Interactive Television Distance
Learning
Interactive Television Distance
Learning
Download the Arkansas State University Interactive Television Distance Learning Center's Faculty Handbook in PDF format by clicking on the button above. You will need Adobe's free Acrobat Reader to view this file.
The United States Distance Learning Association defines distance education as “the acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction” (United States Distance Learning Association). A more generally accepted definition of distance education is education that takes places when the instructor and students are separated either by time and/or distance.
While most people think distance education is a new concept, in reality it is more than a century old (Moore and Kearsley, 1996, p.19). In its early forms, distance education consisted of courses delivered through the mail, known as correspondence study.
In the early 1970’s distance education changed dramatically with the opening of the British Open University. The university was designed to be a “nationwide system with no resident students. It would be large, well funded, and would employ the fullest range of communications technologies to teach a full university undergraduate curriculum to any adult who wanted such education” (Moore and Kearsley, 1996, p.26). The British Open University does not have units inside other conventional universities, instead, it is a “fully autonomous, degree-granting institution” (Moore and Kearsley, 1996, p.27).
As technology has developed, distance education has developed with it. Today, distance education makes use of broadcast television, computer networks, and various other delivery methods.
Access and opportunity are the two primary reasons why distance education is important. Distance learning provides greater access to a quality education. Students are no longer limited by geography, job and family commitments when seeking venues to continue their education. Distance learning provides a variety of opportunities for personal enrichment and those seeking skills to stay competitive in today’s job market.
Compressed video is a form of video conferencing. Video conferencing allows people “at two or more locations to see and hear each other” (Videoconferencing For Learning, PacBell).
Compressed video allows real time interaction (audio and video) between instructors and students and multiple distant sites through videoconferencing technology. In addition to the videoconferencing technology, instructors and students have a variety of additional resources in the classroom to enhance the distance learning experience. These resources include document cameras, electronic whiteboards, Powerpoint, VCRs, and other tools. Using different media keeps the students active and involved in the class.
Compressed video takes analog video signal and converts it to a digital video signal using a computer called a codec. The new digital signal is then “compressed” by the computer and transmitted down high-speed digital telephone lines to the distant site. Once the signal arrives at the distant site, the process is reversed.
For conferences with more than one distant site, the system is voice activated, automatically switches to the appropriate sound source.
The College of Nursing and Health Professions established the Interactive Television Distance Learning Center at Arkansas State University in 1992. The first class taught via compressed video at ASU was broadcast from the Jonesboro campus to Ozarka Technical College in Melbourne, AR. This first class had a total of 29 students at both sites.
The ASU Interactive Television Learning Center has experienced tremendous growth since 1992. The ASU Network consists of 18 videoconferencing units broadcasting and receiving an average of 100 courses per year. Arkansas State reaches all sites within the university system and has partnerships with several community colleges in the state. Additionally, ASU has used videoconferencing technology to offer courses nationally.
The ASU Interactive Television Distance Learning Center is located on the sixth floor of the College of Nursing and Health Professions building. Our staff currently consists of the following people:
Mike Bowman, Director
Carolyn Chamberlain, Secretary
Susan Shanlever, Technical Coordinator
Our job is to make the instructor's and students' experience with compressed video as enjoyable as possible. We accomplish this by offering different services to the instructors and students.
We strive to provide a customer service environment for instructors, students and distant site coordinators to insure a positive distance learning experience. The staff assists in faculty training, course material distribution, troubleshooting and acts as a
liaison between Jonesboro and the distance learning sites.
Due to changing technology, we recommend that instructors using videoconferencing equipment maintain an active and current training schedule. Please call for an appointment and one of our staff members will gladly give you a demonstration of our videoconferencing facilities.
Currently the ASU Interactive Television Distance Learning Center has the following sites in its network:
Arkansas State University – Jonesboro (four classrooms)
Arkansas State University – Beebe (four classrooms)
Arkansas State University – Mt. Home (two classrooms)
East Arkansas Community College – Forrest City (one classroom)
Ozarka College – Melbourne (one classroom)
Mid South Community College – West Memphis (one classroom)
Mississippi County Community College – Blytheville (two classrooms)
Arkansas State University – Paragould (one classroom)
Arkansas State University – Newport (one classroom)
Arkansas State University – Heber Springs (one classroom)
ASU can videoconference with any of nearly 200 sites statewide. Additionally, it is possible to videoconference with many sites nationally and internationally via ISDN.
The following equipment is found in each of the compressed video classrooms within the ASU Interactive Television Network:
Videoconferencing equipment. This is the heart of the compressed video classroom. The unit consists of a codec and television monitors that allow students and instructor to see and head activity at the local and distant site(s). The following teaching tools are available to enhance the compressed video classroom experience:
Instructor Camera. On top of the left television monitor is a camera that is capable of tilting, panning and zooming. This camera is concentrated on the instructor for the students at the distant sites.
Control Tablet. The control tablet is located on the instructor’s podium and is used to move the classroom cameras, choose different video sources and control the incoming and outgoing audio.
Document camera. The document camera is used in the same fashion as an overhead projector, except images are shown on the televisions. The document camera can be used to show anything from notes written on paper to X-ray film.
VCR. The VCR can be used to show videos or record lectures. In the event a distant site cannot connect to the network, for instance during inclement weather or if they are experiencing technical problems, the VCR can be used to record the day’s class and the tape can be sent to the distant site.
Classroom camera. The classroom camera is located in a corner of each room over either the instructors right or left shoulder. This camera is primarily used to allow the students at the distant site(s) to see the local students.
Microphones. Each classroom is equipped with between ten and eighteen microphones. There are two microphones on the instructor’s podium and at least one microphone on each row of tables in each classroom. Again, this enhances interaction between students and instructor.
Auxiliary computer. Attached to the document camera is an auxiliary computer. This computer is connected to the campus network, allowing the instructor to show web pages across the video network. Each computer also has the complete Microsoft Office 2000 Professional software package installed, allowing the instructor to make use of the PowerPoint presentation package.
35mm slide drum is available that can be connected to the document camera.
When preparing to teach a compressed video class, remember, there are tools available in the classroom to enhance your classroom experience.
Variety is the spice of life. This is true when teaching on compressed video. The compressed video technology lends itself to the use of probing question, group projects (in class and out), debate, and open discussion. Remember to keep all students involved!
Assignments and/or tests can be sent to the distant sites using fax, e-mail, or standard mail. When sending via standard mail, the package should be sent a minimum of one week in advance. Faxes or e-mail should be sent at least 24 hours before class to allow time for distant site(s) coordinator to make copies.
Items can be sent out of the Interactive Television Distance Learning Center office located in the College of Nursing and Health Professions Building or from you own office. No matter where you send the items from, please make sure to include detailed instructions for the site coordinator.
When receiving assignments/test from the distant site(s), the same time frames apply.
On test dates, a proctor will be available at all distant site to administer and collect the tests. If possible, please provide a test schedule to the distant site(s) coordinator so they can make appropriate arrangements to assure a proctor will be available on the date of the test. If a proctor is needed for the local class, it is your responsibility to make arrangements.
Moore, M.G., & Kearsley, G. (1996). Distance learning: A systems view. Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth Publishing Company.
United States Distance Learning Association. Distance learning fact sheet. [On-Line]. Available: http://www.usdla.org/03_fact_sheet.htm
Pacific Bell. A brief description of video conferencing. [On-Line]. Available:
http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/vidconf/description.html
For questions or comments contact webmaster@cvnj.astate.edu.