Resources
The University of Hawaii is committed to providing distance learning opportunities to allow access to quality higher education for the State of Hawaii. This site brings together the large amount of information available to aid the newcomer on distance learning at the University of Hawaii.

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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii Strategic Plan. As part of the strategic planning process the University of Hawaii 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 Hawaii, Distance Learning Plans, Policies, and Procedures.

SPIT2000
University of Hawaii Strategic Plan for Information Technology outlines the vision and planning context for moving forward with information technology for the University of Hawaii system. For more detailed information visit the University of Hawaii Strategic Plan 2000 site.

History
The uniqueness of Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 tools, such as WebCT, 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii.

(Q) How do I enroll in DL classes?

(A) Distance Learning courses are available for students at various University of Hawaii campuses. You must meet all the application and registration deadlines at the campus where you register for these classes. If you are NOT currently a UH student, please contact the campus nearest you. If you are a UH student, you may apply and register for any DL class without going to the DL Home campus. Visit or call the appropriate office on your campus for application and registration 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 a cable subscriber in order to view cable courses. UH cable programming is broadcast on Oceanic's cable access channels statewide and Craig TV on Oahu. See Cable page for more information.

(Q) How do students take an online course?

(A) WebCT (Web Course Tools) is a program supported by the University of Hawaii to deliver online courses. Students should have access to a computer with Internet connnection. See WebCT FAQ for more information.

Last Updated: 09/05/2007