eLearning and Instructional Innovation Center

Modes of Instruction

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) rules define distance education as "the formal educational process that occurs when students and instructors are not in the same physical setting for the majority (more than 50%) of instruction." Distance education can include courses and programs offered online, off-campus face-to-face, and electronic-to-groups. Coordinating Board rules recognize two categories of distance education courses: fully distance education courses and hybrid/blended courses. A fully distance education course is defined as "a course which may have mandatory face-to-face sessions totaling no more than 15%  of the instructional time. Examples of face-to-face sessions include orientation, laboratory, exam review, or an in-person test." a hybrid/blended course is defined as "a course in which a majority (more than 50% but less than 85%), of the planned instruction occurs when the students and instructor(s) are not in the same place."

Online Courses

A fully distance education course is defines as "a course which may have mandatory face-to-face sessions totaling no more than 15% of the instructional time. Examples of face-to-face sessions include orientation, laboratory, exam review, or in-person test.". 

Hybrid/Blended Courses

A hybrid/blended course is defined as "a course in which a majority (more than 50%, but less than 85%), of the planned instruction occurs when the students and instructor(s) are not in the same place."  All course requirements for an online course also apply to a hybrid/blended course.  Refer to the syllabus for course meeting times.

Videoconference Courses

Technologies are used to extend classroom lectures and other activities to students at remote sites in real-time. Students attend scheduled lectures at a designated videoconferencing room that originates at an LC campus, local high school, or other location. The primary difference with this mode of instruction is that several sites may be involved in a simultaneous broadcast.

See the "Registration for Online Courses" section for details and examples of online, hybrid/blended, and videoconference courses.

Canvas (Learning Management System)

The eLearning & Instructional Innovation Center is the administrator of Canvas, the Learning Management System for Laredo College. Canvas is used to deliver content for online and hybrid/blended courses and students can access through the PASPort Student Portal.

Technology Requirements for Online Courses

For the best performance when using Canvas, a high-speed internet connection and an updated internet browser are essential (current or second-most recent major release of Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari). Make sure to review the additional computer requirements for Canvas. Students are also required to have a webcam to take online exams.

Virtual Backpack Online Student Orientation

The Virtual Backpack Online Student Orientation is a free, on-demand, self-paced orientation course that helps students understand online classes and provide the necessary information to begin the online learning experience successfully.  The Virtual Backpack is open to all current and prospective students and covers how to access and navigate a course, customize an account, complete assignments and tests, and more.

Scholastic Dishonesty

The college expects all online students to engage in all academic pursuits in a  manner that is beyond reproach.  Students will be expected to maintain complete honesty and integrity in their online experiences.  Any student found guilty of dishonesty in academic work is subject to disciplinary action.  The Academic Dishonesty link provides additional information on "scholastic dishonesty," including but not limited to, cheating on academic work, plagiarism and collusion.

“Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)" software is a rapidly emerging tool that students may be interested in using. If doing so, Laredo College students are expected to adhere to the same standards as the Scholastic Dishonesty statement on plagiarism. Presenting generative AI software content as your own is a violation of academic integrity. If you use generative AI in your work, you must indicate that you have done so. Intellectual honesty is vital to an academic community and for a fair evaluation of your work. All work submitted in a course must be your own. If you are using outside resources to complete your work, it is important that you cite your work accordingly. Please note that faculty still have the option to limit your use of generative AI. To ensure you stay within the academic integrity of your course, please talk to your instructor.  For additional information on generative AI, please visit the Library AI informational website.

Student Code of Conduct and Discipline

Students enrolled in online courses at Laredo College are expected to abide by the LC Code of Student Conduct outlined in the LC Catalog. Any student who violates any provision of the Code of Conduct is subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion, notwithstanding any action taken by civil authorities on account of the violation. Consequently, online students are expected to be fully acquainted with all published policies, rules, and regulations of the college, and copies of the Code shall be available to each student for review at the Office of the Associate Dean of Students.

