11 NCAC 08 .1433             DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSES

A sponsor requesting approval of a distance education course shall comply with 11 NCAC 08 .1405. Additionally, the proposed distance education course shall satisfy the following criteria, as applicable:

(1)           The course shall be designed to assure that students have defined learning objectives. If the nature of the subject matter is such that the learning objectives cannot be reasonably accomplished without some direct interaction between the instructor and students, then the course shall be designed to provide for such interaction.

(2)           A course that does not provide the opportunity for continuous audio and visual communication between instructor and all students during the course presentation shall utilize testing processes that assure student mastery of the subject material.

(3)           A course that involves students completing the course on a self-paced study basis shall be designed so that the time required for a student of average ability to complete the course will be not less than six hours for salespersons and four hours for set-up contractors. The sponsor shall utilize a system that assures that students have actually performed all tasks required for completion and mastery of the subject material.

(4)           The sponsor shall provide technical support to enable students to satisfactorily complete the course.

(5)           The approved course instructor(s) shall be available to respond in a timely manner to student questions about the subject matter of the course. Instructors shall have training in the proper use of the instructional delivery method utilized in the course, including the use of computer hardware and software or other applicable equipment and systems.

(6)           The sponsor shall provide students an orientation or information package containing all pertinent information regarding requirements unique to completing a distance education course, including any requirements with regard to computer hardware and software or other equipment, and outlining in detail the instructor and technical support that will be available when taking the course.

(7)           The sponsor shall utilize procedures that provide reasonable assurance that the student receiving continuing education credit for completing the course actually performed, on his or her own, all the work required to complete the course. For courses that involve independent study by students, certification that the student personally completed all        required course work shall be provided by the student to the sponsor, either by a signed statement (on a form provided by the sponsor) or, in the case of Internet or computer based courses, by electronic means that are indicated in the software or on the website. Signed course completion statements or records of electronic certification shall be retained by the sponsor together with any other course records required by this Section.

(8)           In addition to the information required in 11 NCAC 08 .1405, sponsors seeking approval of distance education courses must submit to the Board a complete copy of the course in the medium that is to be utilized, including all computer software that will be used in presenting the course and administering tests. If the course is to be Internet based, the Board must be provided access to the course via the Internet and shall not be charged a fee for such access.

(9)           All reporting of completed distance education courses shall be in full accordance with 11 NCAC 08 .1426. Students shall not be reported for continuing education credit for distance education courses until the signed form from the student or electronic certification, as described in Item (7) of this Rule, has been received.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143-143.10; 143-143.11B;

Eff. May 1, 2004;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.