Resources
The
University of Hawai‘i is committed to providing distance learning
opportunities to allow access to quality higher education for the
State of Hawai‘i. This site brings together the large amount of
information available to aid the newcomer on distance learning at the
University of Hawai‘i.
Some of these links lead to webpages outside the Distance Learning area, if this is the case they will open in new windows. To get back to our site please close the newly created windows or move them aside. Some links may be to Portable Document Format files, indicated by a (PDF). For these types of files, you will need PDF reader such as the free Adobe Reader software.
DL
Policies
The goal of distance learning at the University
of Hawai‘i 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. This is consistent with the goals of the University
of Hawai‘i Strategic Plan. As part of the strategic
planning process the University
of Hawai‘i Distance and Distributed Learning Action Plan
was drafted to lay out the specific actions UH should take to move forward.
In addition, UH endeavors to apply the Principles
of Good Practice for Electronically Offered Degree Programs (PDF).
More information about the structure of distance learning can be found in Executive
Policy E5.204, University of Hawai‘i, Distance Learning Plans, Policies, and
Procedures (PDF) and BOR Policies Chapter 5, Academic Affairs (PDF).
SPIT2000
University of Hawai‘i
Strategic Plan for Information Technology outlines the vision and
planning context for moving forward with information technology for
the University of Hawai‘i system. For more detailed
information visit the University of Hawai‘i Strategic
Plan 2000
site.
History
The uniqueness of Hawai‘i presents some challenges not faced by other
universities. Our island geography encompasses relatively remote
areas and imposes physical separation among the campuses of our
statewide system. This has necessitated the University of Hawai‘i
being involved in distance learning. Initially, it involved faculty
driving or flying to other locations to conduct class. The advent of
information technologies has provided opportunities to transform the
delivery of education throughout our state.
1. In the 1970s, the UH delivered television courses with materials licensed from the Public Broadcasting System as well as other television course developers.2. In 1982, Maui Community College received federal funds to develop a two-way video system to deliver education throughout the tri-islands comprising Maui county (Maui, Molokai, and Lanai).
3. Pursuant to cable franchise agreements, UH has access to cable access television channels on all islands for the distribution of educational programming to cable subscribers in the state.
4. The Hawai‘i Interactive Television System (HITS), through legislative funding, created a two-way, analog microwave video system between all the campuses of the UH system. The system became fully operational in the summer of 1990.
5. The advent of the World Wide Web and the development of course management and collaboration tools, such as Laulima, have increased access to students throughout the state.
6. In January 2002, the new digital interactive video service, HITS2, replaced the older analog interactive HITS and SkyBridge service to provide two-way ITV courses within the UH system.
New technologies are continually integrated into the delivery systems.
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) About DL at
UH
Over the past
several months, we have received some excellent feedback from
visitors. Your comments and suggestions have guided the constant
evolution of this site. There are several frequently asked questions
which have come from the feedback we have received. We list these for
you now.
(Q) Who can enroll in DL classes and programs?(A) Any student in the state of Hawai‘i who meets campus or program entrance requirements. See the registration section in our student area for more details.
(Q) What types of DL courses are offered?
(A) Visit our Course Schedule for a complete listing of Distance Learning classes at the University of Hawai‘i.
(Q) How do I enroll in DL classes?
(A) Distance Learning courses are available for students at various University of Hawai‘i campuses. You must meet all the application and registration deadlines at the campus where you register for these classes. See the admission and registration sections for more information.
(Q) What types of technology are used in the DL programs?
(A) The university uses a variety of transmission systems to distribute its distance learning programming. These systems are used independently or in conjunction with each other and include: HITS2, Cable TV, and the Internet. For more information on these technologies, see the Technology section on our main general page.
(Q) Do I need any special skills to enroll in a DL class?
(A) Distance learning is not for everyone. If you want to test your ability to become a successful distance learning student, take the Self Assessment Quiz. If taking an online course, students should be computer literate and have access to a computer with Internet connection.
(Q) What is the difference between ITV classes, cable classes and online classes?
(A) For ITV classes, students have to go to one of the UH campuses on their island. Communication is live and students must attend at a certain time. With cable classes, students can be at home to watch their class. Most of the time, cable classes are not live, so there is no interaction during the class. Interaction occurs via email or telephone. Online courses allow students to meet and interactively communicate with instructor and classmates through email and/or the World Wide Web.
(Q) Where can students participate in ITV classes?
(A) Visit the ITV location page for a listing of 2-way video sites.
(Q) Can anyone with a television at home receive the cable courses?
(A) No. You must be an Oceanic Time Warner Cable subscriber to view cable courses on channel 55. See Cable page for more information.
(Q) How do students take an online course?
(A) Laulima is a program supported by the University of Hawai‘i to deliver online courses. Students should have access to a computer with Internet connnection (please contact the instructor to confirm the use of Laulima). See Laulima FAQ for more information.
Last Updated: 03/29/11