Distance Learning ITV Student Orientation
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Instructoinal Technology: Technology Training

"Live" ITV Broadcast

The class you are taking is "live" and being broadcast from the Instructional TV facilities located at the University of Houston Downtown (A700). In most cases your instructor will be teaching to a class of students at UHD. The class is simultaneously being broadcast from UHD to one or more receiving sites (ex. UHS Ft. Bend , University Center in the Woodlands). On some occasions your instructor may originate the ITV class from one of the receive sites. This is a closed-circuit broadcast and only the designated receive site can view this broadcast. It is broadcast via fiber optic cable and cannot be viewed on commercial or cable systems.

Each receive site is specially designed and equipped to enable the distant student to become an active participant in the learning experience. Classrooms are equipped two or more television monitors, several cameras, desk microphones, an instructor control panel, a PC computer and a document camera. This equipment allows the distant learning student to be able to see and hear what is being taught in the originating classroom. This equipment also serves to transmit their picture, voice graphics and data back to the originating site and other sites receiving the class.

Physical barriers and distance may separate the remote site students from the UHD campus, but its hoped that through the use of technology that those barriers can be bridged to offer a meaningful learning experience. Accomplishing that goal requires the distant learning student to be an "active" participant in the class. The "push-to-talk" microphones on their desk require pressing a button to activate their operation. Students at distant site classrooms are expected to participate in discussions, ask questions of their instructor, give presentations, turn in homework and take exams right along with their fellow students enrolled at the originating classroom and other receiving sites.

What is the advantage to taking an ITV class?

Advantages vary with each individual. Remote site students enjoy the convenience of being able to take a class at a location that may be in close proximity to their work or home. Avoiding traffic, long drives, parking hassles and a relaxed small class environment are some of the reasons why some students prefer this type of instruction.

How do you take an ITV Class?

ITV courses are identified in the class schedule and in registration materials. There will be an on-campus section and an off-campus section. Be sure to register for the correct section. Advisors at UHD and the receiving site can help you in making the
most appropriate course selection.

Sending and Receiving Class Materials

Class materials are regularly delivered and picked up from receiving sites by the UHD and commercial couriers. Instructors may also send and receive materials via U.S. mail, fax and e-mail.

Communicating with your instructors

There are many channels available for students to communicate with their instructor. Fax, telephone and in person appointments are traditional ways of communicating with instructors. All students are encouraged to have their own e-mail account. If a student is not signed up with their own IP provider, they may sign up for a personal E-mail account through UHD academic computing or at your local receiving sites. Some instructors will be using online course web sites to enhance their ITV instruction as well as to communicate with individual or groups of students. Students who don’t have regular access to a PC computer are welcome to use computer labs at UHD or at the receiving campus sites.