Types of DE Courses
Televised Courses are available to enrolled students who are Spectrum Cable subscribers. Cable allows students to take cable courses in the convenience of their home. Courses are either live or pre-recorded. In most cable courses, there will be an online component for outside class communication, material distribution and assignments. More information is available in the Cable Student Guide.
Two-Way Interactive Video (ITV) Courses allows students to take a course from one location while the instructor teaches from another. Class meetings are held at a specific time and place (synchronous). Both instructor and students can see and hear each other, simulating a face-to-face class environment. In most ITV courses, there will be an online component for outside class communication, material distribution and assignments. More information is available in the ITV Student Guide.
Internet Courses, also known as online classes, are interactive courses delivered using the World Wide Web. Online classes allow you to access your class material via the Internet and study at the times and places that fit into your busy lifestyle. The Internet allows students to take a course from home using a personal computer. Depending on the online course, students may be required to log in at a specific day and time (synchronous) or at anytime (asynchronous). More information is available in the Online Learning Student Guide.
Differences from the Traditional Classroom
The delivery methods of a Distance Education (DE) course differentiate it from a face-to-face course. DE courses are delivered to you electronically. Instructors utilize various methods of communication to conduct the course, such as Web 2.0 technologies, social networking, threaded discussions, email, web conferencing, audio and video.
Online asynchronous discussions offer you opportunities to, explain, share knowledge and learn from other students in ways not found in the traditional classroom. Online asynchronous discussions give you more time to think and make thoughtful responses. Other interactive discussions occur synchronously using web conferencing tools such as Skype or Zoom.
Online course resources are available anytime. You can read and interact with course content as often as you want, and communicate with your instructor when you have questions about the course.