About Online Courses at Panola College
Instead of attending lectures on campus, online students attend "virtual" classrooms
via the Internet and
the Learning Management System, Instructure Canvas. Panola College professors are certified in
Canvas. Students sign in to Canvas from the Panola College main page, upper right-hand corner,
by clicking on Sign On.
At least two tests or exams must be proctored during a semester to ensure the integrity of course grades. A proctored exam is one that is taken at
an official testing center. The student signs in using photo identification. Panola
College has three official testing centers. They are located in Carthage, Marshall, and Center, Texas. (Student Testing Guidelines)
Many instructors offer a face-to-face Canvas orientation prior to (or on) the first
day of class. There are also online orientations available on the college website.
Online course materials vary from class to class and may include readings, podcasts, videos, PowerPoint presentations, interactive lessons, Internet resources, discussions, group projects, chat and more. While students can generally choose a time to work on their online assignments, there are deadlines to meet during the semester.
Students interact with their instructor and classmates via web discussion forums,
e-mail, chat sessions, and phone calls. Of course, students may set up an appointment
to visit with their professor face-to-face on campus.