Delivery Systems

Course delivery is highly interactive, so distance students must own late-model computers with broadband Internet access (DSL or cable service), headphones and microphone, and have access to a fax machine and a video camera. Some courses require specific software titles.Both distance learners and on-campus students enroll in courses.

Course Lectures

• Most class sessions are videotaped and simultaneously webcast (streamed) and archived on the course website so that students can go back and watch them at any time.
• Some professors require students to view the sessions live. Most students prefer participating during the actual class meeting time.

Course Materials

• From the class web page, students can download Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files containing reading assignments and class handouts.
• Course content may be distributed as e-mail or discussion file attachments.
• Class pages also have  links to syllabi, handouts, and PowerPoint notes.

Communications

• Students participate in discussions via instant messaging during scheduled class meetings or small-group meetings (either text or voice).
• Students post discussion (bulletin board) messages after class. 
• Students send individual e-mail messages to instructors.
• Students use desktop sharing software to view other's computer screens or show their computer screens to the class.
• Click here to see demonstrations of the live classroom interaction.

Assignments

• Assignments may be emailed to the instructor or posted to the bulletin board or student web page for the the entire class.
• Oral presentations and demonstrations of musical skills are mailed on VHS or MiniDV videotape to be displayed to the class.

Examinations

• Distance students identify proctors who are approved to supervise examinations.

Library Resources

• Document delivery
• Electronic access to reference services,
• E-Reserves,
• Interlibrary loan,
• Web page with links to services, contacts and self-help modules
• A librarian assigned to distance education students