Center for Distance Learning

Center for Distance Learning Statement of Commitment

The Center for Distance Learning provides support services for students and faculty engaged in a variety of distance learning formats, including online and hybrid courses, to ensure opportunities for student success.

Center for Distance Learning - Live "On Demand" ZOOM Support

Monday & Thursday
10:00 - 11:00 am & 3:00 - 4:00 pm
https://alamo.zoom.us/j/96378513646

Tuesday & Wednesday
11:00 am - 12:00 pm & 2:00 - 3:00 pm
https://alamo.zoom.us/j/95349913687

During our Professional Development training and events, hours may vary.
If you join a meeting and we are not available, we will follow up by email.

Our goal is to help students succeed in their online courses. We provide assistance in the following areas:

Assist students with completion of the “Orientation to Online Learning” (OLRN) Course
Provide Academic Support with Canvas
Assist with ACES Portal (registration, view grades, and email)
Provide student assistance by e-mail, phone, walk-ins or Zoom Conferencing
Assist with accessing MS Office 365 and OneDrive (ACES Portal)
Provide basic assistance with accessing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Troubleshoot issues with BioSig-ID Online ID Authentication
Link to Student Resources

Online Degrees and Certificates

We offer several degrees and certificates online at St. Philip's College. Contact the Center for Distance Learning so that we can help you get started with your online education. For information on getting started, see the Admissions website.

Orientation to Online Learning (OLRN)

To get a successful start with your online classes, first-time online students are required to complete the Orientation to Online Learning (OLRN 0001) course. This free, non-credit course familiarizes students with navigating through the online system for a successful start.

Register for the self-paced, fully online OLRN course the same way as any other course. Students can come in for assistance to complete the OLRN course. Office hours are Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m and 5:00 p.m in SLC 212. Students are also able to contact the Center for Distance Learning at 210-486-2239 or email spc-distance@alamo.edu.

How to Register for the Orientation to Online Learning-OLRN

The following are the CRNs to register for the course:

Fall 2023

OLRN-0001-001 CRN 20457
OLRN-0001-002 CRN 20941
OLRN-0001-004 CRN 29320
OLRN-0001-010 CRN 22826
OLRN-0001-011 CRN 26440

Student Online Resources

Respondus LockDown Browser

Respondus LockDown Browser™ is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within Instructure Canvas. When students use Respondus LockDown Browser they are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications. Respondus is available for both Windows and Mac.

Repondus LockDown Browser Installation

Brainfuse - 24/7 online tutoring

With Brainfuse, students experience online tutoring that is simple, fast and always available. Students connect to live educators from any computer that has Internet access, with no special software installation or equipment required. Students work one-on-one, in real-time with a tutor, communicating using a virtual whiteboard technology.

In your Canvas Course:
          Open your course
Click on the Brainfuse OnlineTutoring Link on the left-hand side.

Creating your BioSig-ID profile

Recent Federal legislation requires that all online courses have a system implemented to verify students. St. Philip's College is committed to preserving the academic integrity of its courses and has implemented a unique technology from a company called Biometric Signature ID (BSI).

Protecting your security and preventing identity theft are very important.

Click: BioSig Video Link to view the BioSig ID process. If the video does not appear or will not play, check to see if your browser is blocking the content.

Access to the BioSig signature is available in your Canvas courses and in the Orientation to Online Learning (OLRN) course.

Check your computer