WELCOME TO DISTANCE EDUCATION

1. WELCOME TODISTANCE EDUCATION AT CASPER COLLEGE! Spring, 2008 http:/www.caspercollege.edu/

2. Lois Davis Dean of Educational Resources 268-2703; AD298 1-800-442-2963 ext 2703 ldavis@caspercollege.edu

3. Distance Education Learning May be Right for You If: • You have young children and are homebound. • You need the freedom of a flexible schedule. • You are a self-starter and motivated to learn through a new delivery style. • You want to upgrade your current skill levels or make yourself more employable. • You want to complete your Casper College degree but have had to relocate away from the community.

4. What do you need to be a successful “Distance Education Learner • A computer and the ability to use the computer. • Internet access and in some cases, transportation to and from campus on a limited basis. • The course prerequisites if required or the ability to meet the prerequisites required. • Text books and/or other materials required. • The ability to communicate effectively with your instructors either through written or oral exchange.

5. Characteristics of a Successful Online Student • Be able to communicate through writing. • Be self-motivated and self-disciplined. • Be willing to "speak up" if problems arise. • Be willing and able to commit to 8 to 9 hours per week per course. Online is not easier than the traditional educational process. In fact, many students will say it requires much more time and commitment. • Be able to meet the minimum requirements for the course. The requirements for online are no less than that of any other college writing course. An  online course is a convenient way to receive your education, not an easier way.  • Accept critical thinking and decision making as part of the learning process.  The learning process requires you to make decisions based on facts as well as experience. Assimilating information and executing the right decisions requires critical thought. • Have access to a computer and a modem.  The communication medium is a computer, phone line, and modem; the student must have access to the necessary equipment. Many students prefer to work from home; however, students may access the computers in the High Tech Centers on campus seven days a week.

6. Online Student Types: Behaviors Achievers • Will work ahead • Will ask questions about items in the future • Will hold themselves and their instructor to the highest standard

7. Online Student Types: Behaviors Taskers • Will work to meet the due dates/deadlines • Will ask questions about items that are due RIGHT NOW

8. Online Student Types: Behaviors Ball-Droppers • Will work hard after the due date passes • Will ask questions about items whose due date has passed • Will make excuses and ask for extensions

9. Online Student Types: Behaviors Ghosts • Will NOT work hard either before or after the due date • Will make excuses and ask for extensions, but then not return in time to follow up on extensions even if they are granted

10. Delivery Technologies • Internet courses • Compressed video courses • Telecourses • Hybrid courses

11. Delivery Styles: • Internet or Online Delivery – These courses (usually identified as N1, N2, etc.) are offered online over the internet. Courses follow a schedule and are NOT self paced. • Telecourse Delivery – These courses (usually identified as T1, T2, etc.) are offered through television broadcast over the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) or by video rental arrangements made through your instructor. There is a $22 course fee attached to this delivery method. All telecourses also have an internet component. • Compressed Video Delivery – These courses (usually identified as C1, C2, etc.) are offered to remote sites through live video classroom presentation over the Wyoming Equality Network (WEN) network serving the state of Wyoming. This method enables the instructor to communicate with students at all sites simultaneously with students in the campus classroom. • Hybrid Course Delivery – These courses (usually identified as H1, H2, D1, D2, etc.) are offered through a variety of methods. They may consist of an internet component that replaces part of a lecture course that is offered on campus; they may contain an on campus lab component within the requirements of an online delivered course.

12. SP08 Compressed Video/Telecourses

13. GOAL: Our goal is to provide you with -accessible, quality, and accredited educational opportunities.

14. WebCT Log In Page 1

15. WebCT Log In Page 2

16. THE ROAD TO SUCCESS It is critically important that your instructor always has up-to-date contact information. Contact your instructor if you change your • Name • current email address • your current address

17. Meet the basic equipment requirements: • Computer (or access to one) • email account (available to students) • an internet service provider (or access) • web browser software. • Access to broadcasts or tapes.

18. ARE YOU PREPARED? • Obtain all required materials. • Be realistic in your expectations! Know what you are getting into, what the requirements are for each class and each instructor.

19. Budget Your Time • Plan on spending at least 9 to 12 hours per week on a 3 credit class. Distance delivery allows you to set your own schedule, but there is a danger here! Make sure you set a study/viewing schedule and stick to it!

20. Resources • Tutoring Center: CE Lower Level. • Online Writing Lab • Casper College Library –

21. WebCT http://vcr.caspercollege.edu Courses listed Browser check Bookmark Mozilla Firefox spybot adaware

22. Casper College Resources Peer Tutor Program Carmen Springer-Davis, CE 141, 268-2515 Math Learning Center Deanna Schaff, PS 104A, 268-2865 Writing Center Ginger Cooper, CE 140, 268-2610 English Lab Karen Moenkhaus, CE 139, 268-3850 Testing/Proctoring Center Carolyn Buff, BU 123, 268-3850

23. Library Information For more information contact:Circulation Desk307.268.2269 Interlibrary Loan Desk307.268.2408 Periodicals Desk307.268.2408 Reference Desk307.268.2275

24. Bookstore Information Spring Extended Hours: January 14-26, 2008: Mo-TH 7:30am -6:00 pm, and Sat. 7:30am – 4:30 pm. Bookstore Store Manager is Tina Morrell Phone:(307) 268-2202Fax:(307) 234-8929 Email:casper@bkstr.com Address: College Center 325 College Drive Casper, WY 82601-4616

25. Testing Center/Proctoring CenterInformation Contact Carolyn BuffBU 123307-268-3850 or800-442-2963, ext. 3850testing@caspercollege.edu Testing/Proctoring Center Hours 8 AM-8:30 PM Monday – Thursday 8 AM – 5 Pm Fridays 9 AM-2 PM First Saturday each Month 24 hour notice required

26. Memory Data Storage Devices(Replaces Floppy Disks) USB port flash drives-Search by capacity: 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB Jump Drives Costs- Anywhere from $10-$40

27. The Study Guides and Strategies http://www.studygs.net/

28. Concluding Remarks… Distance Education is not for everyone, but, it works and it works well Distance Education is not a panacea, but, it resolves problems Distance Education is not all things to all people, but, it provides access to those who otherwise would be denied Technology should be the “slave” not the “master”