Asynchronous delivery of course content means that each learner is
receiving or interacting with the course content on his or her own schedule.
Interactive Multimedia - Some courses include interactive
programs that reside on CD-ROMs or on servers. Interactive programs may
include digitized textbooks, video, animation, photos, figures, charts, etc.
as well as self-test mechanisnms.
Internet - Participants may use the internet to exchange
e-mail with the course instructor as well as with other learners. The internet
may also be used to transfer files, such as by using FTP or Telnet.
World Wide Web - Most courses have a web site including
copies of all course handouts, syllabus, class list, threaded discussion lists,
and links to related sites. There are many other possible asynchronous uses of
the web, such as using the web to conduct research.
Videotapes - Many courses have core content captured on
videotape, including lecture-style presentations, field and laboratory
demonstrations, case studies, and interviews.
Printed Materials - Most courses still rely on traditional
printed support materials such as textbooks, course note, and other handouts.
Fax - Distant learners often communicate and submit
assignments by fax.
Synchronous delivery of course content means that all of the learners are
receiving or interacting with the course content at the same time.
Videoconferencing - For some courses, the majority of
content is delivered by extending the on-campus class to remote locations
through videoconferencing. For other courses, videoconferencing is used only
occasionally and most interaction is through other modalities. The advantage
of two-way video and two-way audio is that groups of learners can engage in
real-time dialogue.
Satellite TV - Some programs are delivered using the
existing satellite television uplinks and downlinks. Interaction with remote
locations is generally limited to telephone, fax, or internet.
Internet - The internet can also be used for synchronous
communication, for example through real-time "chats" and real-time
internet-based videoconferencing.
World Wide Web - Some web-based programs facilitate
real-time discussions, shared white-boards, concurrent access to servers
showing streaming video (live or pre-recorded).
