Delivery and Communication
Kansas State University has been offering distance education courses and programs for more than 40 years, utilizing cutting-edge technologies for course delivery and communication that not only enhance the learning environment, but extend it far beyond the university’s physical boundaries.
Distance Course Delivery Methods
Online Web Delivery
Most courses are delivered using K-State Online, a course management system designed to deliver an interactive, web-based classroom to students. K-State Online enables students with time and geographic constraints to take advantage of the flexibility of learning over the Internet.
Students enrolled in a K-State Online course will need Internet access and a computer meeting recommended requirements.
Guided Study
Guided study courses are instructor-directed independent learning courses that use technology to support regular and substantive interaction between students and the instructor. They may include reading books and articles, viewing online lectures, writing assignments, doing projects, and taking exams, as specified by the instructor. Guided study courses have set starting and ending dates and course syllabi provide dates for completion of assignments, projects, and exams. Students need a computer that meets recommended requirements and Internet access in order to receive and submit assignments and communicate with their instructor.
Video Conferencing
Some courses use Telenet/Video Conference Services, an educational video conference network with live, real-time classes – allowing up to 12 sites to connect simultaneously. There are multiple Kansas Telenet classrooms equipped with Polycom systems and large monitors. Other sites can also be connected anywhere in the world. A local Telenet assistant is responsible for operating the equipment and assisting students at Kansas Telenet sites. Courses may use such technologies as Wimba, Polycom, or other video conferencing systems that allow instructors to deliver their lectures with live video and content sharing, including PowerPoint presentations. These courses allow students in multiple locations to collaborate, ask questions, and discuss topics with the instructor and with one another during class.
Distance Course Communication Tools
Message Boards
Threaded message boards allow asynchronous communication between students and instructors within an online classroom environment. Only students enrolled in the course can read and post messages. Students are expected to check their message boards daily, at a time convenient to them.
Wimba Classroom
Wimba is a live virtual classroom software that supports audio, application sharing, and content display. Instructors may use Wimba to deliver lectures, conduct discussions or question and answer sessions, or provide exam reviews. Wimba allows multi-way communication between students or between student and instructor.
CD-ROM/DVD
Courses using CDs or DVDs allow students to access course materials including audio and/or video lectures, text-based documents, spreadsheets, slide shows, web pages, and other documents by using a course-specific CD or DVD. To access these courses, students will need the ability to play CDs and/or DVDs, a computer that meets recommended requirements, and Internet access.
E-mail is a common tool used for communication in distance learning courses. Instructors can conduct virtual office hours via e-mail and answer specific questions from a student, or they can communicate with their entire class at once if they choose.
Chat Rooms
Chat rooms allow real-time, synchronous communication between students and instructors within an online classroom environment. Like Wimba, a chat room can be used for live discussion, question and answer, or review sessions.
