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.

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Technologies
Interactive Two-way Video
Two-way video is facilitated through the Hawaii Interactive Television Service-2 (HITS2), a digital interactive video service using MPEG2-over-IP. HITS2 is one of many services provided over the UHNet that includes many features not available in current multipoint videoconferencing networks, including full-duplex "open-mic" communications among all HITS2 sites at all times, broadcast-quality video, and the ability of each site to see multiple other sites simultaneously. HITS2 was designed and optimized for delivering ITV courses within the UH System.
see also HITS2 Locations

Cable Access Television
UH programs a full channel of higher education cable programming for broadcast on Hawaii's educational access cable channels (Olelo, Hoike, Na Leo O Hawaii, and MCCTV) and "wireless cable" broadcast systems such as CraigTV (formerly Americast). The UH programming service, or channel, is called UHTV. UHTV includes original programming from within the UH system (e.g., cable courses and UH produced informational programs) as well as programming selected by UH from other educational programming resources. UHTV is programmed by UH to meet the higher education needs of the people of Hawaii.

Internet
The Internet has become a viable delivery method for distance learning. Faculty have effectively used email and mailing lists to facilitate teaching and learning.

More recently, the World Wide Web has also evolved into a powerful tool to facilitate teaching and learning. WebCT (Web Course Tools) and WebX (Web Crossing) are two web-based tools supported by the University of Hawaii's Information Technology Services. WebCT is a course management system used for both enhancing and total web-based teaching. WebX is a collaborative bulletin board which can be used as an enhancement to facilitate interaction between student and instructor outside of the classroom.

Last updated: 09-05-2007