SUBJECT: Distance Learning

AUTHORITY: VCAA

EFFECTIVE: 8/1/01

REVISION:

Purpose : To clarify the Distance Learning definition and specific responsibilities.

Definition

UT Martin defines distance learning as those programs and courses meeting any of the following criteria: Programs and courses delivered off campus for credit or non-credit

• Entirely through the internet,
• By an onsite instructor,
• Through any combination of delivery mediums - internet, interactive compressed video (ITV), videotape, satellite, or correspondence to students at an off-campus location.

The THEC definition is: The course delivers 51 percent or more of the instructional content through mediated methods where the location of the student is not determined by the professor's delivery location.

• Mediated instruction uses a form of communication other than traditional classroom instruction such as satellite, video, internet, mail, etc.

• Location is a learning environment in which a student receives instruction.

The location is not considered as a distance education environment if instruction can only be received at multiple on-campus locations such as computer laboratories. The location is considered as a distance education environment if instruction can be attended or received at a branch or off- campus locations where the professor is not present.

Responsibilities

Offices responsible for distance learning are:

1. The Office of Online and University Studies is responsible for overseeing the evaluation of the quality of delivery methods for all online courses by providing all non-technical support services and managing all credit internet courses, including all New College courses offered through UT Martin and all courses for the Bachelor of University Studies degree program.

2. The Office of Extended Campus and Online Studies (ECOS) isresponsible for supervising and managing all other distance learning courses,ITV, continuing education, and public service programs/courses and non-credit courses (including non-credit internet programs and courses).

3. The Office of Computer Services supplies technical support for both offices.