About Distance Learning
pTEC's Distance Learning program offers classes and programs via the Internet. Online learning offers a flexible, convenient format while maintaining the same standards of instructional quality you will find in our traditional programs. In addition, all online Workforce Education (Certificate) programs have the same accreditation, transfer, articulation and financial aid eligibility as traditional programs.
At pTEC, online learning is about more than using Internet tools. Distance Learning students have access to the same full range of services as traditional students including academic and career advising, financial aid and job placement. The Distance Learning faculty and staff recognize the unique needs and circumstances of online students from at-home parents to full-time workers to out-of-area learners. pTEC's Distance Learning program strives to help students be successful in their online learning experience to meet their educational, personal and career goals.
In general, the people most likely to be successful in online courses are:
o Very comfortable working independently
o Persistent at getting the information they need
o Able to manage their time effectively
o Skilled at using computers and Internet technology
Whether online classes are a good fit for you depends largely on your individual learning style, level of experience with computers and familiarity with the Internet. To find out if distance learning is right for you, take the online learning assessment provided by the Florida Distance Learning Consortium at http://www.distancelearn.org/readyDL.cfm.
No, but you will need:
o A computer that meets the eCampus technical requirements
o An high-speed Internet Connection (DSL or cable)
o An email account
o A current Web browser (Internet Explorer or Firefox)
o Microsoft Office Suite software
o Specialized software may be required for some online classes
pTEC's Distance Learning program is a suite of both web-based and software-driven online courses that fall into three distinct categories:
1. pTEC certificate programs (Including Online GED)
2. pTEC Continuing Workforce Education short courses
3. Partnership courses and programs
pTEC Certificate Programs
These are high-quality, state-approved and COE accredited program level courses that provide a pTEC certificate of completion which articulates with other statewide technical centers and colleges. These courses are typically one year or longer in length and require specific program level benchmarks. These programs offer a hybrid option of combining online learning (remote or on campus) and hands-on learning on campus. The following programs offer a portion of their curriculum through a distance learning option:
- Accounting Operations
- Child Care Center Operations
- Customer Assistance Technology
- Legal Administrative Assistant
- Medical Assisting
- PC Support Services
- Pharmacy Technician
- Practical Nursing
- Web Design Services
Students enroll in these online programs the same way as any other pTEC program. An assessment of online learning readiness is conducted prior to acceptance into an online option.
Online GED
Online GED instruction is provided without cost to eligible individuals who are seeking a GED diploma. The program operates under pTEC's accreditation and is facilitated by a certified pTEC instructor. Curriculum for pTEC's Online GED program is provided in partnership with the Florida Adult and Technical Education Consortium (FATDEC) and Ucompass. For more information please contact Rosena Ashwood-Harris at
ashwoodharrisr@pcsb.org or at
727-538-7167, extension 2014.
Continuing Workforce Education Short Courses
These are high-quality courseware developed by pTEC instructors as short, Continuing Workforce Development courses which provide a portion of the state-approved curriculum. Due to the abbreviated nature, these courses do NOT articulate or grant credit toward pTEC's program level courses. The following short courses are currently available:
Partnership Courses and Programs
These are high-quality career enhancement courseware provided in partnership with pTEC but which does NOT provide a state approved, nationally accredited certificate of completion. These courses are taught and provided through a third party who manages and documents student progress and verifies student participation. pTEC does not maintain records on students participating in these third-party courses.
More than 1,500 of the top schools across the United States, Canada, and Australia offer practical and highly effective ed2go online courses on just about every topic you can imagine - from Creating Web Pages to Accounting Fundamentals, Speed Spanish to Grant Writing, Medical Terminology to Real Estate Investing, and much, much more. Every course includes an instructor.
AHIT is Florida's home inspection training school providing applied home inspection courses presented by expert home inspection trainers. AHIT has helped thousands of individuals create successful home inspection careers. AHIT's state-of-the-art online course delivers all of the advantages of the nationally certified home inspection classroom course with real-time web based convenience. The course is comprised of course books, audio and visual tutorials, exercises and practice quizzes, photos of numerous scenarios, and exams all delivered online. Students will also have access to live instructors to assist with questions during the online experience.
Most eCampus classes have specific start and end dates and attendance (log on) requirements. Some classes require online students to attend a specified number of on-ground classes. While enrolled in classes, students and instructors interact online using a variety of tools including:
o E-mail
o Discussion forums
o Chat rooms
o Blogs
The per-clock-hour tuition and other fees for distance learning classes are the same as for all other pTEC classes.
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