Student Resources

The Distance Education Experience

Delivery Methods

This page contains descriptions of the most common technologies used by University of Florida distance education courses. Detailed definitions of other distance education terms are also available on the Glossary of Terms page.

Web Can review computer materials anytime, anywhere online. May involve streaming video, graphics, audio, course websites, etc. Course tools (email, chats, bulletin board) encourage interaction. Computer and internet access are necessary.
More Info | View UF online courses »

Web-based courses provide information and instructional content online, usually in the form of interactive text, graphics, and various other types of online tools. Examples of these tools include course websites (such as provided by WebCT), streaming video, bulletin boards, online chat, student progress tracking, e-mail, course calendars, and student homepages.

Students are advised to use either Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer to access course Web sites, though instructors may require a specific browser. Instructors may also require that students download and install special browser "plug-ins" to view certain types of content. Typical plugins include:

Video Tape Portable, uses moving images and audio, easy for students to review videotape contents on VCRs. Tends to be lecture-style presentation.
More Info | View UF courses using video tapes »

Courses incorporating videotaped lectures usually mail video tapes directly to a student, although they may allow students to view VHS videotapes of instructor lectures at specific locations. Some programs also offer the same information in online streaming video format, whereas the course can be considered using web technology (see below).

Video Conferencing Live, two-way dialogue with teacher and other students via a specially equipped conference room or on a computer. Uses motion and audio.
More Info | View UF video conference courses »

Interactive video conferencing courses allow the instructor and students to communicate with each other live through a two-way audio and video signal. This may be through a desktop video conferencing application (like Netmeeting) or at dedicated video conferencing room.

UF/IFAS has specially equipped classrooms at sites throughout Florida. For more information about videoconferencing and to see a map of the sites across Florida, refer to their page on the Interactive Videoconferencing Network.

To learn how a professor interacts with students on- and off-campus in an interactive videoconferencing course, watch this short video (requires the free Basic Real Player plugin to be installed on your computer).

CD-ROM or DVD Portable, often uses moving images and audio, easy for students to review content. Requires computer with a CD-ROM or DVD reader.
More Info | View UF distance courses using DVD »

CD ROM's and DVD's may contain a variety of material, which usually can be used without accessing the internet. These materials might include pre-recorded lectures, multi-media demonstrations, interactive assignments as well as lecture notes, and other types of computer files. In some cases, access to the internet may still be required to submit assignments or communicate with the course intructor.
Print
(Correspondence)		 Printed materials: portable, inexpensive, accessible, well-organized materials. Time-delay delivering and receiving materials.
More Info | View UF print courses »

Many courses that use other technologies also use printed materials, but those courses which exclusively use print materials to convey course contents are often referred to as "Correspondence Courses". UF's Office of Correspondence Studies specializes in these types of courses, aimed at individual whom do not have access to a computer or the internet.
Proctored Exams Paper or computer-based exams administrated by a person who has been formally designated as an exam proctor.
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Distance Education exams may be proctored, with a designated person (not the student) receiving all materials for course exams, and overseeing those students taking the exam.

Some courses allow students to designate a unique exam proctor and location (ex: College of Agricutural and Life Sciences Exam Administrators, College of Engineering's Proctors) while others have formally schedule times and locations for exams (ex: Online Business Program exam dates and testing sites).

Labs Applied usage of course concepts. Usually requires travel to a specific location.
More Info

Some distance education courses and programs will require laboratory sessions to certify mastery of material or to demonstrate course contents. While many labs may be contained in web-based modules, students should be aware that courses with labs usually require travel to a specific location to complete the course requirements.

Is Distance Education Right for Me? (self-assessment) »

This website provides information about the various degrees, certificates, and courses which are offered at UF via distance learning technologies.

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