Experienced distance educators know that it is difficult, if not impossible to choose one medium of communication and expect that all teaching and learning needs can be met by that medium. Faculty may select a primary medium of communications such as the World Wide Web or video-conferencing. But usually, for technical, legal and pedagogical reasons, they include the use of other media.

Example: The video segments of a course presented on the Web may be distributed on videocassettes or CD-ROMs or through video streaming.

Things to consider... In selecting the medium of communication faculty must take into consideration the technology available to distance education students being served.

Your college may have set minimum configuration standards for hardware and software for its students. This is a good place to start when deciding what type of technologies to use in your course. Learn more about the different delivery modes in the section below.

Distance education classes are delivered in a variety of formats: Internet, e-mail, videotape, Lotus Notes, Blackboard, interactive TV, videoconferencing, CD-ROM, workshop and independent study. Each UNL course may be delivered using one of these formats, such as the Internet, or may use a combination of formats, such as the Internet, Lotus Notes and e-mail.

Some distance classes meet at regular times, including those that are delivered via interactive TV or through desktop videoconferencing. These courses, called synchronous, require that students are able to meet at least once a week. Other distances classes do not have a regular meeting time. These courses are called asynchronous and include such formats as online, e-mail, Blackboard and Lotus Notes. Even though these courses do not have regular meeting schedules, students are still required to meet deadlines as outlined by the instructor.

	Arranged Contact professor for details.
	Blackboard Blackboard is one of UNL's online teaching and learning portals. Blackboard enables instructors to add an online component to a class or host an entire course on the Web. Students may also access learning materials and take quizzes and tests online. Other features of Blackboard include: discussion boards, real-time chats, grade access and online file exchange.
	CD-ROM Some faculty choose to distribute course information using CD-ROMs, which are mailed directly to students as needed. The CD-ROM might include entire lectures or video excerpts of the instructor teaching in the classroom, demonstrating a point or working examples of problems. Computer requirements for courses utilizing CD-ROMs are listed with the course.
	Desktop Videoconferencing A variety of free or inexpensive hardware and software packages make it possible for students to "attend" classes through computer technology. Students from all over the world participate using toll-free phone connections and instant messaging. These classes require students to be "in" class via videoconference at particular times and days. Refer to the academic department's Web site for technology requirements.
	E-mail Most distance courses require at a minimum access to an e-mail account. All students enrolled in classes at UNL receive a free e-mail account. Specific information about your e-mail account is available online at wam.unl.edu or you can call (866) 472-3970.
	Internet Some courses are delivered completely online and require access to the Internet. Students will use a designated Web site for course information and interaction. Most courses will recommend a minimum modem speed of 56 kbps and Internet browser software (Netscape 4.7 or later or Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or later). Use of AOL as an Internet provider is not recommended.
	Lotus Notes This computer-based course delivery mode frees students of time and space limitations. Students who are taking their first Lotus Notes-delivered class will receive a CD containing the required software. Computer requirements are listed with the course descriptions. Once the software is installed, students are able to download each course's information on a regular basis.
	Satellite (Live, Interactive TV) Classes which are taught on campus and simultaneously transmitted via satellite can be down-linked at over 200 public sites in Nebraska. These "interactive television" courses require students "attend" by watching class at regular times and days and by "participating" via toll-free phone connections.
	Videoconference Videoconferences will require student attendance at a designated public site at particular times and dates. Typically the use of videoconferences during a course will be reserved for occasions when it is important to have two-way audio and video, such as the demonstration of a technique. This includes the Polycom system.
	Videotape Videotapes of class lectures are used in some courses and are mailed directly to students. Distance learners can watch the tapes at their convenience, within the structure of the course.
	Workshop Workshops require students to attend class at a common location, which may be the UNL campus or may be a site off campus, even out of the state. Attendance requirements will be made clear in class descriptions to assist students in making course choices.

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Back to Course Development Resources.

Go to How to Create An Online Course or UNL Faculty Strategies.