What is the TexasDistanceEducation web site?
The TexasDistanceEducation web site of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB or CB) is an electronic "marketplace" of courses and programs that are available through technology from Texas institutions. You can shop for programs and courses in this electronic marketplace and be confident that each college and university has pledged to follow standards from the Principles of Good Practice. This set of quality standards, originally developed by the Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications, is available on the THECB web site at: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us//AAR/DistanceEd/PPGCourseGuide.pdf.

How do I use the TexasDistanceEducation web site?
You enter TexasDistanceEducation at www.TexasDistanceEducation.com. You can search for programs and courses by subject, level, and institution, and then move via a "hot link" to the college, university, or health-related institution that is offering the program or course.

How are programs and courses selected to be included in TexasDistanceEducation?
The Coordinating Board requests that all Texas public colleges, universities and health related institutions, and those Texas independent general academic institutions that choose to participate, list electronically delivered program and course offerings on the site. All proposed programs and courses must adhere to the Principles of Good Practice and be on approved course and program inventories.

Do I have to attend classes on the campus of the offering college or university?
Not always. All program and course attendance requirements are indicated clearly at the web site. Many do not require attendance on campus, so check the attendance requirements section.

Will my credits earned from courses listed on TexasDistanceEducation transfer?
Credits earned in courses listed on TexasDistanceEducation are certified and carry full credit from the offering institution. Although the credits are transferable, colleges and universities set their own requirements for acceptance of credits (whether they are earned via face-to-face instruction or distance education) and their application in specific programs. You should consult a specific college or university for policies relating to its transfer credit acceptance.

How much will tuition and fees for courses on TexasDistanceEducation cost?
Information on tuition, fees and related costs is available on the web site for comparison, but make sure to select the correct cost for location and semester. At state institutions, Texas residents are charged the legislatively set tuition rate and selected fees. Total costs may differ by institution and even by course. Community colleges' tuitions and fees are set by their local governing boards.

What technology do I need to take a course or program listed on TexasDistanceEducation?
This will depend on the course. Many courses are offered over the Internet. However, a number of technologies are used, including videotape, satellite, e-mail and compressed video. The equipment requirements for each course are listed on the web site.

What kinds of programs and courses are available through TexasDistanceEducation?
Courses and programs are available at both undergraduate and graduate levels in many areas. The numbers and variety are expected to increase. As institutions develop new courses and programs, they will be added to the site.

Can I enroll if I live outside Texas?
Yes. Enrollment is open to students living outside Texas. However, only programs and courses from institutions in Texas will be included in TexasDistanceEducation.

Do I need any particular skills or background to participate in courses or programs listed on TexasDistanceEducation?
Yes, for some courses you need fundamental computer skills and some familiarity with a web "browser" to access information on the TexasDistanceEducation web site and to interact with college or university representatives. As with learning experiences on a campus and in a classroom, you will need a desire to learn and a commitment to undertake the work because the courses and programs in TexasDistanceEducation will challenge you.

Will additional programs and courses be added to TexasDistanceEducation?
Yes. TexasDistanceEducation will continue to expand with additional courses, programs and services added continually. Some courses are offered in the traditional semester format (fall: August to December, spring: January to May, and summer: May to July). Others have non-traditional or variable term lengths. Students can take "open enrollment" courses at any time. Course and program information is updated continually.

Can a particular program or course needed by a student or employer be requested for inclusion on TexasDistanceEducation?
Yes. In fact, anyone who has a request is encouraged to send an e-mail message to TexasDistanceEducation. THECB staff will forward requests to institutional coordinators and request that any college or university wishing to include a needed program or course to submit it. TexasDistanceEducation is designed to connect learning needs and learning providers across the State.

If a course is not available on TexasDistanceEducation, where else might I look for it?
The Electronic Campus (www.electroniccampus.org) of the Southern Regional Education Board lists courses and programs offered by institutions throughout 16 southern regional states. If you cannot locate a particular course or program in Texas, search through the listings of the Electronic Campus.

Can I get a degree from TexasDistanceEducation?
You may earn degrees from participating colleges and universities. TexasDistanceEducation does not confer degrees or certificates but serves as a gateway to distance learning courses and programs from Texas colleges, universities, and health related institutions

How do I register for a course?
TexasDistanceEducation provides direct links to campuses offering each course. Use the link to contact the institution for more information.

Will financial aid be available for me?
Student financial aid information is available from each institution. You need to check on your eligibility and the availability of funds.