Distance Education: Instructional Systems Technology
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions from Prospective StudentsFrequently Asked Questions from New Students
Frequently Asked Questions from Prospective Students
Is Distance Learning right for me?
See our guide at http://www.indiana.edu/~istde/IST_Goals.html#istrightforme
What can I do with a master's degree in IST?Graduates of our master's degree program typically assume design/development roles in public or private organizations -- about half in corporations.
Why should I study IST at IU?In a survey of graduates of instructional/educational technology programs who have graduated since 1994 (Larson, M. B. (2005). Instructional design career environments: Survey of the alignment of preparation and practice. TechTrends, 49(6), 68-68.), IST was ranked as the most "exemplary program".
The breadth and depth of resources, faculty expertise, research interests, together with high percentages of job placement for graduates, makes IST at IU a prime choice. Some of the brightest students apply to this program, which creates an invigorating and challenging atmosphere of growth, support, and learning in the courses. In addition to the personal and professional value gained from studying here, a graduate degree from IST at IU is recognized and respected nationally and internationally.
How do I apply?
You can apply online by following the directions at http://www.indiana.edu/~istde/apply.html
If I've taken other graduate-level courses at other universities, will they count towards my IU program?
Distance masters program:
Yes, you can transfer in up to 6 credit hours (subject to departmental approval).
Certificate program:
No.
What computer technology do I need?All students must have the following computer and connectivity configuration, at a minimum:
Hardware:
- Windows Pentium III 1 GHz, or Macintosh G4
- 512 MB of RAM
- 4 MB video RAM
- Sound card (either integrated or separate)
- 20 GB Hard Drive (4 GB free)
- USB Flash drive and/or CD-R/RW burner
- Printer
Connectivity Requirements:
- 56 Kbps modem (minimum)
- Access to a 10MB/sec high-speed Internet connection (at least DSL or Cable modem, or office LAN) to view streaming video that may be required.
Peripherals (access to the following is recommended):
- Scanner
- Speakers
- Microphone
Software:
- Microsoft Windows 2000/XP(available from IU) or Mac OS 9.1 or better
- IUWare CD (available from IUWare Online) RECOMMENDED
- Microsoft Office 2000 or more recent (available from IUWare Online)
- RealVideo Player
- QuickTime player
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Other software, such as graphics, authoring tools, communication tools, sound, and video, may be required by specific courses.
What prerequisite computer competencies do I need?
Students entering the IST program are expected to have basic computer competence on either Macintosh or Windows computer systems, in the following areas: word processing, graphics, electronic mail, file transfer, information retrieval, scanning and Web publishing. Distance education students must have consistent access to the minimum hardware and software outlined above. Students who do not meet the competence requirements must study independently to make up their deficiencies before entering the program. These skills are necessary for successful participation in IST courses. More advanced knowledge and skills taught in IST courses assume these skills.
Indiana University has a variety of computer-mediated learning tutorials available online .
IT Training & Education offers free workshops to IU students each fall, spring and summer. It is expected that these classes will be moving to an online environment during the next year thus making them accessible to you. See STEPS workshops and STEPS classes.
What financial aid is available?Financial aid is available to master's students (not certificate students). To learn more, go to http://www.indiana.edu/~educ/finance.html
What are the "Try It Out" courses?
Two of our courses, Education F500 and Education R503 are special, non-major online courses designed for students interested in sampling our program, and non-IST major graduate students. Please note that credit received for these classes does not count toward the certificate or the master's degree program. Register for these courses through the School of Education Distance Education Program at http://www.indiana.edu/~disted/.
Frequently Asked Questions from New Students
What privileges do I have as an Indiana University student?
- Use of IU Libraries Resources: http://www.indiana.edu/~libdist/
- An IU network ID for access to Oncourse and email: http://itaccounts.iu.edu
- Free software, including products from Microsoft: http://iuware.indiana.edu/
- Exclusive software discounts from companies like Macromedia: http://www.iubookstore.com/software.asp
- Exclusive computer discounts from Dell and Apple: http://uits.iu.edu/scripts/ose.cgi?amdt.ose.help
Can I take classes at the Bloomington campus while in the Distance Education program?
Students can take one course on the Bloomington campus toward their degree.
Do I have to come to the Bloomington campus at any time?
No; however, you are welcome to schedule a voluntary visit to meet your instructors face-to-face.
How much is tuition?
All distance students pay in-state tuition rates, regardless of where they live. Rates for the academic year are announced each June (the academic year begins in the Fall). The 2006-2007 in-state tuition and distance education fees are shown in the table below:
Tuition per credit
hourDistance Education fee per credit hour Total cost per credit hour Total cost per 3-credit course $241.30 $33 $274.30 $822.90
Where can I get more information?
IST Distance Programs Web site
School of Education
201 North Rose Ave.
Bloomington, IN 47405-1006
(812) 856-8450
Comments or questions? E-mail us.
This file was last updated on August 9, 2006 by C. Ryan
Copyright 2006, Trustees of Indiana University
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