Learning at ESCC
Enterprise State is dedicated to accommodating a diverse range of students and learning styles. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a working professional, or someone looking to change careers, our courses offer flexible learning options to suit your needs.
Choose from traditional in-person classes, online courses, or hybrid models that combine both. With a focus on accessibility and excellence, our instructors and staff ensure that every student receives the education and resources they need to succeed.
Instructional Tools
At Enterprise State Community College, students utilize several online services to ensure they are able to complete assignments and communicate with their instructor, regardless if they are taking class on campus or online. We have implemented a new service on campus to make accessing everything needed for success even easier.
Virtual Desktop Access at ESCC
Access Your Learning Tools Anytime, Anywhere with Virtual Desktop
We’re excited to introduce a powerful new resource for ESCC students and employees: the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). This innovative platform gives you secure, seamless access to essential academic tools no matter where you are or what device you’re using.
Whether you’re working from a MacBook, Chromebook, tablet, or a basic laptop, the Virtual Desktop ensures you have everything you need to succeed—all in one place. You can log in anytime at https://desktop.alabama.edu using your @alabama.edu credentials.
Why use the Virtual Desktop?
- Access from anywhere – Study on campus, at home, or on the go
- Device flexibility – Works on nearly any device
- Centralized learning – Save your work and access it from any session
- Secure environment – Your data and tools are protected
- Full-featured tools – Use the same software as campus labs
This is just one more way ESCC is making learning more accessible, flexible, and student-centered.
How to Use the Virtual Desktop
Getting started is easy! Just follow these steps:
- Go to https://desktop.alabama.edu
- Log in using your @alabama.edu email and password
- Launch your virtual desktop to access Microsoft Office, Adobe apps, and more
- Save your work in your virtual environment so it’s always available—no matter where you log in next
💡 Tip: For the best experience, use a stable internet connection and Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to install anything?
Nope! The Virtual Desktop runs right in your browser. No downloads required. - Can I use it on my phone or tablet?
Yes! While a larger screen is ideal, the Virtual Desktop works on most mobile devices. - Is my work saved automatically?
Yes—just make sure you save your files in the virtual desktop environment (not your local device). - What if I have trouble logging in?
Reach out to the ESCC IT Help Desk for support by emailing helpdesk@escc.edu. They’re happy to help!
Online Services
Whether you are on campus in a traditional classroom or many miles away at your computer, each student should familiarize themselves with the information and tools below.
ESCC uses Canvas as its Learning Management System (LMS) for all distance learning courses. This is where students will complete online assignments (including attendance verification assignments), have access to online tutoring, and more. Once a student is registered, he or she is automatically placed in his or her courses; however, students cannot access course content until the first class day of the semester.
Honorlock is an online proctoring service offered by ESCC. Students do not need to create an account or schedule a time with Honorlock. Exam sessions are recorded via webcam, allowing students to test at their convenience. Exam incidents will be reported back to ESCC faculty. To use Honorlock, simply log into Canvas and click on the quiz you need to take. You will be prompted to add the Honorlock Chrome Extension, which is required to take your exam. You are required to use Google Chrome as your browser. Then you will need to take a picture, show your ID, and scan your room. Honorlock will be recording you via webcam, and it will be recording your screen. It also has an integrity algorithm that can detect search-engine use, so do not attempt to cheat or look up answers.
ESCC has recently migrated all services to Microsoft systems, including email. Now, students can access their alabama.edu email and all Office 365 products in one place for free. To access Office 365:
- Log into your MyESCC account using your alabama.edu email and password you created
- Choose “Outlook” on the “Student IT Services” card to access your student email
- Choose “Office.com” on the “Student IT Services” card to access all Office 365 products
Students can access Canvas, review grades and degree plans, set up tuition payment plans, and more through their MyESCC account. To sign in to your MyESCC account, you will use your alabama.edu email (your A#@alabama.edu) and the password you created. On the main dashboard, all student services are categorized on cards for easy access.
Delivery Methods
Community colleges offer various delivery methods to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules:
- In-Person Classes: Traditional classroom settings where students and instructors meet face-to-face at scheduled times.
- Online Courses: Fully virtual classes that allow students to complete coursework and participate in discussions from anywhere with internet access.
- Hybrid Models: A combination of in-person and online learning, providing the flexibility of online courses with the benefits of face-to-face interaction.
Learning Online
Before signing up for an online course in college, consider the following:
- Self-Discipline: Online courses require a high level of self-motivation and time management skills since you’ll need to keep up with assignments and deadlines without the structure of a traditional classroom.
- Technology Requirements: Ensure you have reliable internet access and the necessary hardware (computer, webcam, etc.) and software to participate in the course.
- Learning Style: Reflect on whether you are comfortable with virtual learning environments and if you can stay engaged without face-to-face interaction.
- Course Structure: Understand the format of the online course, including how lectures are delivered, how assignments are submitted, and how exams are conducted.
- Support Services: Check what kind of academic and technical support is available to online students, such as tutoring, library access, and IT help.
- Accreditation and Quality: Verify that the online course and the institution offering it are accredited and recognized for maintaining high educational standards.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Consider the cost of the online course and explore financial aid options that may be available to you.
By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure that an online course is the right fit for your educational goals and personal circumstances.