October 14, 1996
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to the Dean and faculty of the Florida State University School of Library and Information Studies for their assistance in the preparation of this publication.
Purpose
The purpose of this guidebook is to provide an introduction to interactive distance learning for students at Florida State University. It answers basic questions concerning distance learning, including how a student at a distance registers, obtains books, and pays fees.
This is a general guidebook with brief responses to frequently asked questions.
Additional information is found at the various web sites listed in the document; or by calling specific academic departments; the Center for Professional Development, 904-644-1213, https://mailer.fsu.edu/~cpd-reg/guidebook.html; or the Office of Interactive Distance Learning, 904-644-1604, https://idl.fsu.edu.
1. What is distance learning?
Traditionally, distance learning is a means of providing access to instructional programs for students who must be separated by time and physical location from a faculty member. Many people think of distance learning as text-based correspondence courses with a low level of interaction. This is a very dated perspective. Today's information technologies allow a richly interactive learning environment which can, in some cases, surpass the faculty and student interaction of a traditional classroom.
Distance learning at FSU is being developed as a new model termed interactive distance learning. The goal of interactive distance learning is to facilitate effective learning based upon interaction between:
Through the use of technologies, these interactions can occur at any time or in any place.
Interactive distance learning is important because it can provide quality access to courses by learners who are unable to take classes in traditional ways. Interactive distance learners might be high school Advanced Placement students, community college students, university students who have schedule conflicts, or lifelong learners. Interactive distance learning provides a means by which students can complete or enhance their education in a timely and effective manner. It can also provide flexibility in access to on-campus students as well.
2. How do I find out about interactive distance learning course offerings?
Information concerning course offerings is available through the Office of Interactive Distance Learning in 109 Westcott, 644-3614. Information is also available at the IDL website: https://idl.fsu.edu
The Florida State University homepage can be found at https://www.fsu.edu. This site provides links to all the academic departments, colleges and schools at the university; and links to admissions, special events and programs at the campus.
The Center for Professional Development, the major outreach arm of the university, has general information for off-campus students at its homepage, https://mailer.fsu.edu/~cpd-reg/cpd.html.
The first two full degree sequences to be offered are the master's degree program in Information Studies beginning academic year 1996-97 and the master's degree in Social Work beginning Fall 1997.
3. What technologies do I need to participate in a course?
The recommended technologies are listed in Section 5, Technology.
4. What do I do to participate in an interactive distance learning program?
The following steps must be taken to participate in an interactive distance learning program at FSU and are detailed in the following sections:
5. How do I get admitted to the university?
Special Students
A high school diploma or equivalent is required before enrolling at Florida State University as a special (non-degree seeking) student. This status allows enrollment in courses without pursuing a degree. It also allows a student to register for classes if the current deadline for admission was missed.
If you plan to complete a degree, begin the regular admission process during the first semester of taking classes as a special student. Undergraduate students may apply up to 15 hours of course work as a special student towards the degree; graduate students may apply up to 12 hours.
Special student registrations are processed through the Center for Professional Development. To request the necessary forms contact the Center's receptionist at 904-644-3806 or fax the registrar at the Center, 904-644-2589 . To obtain the forms online, visit the Center's webpage, https://mailer.fsu.edu/~cpd-reg/cpd.html and access the "information for off-campus students" section.
All special students must complete the combined application/registration form and Florida residency form; students taking classes on campuses of the state university system must also complete the student health history form.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students should contact the Office of Admission, 904-644-6200. Information is also available at the "admission and financial aid" areas of the Florida State University homepage, https://www.fsu.edu.
Graduate Students
If you plan to complete a degree, you must apply for regular admission as a graduate student and take the GRE examination. Information on the GRE is available online at https://www.gre.org/getscore.html and https://www.kaplan.com/gre/test_dates.html. The formal graduate student application process should begin during the first semester you are enrolled as a special student. Contact the Graduate School, 904-644-3500, and your major department to obtain and complete the necessary application forms.
Special workshops, seminars, conferences and professional development
The Center for Professional Development (CPD) offers a wide variety of non-credit professional development programs, workshops, seminars and computer software courses in addition to numerous certificate programs. A full listing of the Tallahassee courses can be found at the CPD website, https://mailer.fsu.edu/~cpd-reg/cpd.html or call the Center at 904-644-3801, fax, 904-644-2589.
