equivalent in scope and type of instruction to a course offered on-campus face-to-face. Distance learning courses require the same number of clock hours of instruction as an on-campus class.

Textbooks for all distance learning courses will be available from the university bookstore or the electronic bookstore in accordance with course syllabi. Students are responsible for obtaining the textbooks, publisher access codes (if applicable) and any needed supplies for distance learning courses.

Blackboard Student Resource Course (SRC)

Center for Academic Technology offers all currently enrolled students access to a student resource course in Blackboard (DIST1000). The SRC is available to students two weeks prior to the start of the semester. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a self-help Blackboard Learn Resource tool. The course is not for academic credit and does not require completion, it only serves as a self-help portal to assist students in effectively navigating the learning management system.

ITS Support Service Help Desk

For technical assistance with distance learning, contact ITS Support Services at the following locations: 24/7 Online Help Desk ITS Help Desk (https://www.tamuk.edu/finance/its/support/index.html); (361)593-4357; On-campus Jernigan Library Commons (1st floor) during normal library operational hours.