Student Disciplinary Procedures

Disciplinary action related to online courses is handled informally between the student and instructor or by the Office of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, if there is a mutual agreement to do so.  This agreement will be documented in writing.  If a discipline problem  cannot be resolved on an informal basis, a formal disciplinary hearing may be requested.  Special arrangements may be made for online learning students who do not reside in our in-service area. Consult the Code of Student Conduct and Discipline to learn more about the disciplinary process.

Advising for Online Students

First-time online students can visit the Advising Center to receive academic advisement and career exploration.  The academic advisors assist students with educational and career planning, assessment interpretation, and online course selection.  Additionally, online students have access to E-Advising. E-Advising is a web-based advising system that is intended to provide advising to current LC students who can't visit the Advising Center in person.  The Registration Guide provides related information on advising, registration, payment deadlines, the academic calendar, and more.  Online students can call the Advising Center at (956)721-5135 to get additional information or support. The eLearning & Instructional Innovation Center does not advise students.

Syllabus Information

Online students who want to learn more about a course before enrolling can do so by viewing the Syllabus Information website. The syllabus provides an outline of what will be covered in the course of study and the course's requirements, allowing students to preview the course content information before committing to an online course. Additionally, the Faculty Vitae provides an overview of the instructor's teaching experience, including their respective educational credentials.

Registration for Online Classes

Students can register for online, hybrid and videoconference courses through PASPort (www.pasport.laredo.edu). All courses adhere to LC's admission policies, testing requirements, and follow the academic calendar. Students enrolled in online, hybrid or video conference courses will be charged a $20 Distance Learning Fee per semester credit hour to cover the costs associated with managing, and upgrading Canvas and other online services. When registering for online, hybrid and video conferencing courses in PASPort, lool for the section identifiers as shown below.

• E01 – E99 (Online courses) Ex. ENGL1301E01
• MY1 – MY9 (Main Campus Hybrid courses) Ex. KINE1306MY1
• SY1 – SY9 (South Campus Hybrid courses) Ex. PHYS1302SY1
• LY1 – LY9 (Hybrid Lab) Ex. BIOL1108LY1
• MV1 – MV9 (Main Campus Videoconference courses) Ex. GOVT2305MV1
• SV1 – SV9 (South Campus Videoconference courses) Ex. ENGL1301SV1

Students are encouraged to consult the LC Student Handbook to get additional information about advising, dropping a course, the attendance policy, student support services, and other important guidelines.

Authenticating the Identity of Students Enrolled in Online Education Courses

On the first day of class, students will access their course in Canvas by logging into the secure web portal PASPort Personnel and Student Portal (PASPort).  The PASPort  student portal requires that all  students obtain a unique PASPort username and a password account that is generated through the LC Students Information System during the admission process. Students are issued a temporary login password that utilizes the individual's birth date consisting of six digits:  month, day, and year.  When students log in for the first time, they will be prompted to change their password to one that requires a minimum of 8 characters and consists of a combination of alphanumeric and special characters to increase the difficulty of a login breach to their personal account.  Students must choose a password that meets the imposed requirements, is difficult to decipher, is not a common word, personal detail, or a reflection of the user's work activities.

The student's password expires every 180 days; however, they can change their password at any time within this 180 day period by clicking on the Forgot Password Link or from within the student PASPort portal by selecting "My Account" option on the upper-left portion of the toolbar displaying on the main homepage.  Students can also set up secret Questions and Answers in an attempt to recover their password if forgotten.  The instructions on this webpage advise the students to come up with responses to questions that are difficult  to decipher, all in an effort to prevent intrusion.

PASPort requires that students use the unique account username and password that is given to them by the Enrollment and Registration Services Center during the admissions process.  Inside PASPort, students not only have access to Canvas, but also to personal information, like their home address, phone numbers, emergency contacts, tax forms, transcripts, and more.  It is important that students create strong passwords, and do not share their login credentials.  PASPort accounts are designated for the use of the student that was approved ONLY. Students are encouraged to become familiar with the Security section of the college Internet Usage Policy.

