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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Is It For Me?
Distance Learning is not for everyone. Distance learning in many cases provides students greater flexibility. This flexibility includes freeing students from the constraints of travel or relocation, affording them opportunities to take courses otherwise non-accessible due to scheduling or physical constraints. As a result, students have more control over their own learning;successful completion will depend on the individual student's self-discipline and commitment to the course or program. In general, a successful distance learner is someone who:

• wants or needs a flexible school schedule.
• knows how to study independently.
• is goal oriented & self directed.
• has college level reading & writing skills.
• establishes a regular viewing/log on schedule.
• sets aside a specific time on a routine basis for studying.
• contacts the professor promptly with questions about any aspect of the course.

If you want to test your ability to become a successful distance learning student, take the Self Assessment Quiz.

How and Where?
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 you must be a cable subscriber. For cable courses that include an Internet component they must have access to 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 (synchronous), 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 email and a web browser, such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. Interactive television locations nearest you: ITV Locations

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

Last Updated: 09-05-2007