What is distance learning?
In its simplest form, distance learning is the concept of a student and instructor, separated by time and distance, using technology to complete the instruction. The formal origins of distance learning can be traced back to the use of correspondence study in the early 1800's. Since then, distance learning has evolved by embracing other technological developments - the telegraph, radio, television, satellite, and today, the Internet - to deliver educational opportunities to learners whenever and wherever they are.

What is a telecourse?
A recent explosion in distance learning opportunities has been fueled by the astounding success of the telecourse as a learning option. Telecourses are fully accredited, video-based courses delivered via television. Leveraging the universal availability of television, telecourses are complete and integrated instructional systems comprised of video and print - a textbook, study guide, faculty manual, and other instructional materials.

Telecourses are REAL college courses that carry the same college credit as on-campus courses. You can register for a telecourse just as you would for an on-campus course. And best of all, telecourses are fully accredited and they look the same on your transcript as on-campus classes.

The only difference between a telecourse and an on-campus course is in the way you learn. Traditional courses require you to attend lectures or seminars at the campus. In a telecourse, you learn by watching television programs at home . For both, you have to understand the concepts, read a textbook, turn in assignments, and take exams. But fitting a telecourse into your schedule is much easier because you don't have to commute to campus and you can study when you have time.

Throughout the United States, colleges and universities offer credit to students enrolled in telecourses. If you want to earn college credit, but find it difficult to fit weekly on-campus classes into your busy schedule, telecourses can help you achieve your goals.

Want to learn more?
For more information, please contact our Education Department at (607) 729-0100. ...

Distance Learning Opportunities

Local telecourse broadcast schedule Course descriptions

How to enroll in a course
To enroll in a telecourse, you first need to find a college that offers telecourses. Just follow these easy steps to find a participating college in the area and to get enrolled:

• Select the telecourse you wish to take and determine which participating colleges are offering that course.
• Contact a participating college's telecourse or distance learning coordinator or visit their Web site for registration information.
• Purchase or order the required textbook and study guide from the campus bookstore.
• Attend an on-campus orientation meeting to receive your course syllabus and assignments.
• Start learning! Watch the television programs on this station or record them for viewing later.
• Study your print materials, complete the assignments and take exams.
• Receive a grade and college credit for a job well done!

Study tips for distance learning students

• Get familiar with the course. Check the college Web site for the distance learning course syllabus. Decide if distance learning is a viable education option for you in this course of study.
• Read the course syllabus. The distance learning course syllabus contains all of the information a student needs to progress through a distance learning course.
• Identify the tools required to complete the course. Make sure you have access to all of the technology requirements to take the course. This could include a VCR, a tape player, a fax machine, a computer with adequate hard disk space or access to email.
• Develop a regular schedule for doing assignments. You should spend at least two study hours per week for every credit being taken. Providing insufficient time in your schedule to do course work could prove frustrating and detrimental to your studies.
• Avoid distractions and interruptions during the time your have reserved for studying. In a world of wireless phones and personal data assistants, it is often difficult to keep yourself "disconnected" while viewing a video program, reading your textbook, or working on the computer. Avoid these interruptions by finding a place to study that is free from distractions.
• Actively keep in contact with your instructor. Instructors are available at the least by phone and email. Some may even keep regular office hours for in-person meetings. Contact your instructor regularly, especially when you have trouble understanding course content.
• Find study partners. Distance learning students sometimes feel that they are missing interaction with other students that they might find in a traditional classroom environment. Identify an individual or small group of people to study with.
• Prepare assignments and tests. Course assignments can involve the use if different mediums - print, video, audio or the Internet. Develop a thorough set of notes and review the components from each medium before taking tests.
• Set interim goals and deadlines. Keep a calendar showing the number of weeks in the term and mark the assignments due and tests to take each week. Stick to the schedule and don't fall behind in your work!
• Evaluate your progress regularly. Re-read the course objectives and your schedule of goals to see how you are progressing with them.
• Relax. Relaxation techniques can benefit learning in a number of ways including heightening concentration and lessening anxiety. Try taking deep breaths, stretching or soothing music to help you relax while studying.

  These tips have been adapted from study tips developed by Terra Community College and KET/The Kentucky Network.

Going the Distance

The PBS Going the Distance (GTD) degree program responds to the growing number of adults who are eager to earn college degrees but who require more flexibility than traditional on-campus courses allow. The program is an attractive alternative to adult learners because students can:

• schedule course work around jobs and family responsibilities
• work independently and at their own pace
• acquire new skills and knowledge to compete in the workplace
• improve their lives through enriched learning experiences
• complete course work toward college degrees

Launched in 1994, Going the Distance builds on the local partnerships between public television stations and colleges with support from the PBS Adult Learning Service and the Annenberg/CPB Project. Currently, over 69 public television stations in partnership with more than 200 participating colleges in 43 states offer Going the Distance degree programs locally.

The majority of college students are now 25-plus. GTD taps into this growing student population. Of the current workforce, 75 percent will need significant retraining at some time in their work lives. Half of the new jobs in the future will require postsecondary education or training. PBS's Going the Distance offers workers a way to get the training they need without disrupting their careers and families.

To learn more about this exciting degree opportunity, please send us an e-mail or call 1-800-257-2578 . You may also contact our partner institutions for specific details about courses and degrees they offer.