6. How can I contact a department advisor about my degree admission and graduation requirements. Whom do I call?
Call the Office of Adult Student Information and Services (OASIS) at the Center for Professional Development, 904-644-2409, to obtain the name, phone number and email address of the department advisor. A list of departments and colleges is available on the FSU homepage at https://www.fsu.edu.
Library and Information Studies students should contact Dr. Beth Logan at 904-644-8106, email: logan@lis.fsu.edu.
Social work students should contact Kim Maddox at 904-644-9712, email: kmaddox@mailer.fsu.edu.
7. How do I register for a course?
If taking a course for the first time, mail or fax the special student combined admission/registration form and Florida residency form to the registrar at the Center for Professional Development, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-2027, fax 904-644-2589. If the course being taken is on a campus of the state university system, the health history form must also be completed.
If you have already been admitted and have taken a course for academic credit within the last two terms, register by telephone with the registrar at the Center for Professional Development, 904-644-3806 , fax 904-644-2589 or email cpd-reg@mailer.fsu.edu.
Individuals in the Tallahassee area may register in person, Monday - Friday,
8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. at the Center for Professional Development, located in the Turnbull Conference Center, 555 West Pensacola Street, Tallahassee, Florida.
8. How many hours can I take as a special student?
Special students at the graduate level can apply a maximum of 12 hours with a grade of B or higher to a graduate degree program, with dean approval.
Special students who are undergraduate students can apply a maximum of 15 hours with a grade of C or higher, with dean approval.
The regular admission application process should begin as soon as the first semester of studies is begun.
9. How do I change my course registration or withdraw from the University?
Call the registrar at the Center for Professional Development, 904-644-3806, to drop a class, cancel a schedule or withdraw from the university.
Dropping a course
A course must be dropped by the fifth day of classes to avoid fee payment or grade liability.
If the drop is prior to the end of the fourth week of classes, no record of a grade is noted on your transcript. A refund, proportional to the time already spent in class, is made. After the fourth week of class, there is no refund and the dean has to approve the drop.
Cancellation of Schedule
A cancellation of schedule is one option which can occur when the last course of a schedule is dropped. To avoid fee payment or grade liability, drop the last course before the fifth day of classes and submit the application for cancellation/deletion of registration form to the CPD registrar. A written request to cancel your schedule must accompany the form.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal from the university is the other option which can occur when the last course of a schedule is dropped. Degree seeking students must withdraw through the FSU registrar's office, 904-644-1741. Special students withdraw through the Center for Professional Development via a written request. Students who formally withdraw must go through readmission for future registrations.
If the dean approved the withdrawal, a grade of WD will appear on the transcript; if the professor approved the withdrawal, a W will appear on the transcript.
10. How do I pay my fees? When is payment due?
Fees may be paid by cash, money order or check made payable to Florida State University. Students taking courses off-campus may pay by MasterCard or Visa.
Fee payment is due at the time of registration, or no later than the fifth day of the semester. A late fee of $100 is assessed after the first week of the semester. Courses using interactive distance learning technologies may have additional fees above tuition. Check the specific course brochure for further information.
11. Am I eligible for financial aid?
Students seeking a degree and enrolled for at least six hours may be eligible to receive financial aid. A financial aid application packet can be obtained from the financial aid office, 904-644-4840.
The Student Aid Resource (STAR) Center also has information on scholarships and grants which are not based entirely on financial need. For more information, contact the STAR Center, 904-644-4840.
The Center for Professional Development, 904-644-7573, has several scholarships for returning students whose college study has been interrupted for five years.
12. Can I use an intern participation certificate or state fee waiver to pay for the course?
Fee waivers and intern participation certificates are only accepted on a space available basis. In most cases, these payment forms will not be available for distance education courses. Fee waivers and intern participation certificates which are accepted for a course cover the tuition payment only. Distance learning course may have additional fees, depending upon the course and location, which must be paid in addition to the state fee waiver or intern participation certificate.
13. What are the fees for an interactive distance learning, off-campus course?
Course fees vary by course and program. A course fee consists of FSU tuition and additional fees associated with providing the course using interactive technologies at an off-campus site. For further information check with the Center for Professional Development registrar, 904-644-3806.
