November 22, 2009

TTU Home Outreach & Distance Education

Delivery Methods
Texas Tech University offers courses using the most appropriate delivery method(s) for each course. Most courses are delivered using one or a combination of the delivery methods below.

Students taking an online or off-campus instruction course will need access to a computer that has Internet capabilities and that meets the recommended computer requirements. Some courses may have additional software or hardware requirements.

Non Semester-based, Independent Study Courses

Courses are offered in one or a combination of formats, including print-based, online, video, audio, and CD-ROM. Course delivery methods are identified in the course listings.

Print-Based
You will receive a course guide, a Policies & Forms Guide, plus any textbook(s) and material(s) you order from the ODE Bookstore. Coursework is submitted via e-mail, fax, or mail. See course listings for more details.

Online
After registering, you will receive access instructions plus any textbook(s) and material(s) you order from the ODE Bookstore. You must have a computer with an Internet connection and the latest version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Netscape. Lesson assignments are submitted via e-mail, fax, or online course system. Most online courses require an e-mail account. For some online courses, either an eRaider account of an ODE username and password is required, which you will receive after you enroll.

Interactive Composition Online (ICON) - English 1301 & 1302
Developed by Texas Tech University's English department's composition program, these courses represent the latest in the composition program's systems approach. Students submit writing assignments and peer evaluations completely online for grading by Texas Tech University's English department instructors. As an ICON (English 1301 and 1302) student, you must have access to a computer with internet connectivity, a Web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Netscape), and a word-processing program or text editor. Assignments cannot be accepted by mail. After enrolling, you will be issued a password to access the course. Because of the writing-intensive nature of these courses, you are encouraged to begin work immediately after receiving your course materials.

CD-ROM
Print and online course may also feature required or ancillary course materials on CD-ROM. With some exceptions, your Windows PC must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Pentium-class Processor
• 32MB of RAM
• 16-bit sound card
• quad-speed CD-ROM drive
• VGA monitor 640 x 480 running at least 256 colors

Please be aware that not all publishers' CD-ROM are compatible with Apple computer systems. For more information about a specific CD-ROM, please contact the ODE Bookstore.

About Course Software
Many ODE courses are shipped with software you will need to complete your coursework. Please verify you are able to install and run all software as soon as you receive your course materials. If you are unable to install or run any of the software shipped with your course, you must withdraw from the course within 30 days of your enrollment and return all media and materials in resalable condition to be eligible for a refund (minus all applicable fees).

Protect Yourself!
Spyware, worms, viruses, and trojans are malicious programs that can damage your computer's operating system, software, and files. Such programs can even prevent you from installing or using legitimate pieces of software, including software that may accompany your ODE course. Therefore, we strongly recommend you scan your computer daily using an anti-virus program and one or more anti-spyware utilities. For more information about anti-virus and anti-spyware programs and utilities, visit your operating system's manufacturer's website or ask you local software retailer.

Semester-based Courses

Students will need Internet access and at minimum, a computer that meets the recommended computer requirements. Some courses may have additional software or hardware requirements.

WebCT
Many courses are delivered using WebCT, a course management system designed to deliver an interactive, web-based classroom to students. In some cases, other course management systems may also be used to delivery course content and interaction opportunities.

E-mail/Message Boards
E-mail lists or threaded message boards allow student to communicate electronically. Communication can be as a group or class, between students, or between students and instructor. Only students enrolled in the course can read and send e-mail. Students are expected to check their e-mail daily, at a time convenient to them. Synchronous discussion boards require that students meet online at a certain date and time. Asynchronous discussion boards require that a student check discussion threads and respond at a convenient time.

DVD's
Course-specific DVD's allow students to access course materials including audio and/or video lectures, text-based documents, spreadsheets, slide shows and other course-related documents.

Streaming Video
Streaming Video is online, asynchronous delivery of video. In some cases, students can interact in text-based sessions (Chat, instant messaging, etc.), but for the most part, this is an asynchronous, video and audio delivery of course content. The College of Education uses a product called "Codian" to stream course materials; the College of Engineering archives courses and uses Microsoft products to deliver course content.

Interactive Videoconferencing (IVC)
Texas Tech hosts a state-wide videoconferencing network that delivers synchronous course content and may utilize other instructional technology tools. Classrooms for group instruction are located through out Texas and are equipped with high-powered personal computers, video cameras, speaker phones, and state-of-the-art software. At Texas Tech teaching sites, instructional technology staff members and other personnel are on-site to assist students, handle course materials, order textbooks, and operate equipment. For some degree programs, attendance is required at specific locations for course delivery. Texas Tech has also piloted the delivery of synchronous video conferencing to individual student receiving sites for some courses. Guidelines for this form of delivery are included in the "Student Responsibility for Individual Receiving Sites" (see below).

Macromedia Breeze
This solution is used to deliver synchronous course content, data and audio to individual computers.

Face-to-Face
Some courses require you meet face-to-face with both the instructor and/or students. These meetings and/or classes occur at an off-campus location depending on the course.

Student Responsibility for Individual Receiving Sites
In order to increase access to Texas Tech's academic resources, courses are offered in a variety or combination of technologically-assisted delivery methods – synchronous and asynchronous Web-based, interactive video conferencing, broadcast TV, DVD, etc. In some cases, courses may be delivered to individual receiving sites such as home PC's. In such instances, Texas Tech seeks to provide the highest level of instructional technology support. However, the student assumes responsibility for ensuring that the technological requirements of the receiving site (connectivity, hardware and software, etc.) are adequate and maintained to ensure minimal disruption of course delivery. When disruption of course delivery occurs due to failure of the student's connection, hardware, and/or software, the student is generally responsible for the communication, diagnosis and resolution of delivery disruption issues. When such delivery disruption interferes specifically with access to course materials and assignments, it is also the student's responsibility to contact the faculty member and complete all course assignments in accordance with the syllabus and applicable TTU policies and procedures.