• Each student, employee, or guest with a PASPort account shall be responsible for all use of the account.
• Accounts shall be for use by a single individual - the person for whom the account was approved.
• An employee or student shall not share or give his or her assigned login or password information to anyone.

Students are urged not to attempt to read or copy files belonging to others or attempt to decrypt or translate encrypted material unless the files have been made accessible by the owner, or appropriate authorization has been obtained.

Bookstore and Textbook Information

The course syllabus provides required textbook information for online courses. Textbook(s) and other instructional resource materials can be purchased online at the LC Bookstore Website.  The bookstore search tool allows students to find a textbook by title, author/publisher, and the price.  Students can buy their books online from other web sources and have them shipped directly to their home address.  Contact the LC Bookstore at (956)721-5250 for additional information.

Online Testing

All online courses require the use of Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor, a program that can be downloaded for free from the eLearning Center's Respondus webpage. The LockDown Browser/Monitor program records students' online testing and requires a computer with a webcam and microphone. The webcam can integrated into the computer or connected using a USB cable. Learn more through the Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor introduction video.  On campus computer labs are available for testing at the eLearning Center and the Center for Learning, Academic, and Student Success (CLASS).  For assistance installing, or  using Respondus LockDown Browser/Moniitor, contact the eLearning Center at (956)721-5211 or submit a ticket at https://ehelpdesk.laredo.edu/home.

Student eHelp Desk

The eHelpdesk is a knowledge base where online students can get help with technical issues related to Canvas by browsing the articles or submitting a ticket, and it is available 24/7. The eLearning Center also provides assistance via phone at (956) 721-5211 during hours of operation.

Online Tutoring

Tutoring is available to all students as an online resource, giving access in real-time to tutors who can help with assignments and answer questions. Students can receive live tutoring help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Brainfuse Online Tutoring, an online tutoring service provided by CLASS (Center for Learning, Academic, and Student Success). Students must first log in to PASPort and then to Canvas to find the Brainfuse Online Tutoring link. This needs to reflect the new Tutoring software.

Library Resources

The LC Library offers online students a broad range of learning and instructional resources such as eBooks, eJournals, eDatabases, Periodical Listings, eEncyclopedias and more as well as the ability to  request books or articles from another library. They also have access to the library collection at Texas A&M International University through a mutual borrowing agreement. TexShare services are also available to borrow materials from member libraries across Texas and to access periodical databases.  The Library How-To Videos provide tutorials on how to access the library homepage from off-campus and find books and articles on the database listings.

The eLearning link, on the Library's webpage, has handy database Research Guides by subject area, which makes it easy for students to find what they need. Furthermore, the Library has a Mobile App that allows students instant and easy virtual access to all of the library databases, browse the book catalog, periodicals, and more. Online students can obtain library assistance or specific information by sending an email to the reference_desk@laredo.edu or by calling (956) 721-5274 or (956) 794-4274.

Counseling and Disability Services

Counseling and Disability Services’ mission is to give all students a better opportunity to have a smooth adjustment to a post-secondary educational environment. They are committed to ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to participate in all facets of college life. Counseling and Disability Services also focus on being supportive by providing equipment and software to help the student succeed in a college setting. For more information, please contact Counseling and Disability Services at (956) 721-5137.

Financial Aid

Online students are encouraged to complete a Financial Aid Application online. It is very important to apply early, from January 1st through March 1st, so that financial aid can arrive on time. Students must provide the required documentation the given deadlines in order to get prompt approval on their Financial Aid Application. For assistance on how to fill out the application, contact the Office of Financial Aid via email at finaid@laredo.edu or by phone at (956) 721-5361.

Withdrawal from Online Courses

Please contact the Office of the Registrar for details on withdrawing from courses.  It is the student's responsibility to submit an Add/Drop form prior to the official last day to Drop with a "W."  Students who receive Financial Aid Title IV funds and withdraw from LC, may owe a refund to the Department of Education. Students, who receive Financial Aid, should contact the LC Financial Aid Center prior to withdrawing from any LC courses.

