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Outreach Credit ProgramsDept. 32741000 E. University Ave. 340 Wyoming HallLaramie, WY 82071(800) 448-7801e-mail: ocp@uwyo.edu
Online courses are available "anytime, anyplace," but students still need to be online in class several times each week throughout the semester. Online learning is interactive and collaborative. Students and instructors share discoveries and materials throughout each developmental step of the course using online communication tools such as e-mail, threaded discussions, document sharing, and live chat sessions. Online learning can be enhanced with web conferencing and Web 2.0 resources (interactive and social media). Effective participation in online learning requires only a computer with internet access (see the minimal Tech Requirements). Students access Online UW through the Online UW and eCompanion login page, and are supported by the 24/7 Online UW HelpDesk.
Video conferencing is a technology that enables students at designated sites to see and hear each other and their instructor in real time, similar to a traditional classroom, with class sessions scheduled regularly throughout the semester. The Outreach Video Network (OVN) is the primary video conferencing network used for delivering University of Wyoming video conferencing courses. OVN sites are located in Afton, Casper, Cheyenne, Cody, Douglas, Evanston, Gillette, Green River, Jackson, Lander, Laramie, Lusk, Newcastle, Powell, Rawlins, Riverton, Rock Springs, Sheridan, and Torrington. With some qualifications the OVN can connect to other public video networks, such as the Wyoming Equality Network (WEN), which maintains more than 90 sites throughout Wyoming.
Audio conferencing uses long-distance telephone lines and a centrally located bridge to link as many as 96 class sites at a time. A bridge operator in Laramie monitors each class and the equipment. Each site with the state of Wyoming is equipped with speaker phones and microphones so students and the instructor can talk to and hear each other. Students often view on-demand streamed recordings of lectures on their own time and then gather to discuss the material via the telephone conference. Audio conferencing courses generally require a total statewide/nationwide enrollment of 25 students for the class to be held. These courses usually can be delivered to most locations, provided at least three students are enrolled at each site. If a course is offered statewide/nationwide, students at their designated locations may take the course as long as there is sufficient enrollment at that site.
Web conferencing connects students and their instructor in real-time class sessions over the Internet. A Web conference can include two-way audio, limited video, computer-application sharing and is accessible from your computer. Internet connectivity required; a high-speed connection (DSL, cable modem, etc.) is preferred. A headset/microphone combination is necessary for audio participation. If you do not have audio capability on your computer, you can submit questions or comments with the chat feature.
Mix and match the most appropriate education technologies to achieve the learning objectives of the course. Hybrid courses can combine the strengths of online, conferencing, and Web 2.0 technoloiges, and more broadly meet learners' preferred learning styles. Hybrid classes are accessible through the Online UW and eCompanion login page. Hybrid classes require a $40/enrollment fee to support the course technologies, a 24/7 Help Desk, eTutoring, and other academic support services. Students access online Hybrid eCompanions through the Online UW and eCompanion login page, and are supported by the 24/7 Online UW HelpDesk.
Correspondence study courses meet the needs of site-bound students by offering a variety of independent study opportunities. These courses offer flexibility with open enrollment throughout the year, self-paced study, and nine months to complete each course. Registration through WyoWeb is not available for correspondence study courses.
On-site courses are limited to the location at which the instructor will be teaching the class and are offered when there is sufficient interest in a specific region.
Many instructors use intensive days/weekends to supplement class lectures and for hands-on activities. These classes are held in a central location chosen by the instructor. Students are responsible for expenses (i.e. travel, meals, lodging, phone expenses, etc.) incurred during the intensive days/weekends.
Streaming video is on-demand delivery of supplemental and primary course materials, specifically video/audio files, via the Internet. High-speed Internet access is required. Within their eCompanions, hybrid, or online course shells, many instructors embed or link to streaming video files. Embedded files may require you to download and install, for free, Microsoft Silverlight. Please call (800) 448-7801 with streaming video questions.
A number of faculty use eCompanion, an online component, to supplement their video conferencing or audio conferencing courses. On the first day of class your instructor will let you know if eCompanion is part of your course. To log into eCompanion, please go to the Online UW login page.
