Distance Learning
Q.	What is Distance Learning?
A.	Distance learning is any type of teaching and learning that occurs when the instructor and students are separated by time and distance. Types of distance learning include correspondence courses (mail), videoconference courses, satellite courses, television courses, and Internet-based courses. WVUTech also includes courses on a condensed schedule in our list of distance learning courses. Many distance learning courses use a combination of these course types.
Q.	How can I tell if distance learning is right for me?
A.	Distance learning does not work well for everyone. Take this reflective self-assessment to decide if distance learning courses would work for you.
Q.	Where can I find a list of distance learning course offerings?
A.	This page of WVUTech.edu will show you current distance learning courses.
Q.	What are videoconference courses?
A.	Video is used to link two or more specially equipped classrooms so that students in more than one location can attend a class given by one teacher. Typically, the teacher is in a classroom with students and can see and hear another classroom of students on a television screen. Those students can see and hear the teacher on a television screen and can ask questions of the teacher.
Q.	What are satellite courses?
A.	These courses are similar to videoconference courses but the video is typically only one-way. The students can see the instructor but the instructor cannot see the students. To take a satellite course, students usually go to a designated classroom on-campus at scheduled times every week. Satellite courses are often distributed to schools across the country. The instructor may be thousands of miles away.
Q.	What are television courses?
A.	Television courses are distributed to students through regular broadcast or cable television channels. In West Virginia, television courses are shown on West Virginia Public Television stations. The courses are usually broadcast late at night or early in the morning. Students can tape the lectures and watch them at their leisure.
Q.	What are Internet-based courses?
A.	The simplest Internet-based courses could use a web page with class notes and assignments or email communication between the instructor and students. Most Internet-based courses use some type of e-learning software to aid teaching and learning on the Internet. This software often includes space for class content (lectures, notes), threaded discussions, chats, and assignments. WVUTech uses WebCT as the software for Internet-based courses.
Q.	What is condensed scheduling?
A.	These courses meet once a week or less but each class meeting lasts longer. Sometimes condensed courses meet daily for several hours each day to complete the course in weeks instead of months. The total time in class over the course of the semester is the same as in traditional classes. Condensed scheduling is considered a distance learning method because fewer class meetings allow students who live farther away from the college to take courses with less disruption to their daily schedules.
Q.	Are there other types of distance learning courses?
A.	We’ve covered all the main categories of distance learning courses. Some schools use different names for the same things. Also, it is common for distance learning courses to use a combination of different distance learning methods in addition to some regular classroom meetings.
WebCT
Q.	What is WebCT?
A.	WebCT is a web-based program designed to aid teaching and learning online. WebCT is mainly used in higher education. With WebCT, instructors can set up a course, which students can then access from any computer connected to the Internet. The tools in WebCT include: content web pages, threaded discussions, chat, whiteboard, quizzes, and grades.
Q.	How can I take a WebCT class?
A.	At WVU Tech, the first step is to register for the class through normal registration procedures. In order to use the WebCT software, you will need to sign up for a WebCT ID and password (see next question).
Q.	How do I get a WebCT ID and password?
A.	First, go to http://teach.wvnet.edu:9932/webct/public/home.pl. Click on "Create My WebCT." Answer the few questions that follow. You are all set. Keep your ID and password in a safe place - your instructor will not have access to that information if you lose or forget it.
Q.	I’ve created my WebCT ID and password and logged in but I don’t see any courses. What do I do?
A.	Once you are have created your WebCT account, you have to add courses to it. Log into WebCT. On the left side of the screen, click "Add course." Browse to find your course. Click the course to add it. At this point, most courses will ask for a username and password. This is NOT the same as your WebCT ID and password. This username and password are used one-time-only to add the course. You should receive them from your instructor.
Q.	I’ve used WebCT before. What should I do to start a new course?
A.	You should be able to use your WebCT ID and password to long into WebCT. Then you’ll need to add the new course (see previous question).
Q.	My instructor gave me a username and password but I still can’t log into WebCT.
A.	The username and password from your instructor are probably what you need to add the course to your My WebCT once you have registered and logged in. They are used only one time to add the course. Before you can do that, you have to have created a WebCT account for yourself. The username and password for that can be anything you choose.
Q.	I’ve never used WebCT before. How can I learn more about it?
A.	You should find all the information you need on the Student Orientation Center at WebCT.com, including tutorials and a Getting Started Guide.