Ivy Tech offers five different types of distance learning courses. These course types give students a number of choices in how they take a distance learning class. When you search for classes in the course schedule, you will see one of five codes if the course is a distance learning course. A few guidelines as to whether or not each course is the right fit for you are provided below:
I - Online Only
An Online Only course (often just referred to as an Internet course) is a course taken online. The only time a student may need to go to a campus or a testing center is to take a proctored exam. This normally occurs two to four times per semester and will be explained in detail by the instructor in courses where it is required.
If you use the following phrases to describe yourself, then an online class may be an excellent choice for you:
- I enjoy learning independently, but am comfortable asking an instructor for help if I don't understand something.
- I am organized and maintain a schedule of all the things I need to get done. I don't generally need to be reminded to complete things on time or even a little early.
- I am comfortable using a computer and the Internet to do things like viewing a web page, sending and reading email, typing papers in a word processing program, and finding information on the Internet.
- I learn well from reading and reflecting on what I have read. I don't need to listen to a lecture to help me understand course content.
- I have at least six hours to devote to each course I am taking and can make more time if needed.
V - Videoconferencing Courses
A videoconferencing course is offered in one of two formats - IP Video or Video Streaming. If your course is an IP Video Course, you will need to travel to an Ivy Tech campus or designated learning center which has IP Video equipment to take your course. The class will meet at a specific day and time each week and you will be able to ask questions of the instructor using a live video and audio feed. You will also hear and see the lecture live. This is very much like a regular course except that you may not be in the same room or even the same city as the instructor.
If your course uses video streaming you will be able to view the course content from any location with a high-speed (Cable Modem, DSL, or higher) Internet connection. You will need to have your own web cam and microphone that connect to your computer so that you can talk to your instructor and the other students in the class. These classes still meet at a set day and time each week, but give you the added convenience of being able to participate in the class from any location where you have high speed access to the Internet, a web cam and microphone.
C - Video and Online
A course that is coded with a C mixes video and online learning so students will need to feel comfortable using both methods of learning.
H - Hybrid
A hybrid course mixes traditional classroom instruction with online learning. Students in a hybrid class will go to campus for a part of the class and participate in classroom and/or laboratory activities. They will also be responsible for reviewing content on the web, completing assignments and submitting them online and participating in online discussions and other online learning activities. If you are interested in trying an online class but are not familiar with how they work, taking a hybrid course first is a good way to get a feel for how an online course may work.