Grades

Students can view their online course progress reports by clicking on "View Grades" from the Canvas Dashboard to open their personal gradebook. This report provides the grade for a particular assignment/exam, the date the assignment/exam was taken, and any comments the instructor may have made. Additionally, students can use the "What If" tool in Canvas to add a grade to specific assignments or the final exam to obtain an average of their progress or to determine what grades they need to earn in order to pass the course. The final exam and overall final course grade can be accessed through the PASPort account under the "Students" Tab. A grade of "I" (Incomplete) will be granted only in extraordinary circumstances such as verifiable serious illness or death in the immediate family.

Students can view their grades by accessing the Canvas Gradebook in their online/hybrid/videoconference course or through their PASPort account using their choice of device with internet access. Grades and other student information such as registration holds, financial aid status, and unofficial transcripts are available on PASPort. Final grades for all courses will be available within one to two days after the end of the semester through PASPort. Official transcripts can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar.

Grade Appeals

TIME LIMIT FOR APPEALING A GRADE:
A student who wishes to question a grade received for a class should first discuss the situation with the instructor of record who issued the grade. If the issue is not resolved, the student should contact the appropriate Department Chairperson to review the concern.  If the student is not satisfied with the Department Chairperson’s decision, the student may contact the appropriate Dean of Instruction for assistance.   If necessary, the student may request a review by the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs after all other avenues have been exhausted.  Established departmental procedures will be utilized to resolve concerns related to grades received for a class.  

Students who believe that the final course grade is incorrect have two weeks (ten working days) after the grade is issued to appeal the grade.  Students who believe that a grade earned in a class activity is incorrect have one week (five working days) after the grade is issued to appeal the grade.  Exceptions require the approval of the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Complaints and Grievances

Online instructors are not under the supervision of the eLearning & Instructional Innovation Center, nor does it address issues regarding instructional matters. Issues or complaints related to online or hybrid courses or an instructor must follow the appropriate chain of command: Instructor, Department Chair, Division Dean, Vice President of Instruction, and then the President of LC. Please consult the LC Student Handbook for detailed instructions on Students Rights, Responsibilities, and Students Complaints. Students may contact the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs at (956) 794-4988 for additional information.

Family Education Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

Laredo College is committed to protecting the privacy of traditional and online students by adhering to a Board approved Student Records Policy. The College President or designee shall develop and maintain a comprehensive system of student records and reports dealing with all facets of the College District program operation and shall ensure through reasonable procedures that records are accessed by authorized persons only, as allowed by this policy. The data and records shall be stored in a safe and secure manner and shall be conveniently retrievable for utilization by authorized school officials. Laredo College shall make a student's records available to the student. The records custodian or designee shall use reasonable procedures to verify the requestor's identity before disclosing student records containing personal identifiable information. Online students can review their records in person during regular business hours without charge upon written request to the records custodian. For in-person viewing, the records custodian or designee shall be available to explain the record and to answer questions.  The confidentiality of the student's records shall be maintained at all times. As part of their confidentiality, LC complies with the provisions of protecting the privacy of educational records, establishes the right of a student to inspect and review his/her educational record, and provides guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data. LC complies with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and informs students of their rights through the College Catalog, the eLearning & Instructional Innovation Center Student Handbook, and the FERPA General Guidance for Students.

Students enrolled in online courses are required to communicate with instructors via email using the LC student PASPort Portal and the messaging system within the LMS, which ensures privacy associated with the unique login and password assigned to the student. In order to keep students' grades confidential, online faculty utilize the Canvas Gradebook without the need for emailing students' progress reports to external email services. Furthermore, eLearning Center staff informs students during student orientations to accept responsibility for the security of their personal username and password, likewise not to share login credentials with anyone, and to always end their personal PASPort sessions after each use

Graduation from LC

A Graduation Application must be completed and filed with the Registrar's Office in partial fulfillment of graduation requirements once an online student is on the final semester of a degree or certificate program. Consult the Application for Graduation site for additional information on the graduation deadlines and the application process.