Distance education
courses at Indiana University may use one or more of the following delivery
method. The delivery method for each course is listed with its course
description.
Independent
Study Program | Audio Streaming | Broadcast/Cable
TV | Interactive Television (VIC) | Interactive
Television (AAVS) | Interactive Television (ISDN)
| Internet | IHETS Interactive
| Video Streaming | Videotape
Independent
Study Program
Indiana University has offered a national award-winning selection of university
independent study courses to people around the world since 1912. Today,
the IU Independent Study Program is one of the world's largest, with more
than 14,500 enrollments annually. More than 200 independent study courses
are available in a print-based format; some of these print-based courses
use videotapes, audiotapes, CD-ROMs, and computer software. Dozens of
these courses are also available online, and the number online courses
is continually increasing.
Audio
Streaming
With audio streaming, audio is played immediately as it is downloaded
from the Internet, rather than first being stored in a file on the receiving
computer. Streaming is accomplished by way of Web browser plug-ins, which
decompress and play the file in real time; a fast computer and fast connection
are necessary.
Broadcast/Cable
TV
Many IU campuses offer courses within a given area over local broadcast
and cable television stations. IUPUI broadcasts on WFYI Channel 20, American
Cable 19, and Comcast 39. IPFW broadcasts on Channel 6. IU South Bend
broadcasts on WNIT Channel 46.
Interactive
Television
With interactive television, video and audio signals are transmitted between
two or more sites so that remote learners can interact verbally and visually
with instructors. At Indiana University, interactive television is broadcast
over three networks: VIC, AAVS, and ISDN.
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Internet
Internet courses through Indiana University are available to students
worldwide. These courses, conducted entirely over the World Wide Web and
Internet technologies, require students to have access to a computer,
a modem with an Internet connection, a WWW browser, and e-mail. Students
must also have the ability to upload and download files from the World
Wide Web.
IHETS Interactive
IHETS Interactive is a Web-based application that supports live video and audio as well as other types of interaction and collaboration. Students watch and listen to the instructor using a standard computer and interact with the instructor and one another using the application’s audio and text chat features. Classes taught via IHETS Interactive can be taken at any location with a networked PC meeting the minimum technical requirements. Students who do not have regular access to a networked computer can participate from an authorized IHETS Interactive receive site.
Video
Streaming
With video streaming, video is played immediately as it is downloaded
from the Internet, rather than first being stored in a file on the receiving
computer. Streaming is accomplished by way of web browser plug-ins, which
decompress and play the file in real time; a fast computer and fast connection
are necessary.
Videotape
Indiana University offers a vast selection of videotape courses covering
many subjects. Videotaped courses are available at most campuses.
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