14. How do I obtain the FSU card?
An FSU card is necessary to obtain an email account, access to the FSU and state university system (SUS) libraries, electronic financial aid distribution, voice mail accounts and student discounts. The cost is $20.
Card processing will be handled automatically after completing registration with the registrar at the Center for Professional Development. Alternatively, an application can be mailed in or a card can be obtained in-person on the Tallahassee campus.
15. What type of technological resources will I need to take a course using interactive distance learning technologies?
The general hardware guideline is that the computer must be able to run the latest version of Netscape. The following hardware meets the current Netscape release:
The recommended basic productivity software is:
The basic network tools needed are:: Netscape 2.0, Telnet, Telnet 3270, and FTP.
Access to the World Wide Web and email can be through either the permission of your place of employment or through arrangements with a local or national Internet service provider (ISP). Contact a local provider in order to access the World Wide Web. The recommended national provider is IBM Global Network, 1-800-821-4612. Local long distance providers, such as AT&T, 1-800- CALL ATT; or MCI, 1-800-444-1616; and others may provide package rates in your area.
16. How do I obtain a FSU email address?
A commercial Internet provider or your place of employment will provide you an email address. In addition, you will need a FSU email address in order to fully participate in a FSU interactive distance learning course. The email address will either be assigned automatically upon registration with the Center for Professional Development or will be obtained on-line.
In order to obtain an email address on-line, you must have a FSU card. Telnet to https://register.acns.fsu.edu. This site contains instructions to assist a new user in obtaining an email account. The email account is ready in 24 hours. The FSU Computing Help Desk, 904-644-8502 can assist if problems occur.
17. If I have access to the technology, can I participate in the program at my home, place of employment, or other location?
Yes. You can participate from any location that provides access to the appropriate technologies for course activities and content that require on-line work. If the course includes videoconference sessions you will need to attend the designated course site in your city during scheduled sessions.
18. What if I'm experiencing a delay of more than 10 days in getting my technology working?
Contact the ISP provider for assistance or the FSU Help Desk, 904-644-8502, depending upon the source of the technology problem.
If possible, team up with another student in class to access the class at his or her home or place of employment until the problem is resolved.
19. What kind of class activities are part of an interactive distance learning course?
Class activities are usually a combination of Web-based and synchronous teaching and learning. Activities may consist of projects, online seminars, web-based assignments and interactions.
20. How will I communicate with the instructor?
Instruction using interactive distance learning will take place via videoconferences at your local site, at the web page and through email. The web page information for the course will be distributed to you with your confirmed advance registration and it will also be available from the instructor or site coordinator at the first class meeting.
21. How do I communicate with other students in the class?
Communication with other students in the class will be via email, at the course website, and at the videoconference sites.
22. What type of assignments will be given? How do I submit them?
Each course instructor will review and discuss with the various class assignments. There will be a wide variety of activities that include group projects on-line, submission of assignments via email or on the course web site, and other projects.
23. What is the FSU model of interactive distance learning?
In addition to a focus on the three interactions of faculty to student, student to student and student to resources, the FSU model of distance learning is based on an ACCEL model of learning which has the following characteristics:
Active. Learners participate in a learning program that requires thoughtful and engaged activity.
Collaborative. Learners engage in discussions, activities and projects with fellow students.
Customized and accessible. The learning program is designed to fit the needs and requirements of students in terms of time, career goals, levels of preparation, and learning styles.
Excellent quality. Courses are designed with a learner focus, enabling learners to achieve desired goals and objectives. This learning generally includes communication with faculty members and other students, and includes quick and easy access to high quality instructional resources.
Lifestyle-fitted. Interactive Distance Learning accommodates lives of students, affording cost-effective educational opportunities anywhere, anytime, and at a reasonable speed.
ACCEL learning is set within a context of a mentoring relationship amidst a learning community of faculty and students. The model also assumes access to a rich, information-age library including databases, electronic journal access, and high-quality, interactive instructional resources.
ACCEL learning model can be implemented with all types of teaching and learning programs, whether on campus or at a distance.
24. What is a web-centric course?
A web-centric course is a course that uses the World Wide Web (WWW) as its primary framework for instructional activity rather than the classroom. It uses the interactive capabilities of the Internet such as web pages, e-mail, and chat rooms to facilitate student to student and instructor to student communication and interaction.
