What is Distance Learning?
"Distance learning" occurs when students are physically separated from their instructor but connected by technology. Students in multiple locations interact with the instructor and their fellow classmates using technology.

The goal of distance learning is to provide access to the rich array of instructional resources already available to on-campus students and to students anywhere in the State who are committed to higher education, but unable to attend the UH campus offering their program of choice.

Modes of Delivery
Distance learning can be delivered any time and anywhere (asynchronous) or at a specific time and location (synchronous) allowing the student to fit their education between family and work. The descriptions below provide information on how technology is working to deliver distance learning courses to you.

Cable Courses
The University of Hawaii system provides a number of courses which are available through cable television. Cable courses are live or taped. Some cable courses may include Internet activities that act as an enhancement to the course. Students are able to attend a class in the convenience of their home by tuning into their local educational access cable channel, Cable educational access channel listing. For this type of course students must have cable television. For cable courses that include an Internet component they must have access to email and a web browser, such as Netscape or Internet Explorer.

Interactive Television Courses (ITV)
Interactive courses provide learning at a specific time and place, allowing students to take a course from one location while the instructor teaches from another. Both instructor and student can see and hear each other, simulating a face-to-face class environment. Some ITV courses may include Internet activities that act as an enhancement to the course. For ITV courses that include an Internet component they must have access to e-mail and a web-browser, such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. Interactive television locations nearest you: ITV Locations

Online Courses
Online courses provide education independent of time and location (asynchronous). Rather than gathering in a classroom, instructors communicate with their students online through email and/or the World Wide Web. Students and instructor must have access to email and a web browser, such as Netscape or Internet Explorer.

Last Updated: 09-05-2007