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Media Based & Interactive Television - Distance Learning |
Media Based (Video) Courses
For media based courses, students do not meet on campus. In lieu of class
time on campus, students view informative, entertaining videotapes, DVDs
and/or Interactive CD-ROMs, in addition to reading a textbook and a study
guide that accompanies the videos. The videos are not lectures; rather,
they are professionally created films that take the student on a visual
field trip, to an interview with an expert, or they illustrate a concept
presented in the readings.
Students are able to work independently, enjoying the flexibility of
scheduling their course work each week at times and places of their choosing.
Media based courses require as much or more work as those taught
in a conventional classroom setting. The ideal candidate for
a positive media-based learning experience is self-motivated, organized,
and disciplined.
A wide variety of courses are available.
Orientation packets:
Shortly before the start of each semester, an orientation packet is mailed
to each student enrolled in a media based course. (Note: Online students
do not receive packets. See five
steps to get started). If a packet is not received by one week prior
to the start of the class, the student should contact the Alternative
Education office as soon as possible. The packet includes a detailed syllabus
containing information about the instructor, books, assignment schedule
and exams, as well as guidelines for successful completion of the course.
Videos:
Videos can be viewed in the Instructional Media Services (IMS) offices
at both the Des Plaines and Skokie campuses. Additionally, IMS has a limited
number of VHS tapes that may be loaned individually to students for a
period of two weeks, at no charge. Some DVD videos are also available
for purchase in the Bookstore, and other videos are available for viewing
online with high-speed Internet connection, or via Oakton’s broadcast
cable television channel. The Alternative Education office also carries
full sets of tapes and/or DVD’s that can be rented for the term
for a fee. There is also an independent online firm that provides video
content material to students in a variety of formats for $35/course. Check out more about the Video Viewing Options (Word format, Excel format) for each semester.
Exams are taken in the Testing Center on either campus. Appointments are not needed. Students should bring a photo ID and allow sufficient time to complete their exams during Testing Center hours. Students may need to wait for an opening during peak exam times. Language courses may require additional testing in the Language Lab, and students should call to confirm hours before coming to campus. For students residing outside of Oakton’s service area, alternative proctored testing sites can be arranged with the Office of Alternative Education.
Textbooks:
Textbooks and study guides are available for purchase online or in the
Oakton Community College bookstores approximately two weeks before the
start of classes each term.
Labs and Discussions:
Some courses offer optional on-campus labs and discussion sessions.
Audio Tapes/CDs:
Language courses utilize audio tapes/CDs. Students may listen to lessons
in the Language
Lab on either campus, or bring blank audio tapes or CD's to the Language
Lab to be recorded, at no charge, for home use. Audiotapes may also be
purchased in the bookstore. Note: purchased tapes are expensive and cannot
be returned or bought back by the Bookstore.
Assignments:
Students may turn in course assignments on the Des Plaines campus at the
instructor's office, at his/her division office, or at the Alternative
Education office. On the Ray Hartstein Campus/Skokie, assignments can
be dropped off at the Faculty Support Office. Assignments may also be
mailed. Some instructors also accept email attachments.
For further information, interested students may contact the Office of
Alternative Education via email
or phone (847) 635-1970 .
Interactive Television Courses
Through participation in a consortium of several colleges and universities, Oakton both teaches and receives courses taught through interactive television. Interactive Television courses allow students to attend class in a classroom that may or may not be in the same location as the instructor or other students. Classes are typically held in specially-equipped classrooms at either campus. In some cases, “course sharing” with other institutions allows students to attend classes at other satellite locations.
If the instructor is at an alternate site, students and instructor will be able to see and hear each other, interact, and ask questions over an interactive TV screen.
For further information, interested students may contact the Office of Alternative Education via email or phone (847) 635-1970 .