25. How do I obtain my textbooks or course packets?
Information concerning required textbooks or course packets will be sent to you with the confirmation of registration. It will also be posted on the course website. Orders can be placed by calling the FSU bookstore, 1-800-255-FSU1(3781). The course and section numbers for each textbook being ordered must be included. Payment is by credit card or personal check. Textbooks are shipped within 24 hours There is no additional fee other than shipping charges.
If course packets are required they can be purchased and mailed to you by Target Copy in Tallahassee, 904-224-3007. Additional course materials from the faculty and other online resources will be available at the course web site.
26. How do I access library materials?
There are two major ways to access library materials: 1) in person, and
2) online. A current FSU card is required for both types of access.
In-person reciprocal borrowing is assured with your FSU Card at any of the State University System (SUS) libraries. You are can also explore other services available to you at these institutions.
To access the FSU and other SUS libraries online using the Library User Information Service (LUIS) the Netscape software must be configured with Telnet 3270 to access LUIS. Catalogs of these libraries are listed by university and may be searched individually. In addition to the catalogs, LUIS contains indexes, abstracts and some full-text databases for journal, magazine and newspaper articles as well as gateways to other systems. Most of these are proprietary databases which require you to enter your library number (lib#) from your FSU card.
If you cannot dial into LUIS through a local university phone number, use the printed instructions and information for LUIS access which will be provided in your course packet.
LUIS can be accessed in the following ways:
Printed LUIS instructions are available from the Strozier Library reference department, 904-644-2706 and in the registration confirmation packet. For further information contact Mable Stafford, Assistant Director for Public Services, Strozier Library, 904-644-5211, mstaffor@mailer.fsu.edu.
For further information, Library and Information Studies students should contact Brett Lear, 904-644-1803; blear@garnet.acns.fsu.edu. He will assist you with your resource questions.
27. How can I learn about job and career opportunities?
General information is available through the Florida State University Career Center homepage at https://www.fsu.edu/~career, 904-644-3459.
The Career Center with the Support of the FSU Alumni Association also offers the Seminole Jobline, a 24 hour phone based employment listing service. The Jobline is FREE to students and alumni. Call the Career Center to obtain the password. Once a password is obtained, call (904)644-6188 and listen to the opportunities that are presently available.
Other information may be available from your local state university or community college career services which are available to the community, in some cases, with a fee. Check with your local institution.
For Library and Information Studies students, the School of Library and Information Studies has a employment file. Contact Linda Most, 904-644-5775, on Tuesday mornings for assistance.
28. Are there other special programs for Library and Information Studies students?
Library and Information Studies students also have access to an education certification program. Contact Dr. Tom Hart, 904-644-8122 for further information.
29. How do I obtain FSU football tickets for home games in Tallahassee?
Tickets may be obtained after you have registered for a credit course, paid fees and tuition, and obtained an FSU Card. Contact Patrick Martin at the Seminole Ticket Office, 904-644-1830.
30. Are student health services included in my fees?
Students in Leon County are entitled to student health services, as the student health service fee is paid as part of the fees. Those outside of Leon County do not pay the health service fee and therefore are not entitled to use the health center on campus.
31. Who do I contact about my special requirements as a student with a disability?
Contact the course instructor, the site coordinator, the FSU assistant dean of student affairs, Dr. Robin Leach, 904-644-9566, leach@as.fsu.edu, or the OASIS office at the Center for Professional Development, 904-644-2409.
32. I still have not found the right person to answer my questions. Where else can I turn?
Call the 24 hour message service at the Office of Adult Student Information and Services (OASIS) within the Center for Professional Development, 904-644-2409.
Library and Information Studies students should contact the graduate student coordinator, Dr. Beth Logan, 904-644-8106. Questions related to webpage or course website should be directed to Blair Monroe, 904-644-8114. General program assistance is available from Dr. Marilyn Naito, 904-644-7556; mnaito@garnet.acns.fsu.edu.
Students in the Dade County Public Schools/Florida State University graduate programs in mathematics and science education for elementary and middle school teachers, should contact the coordinator, Christine Davis,
904-644-7718.
Copyright 1997, 1998, 1999 Judith V. Boettcher