Synchronous Delivery
In distance learning the use of the term synchronous applies to
instruction that takes place at the same time regardless of location. This includes
but is not limited to "live" lectures, videoconferencing and any other real-time
application such as on-line chat. The MSCSE employs two applications of synchronous
delivery.
Live
Two-Way Interactive Videoconferencing
A common method for delivering courses to distance learners
within the OSU system is by live two-way interactive videoconferencing. OSU connects
to remote sites within the state of Oklahoma through a state-owned and operated
fiber optic
network known as OneNet. Corporate and public sites can link to this network to
receive courses that originate from an OSU studio or any other point on the network.
While the system has capabilities to carry both full-motion and compressed video, the more
common of the two is compressed video. This technology compresses the video signal which
decreases the number of frames transmitted per second by about one third that of a regular
television signal. The result is a reduction in the amount of bandwidth needed to send the
signal. A slight hesitation or 'choppiness' in the signal is apparent, but
overall it efficiently produces an adequate picture for the transmission of lectures and
computer generated graphics. This format provides the student with
the environment that most closely matches that of the traditional classroom.
Typically, all remote sites have at least one site-coordinator that can assist with
technical problems during the class and facilitate transfer of homework and proctor exams.
Each site also records the video broadcast so students have access to classes that they
may miss due to work requirements.
Distance learning students who wish to enroll in a two-way
interactive video class should first consult the semester schedule to
verify that delivery method is available for the course. They
should then follow the instructions for enrollment found here.
Current two-way interactive sites being utilized by the MSCSE program include:
Conoco - Ponca City, OK
Goodyear Tire and Rubber - Lawton, OK
Halliburton Energy Svcs. - Duncan, OK
Seagate Technologies - Oklahoma City, OK
Phillips Petroleum - Bartlesville, OK
University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma - Ponca City, OK
OSU-Tulsa - Tulsa,OK
OSU-OKC - Oklahoma City, OK
For more information about other available public sites or information regarding
becoming a corporate site, contact
Brenda Johnson.
Live On-Campus
Instruction
Students residing in Stillwater or Tulsa, Oklahoma may have the option
of enrolling in on-campus courses. The usual model is for courses to originate in
Stillwater and broadcast out to remote locations. However, in the future we
may see more course originating from OSU-Tulsa. A wider variety of course may
be available to those students who are able to access either the Stillwater or Tulsa
campuses. If students wish to enroll in a course that is not on the approved course
list they should check with their advisor prior to enrolling. The MSCSE program will
ensure that students at remote locations have ample opportunity to complete the degree
requirements by offering courses through distance learning.
Asynchronous
Delivery
Asynchronous delivery of distance learning courses in the case of
the MSCSE program implies that the courses are independent of time and location. In
the OSU system this does not mean that the courses are self paced. Instead an
asynchronous class will follow the University schedule including the normal add/drop
periods, etc. but the student can access the materials/lectures at their convenience.
Common methods include CDRom and internet delivery.
CDRom
In cases where no other delivery method is available due
to location or scheduling, a degree seeking student may enroll in an MSCSE course
through CDRom. Master cd's are by-products of distance learning courses
originating in an on-campus studio. CDRoms are copied by Engineering
Distance Education and
sent overnight to remote students. Typically, students will receive the
cd within
two working days of the live class. The cds remain in the student’s
possession until the end of the semester when they are returned at the student’s
expense.
Occasionally courses are offered as “pre-taped”. In this
scenario, essentially all procedures above remain the same except their is no live
on-campus class taking place. This practice is used to increase offerings to
students.
Video Streaming
Another method of asynchronous delivery is streaming video. All courses
originating in a studio can be placed in the streamed video format. Streaming video
allows the entire course content to be captured, compressed, and placed on a video server
that can be accessed via the Internet. Students can access the videos after
downloading the necessary free software from the Internet. Streaming of courses is
currently being handled by Educational Television Services (ETS). All students
enrolled in a course that is streamed, regardless of location, will have equal access to
streamed video through the Internet. A password will be assigned for each student at the
beginning of the semester for access to the course and videos. A technical support
phone number and email address will be provided and listed on each course website.
To test your computer's streaming capabilities, go to http://web.ets.okstate.edu/.
Internet
Occasionally courses offered in the MSCSE program will be offered
entirely on-line by using courseware called Blackboard.
Blackboard is an option offered through OSU that allows for the secure distribution and
collection of materials from you, as well as the distribution of grades. The user
interface of Blackboard is a web browser so students are not required to purchase any
new software to use Blackboard.
In addition, other courses may require students to access library materials,
turn in homework, or retrieve course materials from the Internet. It is expected
that all students enrolled in MSCSE classes will have access to the Internet and an email
address.
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