LEARN AT A DISTANCE

Introduction

The University of South Florida approaches the twenty-first century aware of the technology that is necessary to support an academic community that celebrates teaching, research and professional service. Learn at a Distance courses are offered in a variety of majors and offer alternatives in location and delivery systems to expand educational opportunities throughout the Sarasota/Manatee region and beyond. 

The Distance Learning department supports Learn at a Distance faculty, students, courses and classrooms. Through the talents of the faculty and staff and a variety of technological formats, USF will continue to meet our responsibilities as a comprehensive Research I University.

As you browse the Learn at a Distance schedule, please note the Delivery Method designations that are listed in the far right column. The different delivery methods are as follows:

• A=AUDIOCASSETTE
• M=VIDEOTAPE
• S=STUDIO
• T=TELECOURSE
• TW=TELECOURSE WITH A WEB COMPONENT
• V=VIDEOCONFERENCE
• W=WEB BASED

Telecourse

Watch from home or record and view at your convenience! Telecourses or tape-delayed classes are broadcast on WUSF-TV (Channel 16), the Education Channel, and other outlets. They are complete and integrated instructional systems that include television programs, textbooks, and a variety of other instructional materials. Most Telecourses meet liberal arts general education course requirements. A few Telecourses may require minimal on campus attendance for orientations, reviews, or exams. 

This method of instruction relies heavily on the assumption that the student can work well independently. Dialogue directly with the professor during the course of instruction is strongly encouraged via telephone and email.

Videoconference
(Two-Way Video, Two-Way Audio)

An interactive process that allows students and faculty to see, hear, and talk to each other at multiple locations in “real time,” videoconferencing helps to eliminate place constraints and allows students to come together to learn at locations convenient for them.

Audiotape and Videotape Courses

Courses are available on audiotape or videotape only-Not broadcast.  Tapes are available for review at the USF Sarasota/Manatee Media Center in LBR 220. Some videotapes may also be available as rentals. These courses may require minimal on campus attendance for orientations, reviews, or exams. 

Studio (One-Way Video, Two-Way Audio)

Courses originate in a studio classroom and are received at other USF campuses (or specified off campus locations) at the same time or on a tape-delayed basis. This format allows one-way video, two-way audio communication between originating and receiving locations.  Learn at a Distance provides state-of-the-art classroom and presentation equipment for faculty use on and off campus. A majority of the studio classes are offered through FEEDS.

FEEDS
(Florida Engineering Education Delivery System)

This statewide system provides access to graduate level and select undergraduate engineering courses at industrial sites and cooperating university centers. A student taking courses through FEEDS must meet the same requirements as a student on campus and will earn the same credit and academic credential. Courses delivered through FEEDS may lead to the awarding of degrees in Engineering.

Web-Based Courses

Courses offered online make it possible for students to take classes despite their busy schedules. Convenient because they are time and place independent, web-based courses are available in a wide variety of programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Access to the Internet and an e-mail account is required for these courses, and some web-based courses may require minimal on-campus meetings.