Distance Learning Week recognizes role of technology in the classroom
Shalon Montgomery
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: News
The week of Nov. 5-11, 2007 was designated National Distance Learning Week. The week was created to acknowledge the role of distance learning departments in modern higher education.
JSU's distance learning department is in charge of all online courses, videoconferencing courses, video-based courses and the Blackboard system.
"The distance learning department helps make it possible for JSU students who would normally not have the time to attend college class a chance to earn a college degree," E-Learning Systems Specialist Chris Casey said.
The university's distance learning department takes pride in helping potential students all across the country without taking advantage of them. The tuition for an online student, no matter their location, is the same as a in-state Jacksonville State student ($169 an hour).
"The only tools a potential student needs are computer skills, a modern computer and self-motivation," Casey said.
Distance learning employees feel they have created a virtual community for students. The online courses have online chat rooms that grant students the ability to communicate with their virtual classmates and take exams. Online classes try to simulate the real course environment as much as possible.
According to the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment and the Office of Distance of Education, for the fall 2007 semester, there are 145 online courses with 4,492 students enrolled in them.
Between videoconferencing and video-based classes there are 23 courses with 193 students enrolled. Including Blackboard, JSU's distance learning department has been involved with 7,393 students this semester.
Nevertheless, distance learning is always looking to improve its work. Recently the division changed to a basic IP computer network. That action marked an upgrade, and the new computer network is more dependable and more flexible for students. The department updated its videoconferencing as well.
JSU's distance learning department is in charge of all online courses, videoconferencing courses, video-based courses and the Blackboard system.
"The distance learning department helps make it possible for JSU students who would normally not have the time to attend college class a chance to earn a college degree," E-Learning Systems Specialist Chris Casey said.
The university's distance learning department takes pride in helping potential students all across the country without taking advantage of them. The tuition for an online student, no matter their location, is the same as a in-state Jacksonville State student ($169 an hour).
"The only tools a potential student needs are computer skills, a modern computer and self-motivation," Casey said.
Distance learning employees feel they have created a virtual community for students. The online courses have online chat rooms that grant students the ability to communicate with their virtual classmates and take exams. Online classes try to simulate the real course environment as much as possible.
According to the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment and the Office of Distance of Education, for the fall 2007 semester, there are 145 online courses with 4,492 students enrolled in them.
Between videoconferencing and video-based classes there are 23 courses with 193 students enrolled. Including Blackboard, JSU's distance learning department has been involved with 7,393 students this semester.
Nevertheless, distance learning is always looking to improve its work. Recently the division changed to a basic IP computer network. That action marked an upgrade, and the new computer network is more dependable and more flexible for students. The department updated its videoconferencing as well.
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