Orientation to eLearning at Virginia Tech

Interactive Videoconferencing Courses

Description |  Requirements |  Timetables |  Expectations |  Enrollment

bullet About the videoconferencing sites that offer Virginia Tech courses.

Description

Example of a videoconferencing roomFor-credit, videoconferencing courses at Virginia Tech award one to three regular, college credits that are usually transferable to other colleges or universities. These credits do not differ from credits awarded in a regular face-to-face course. Students enrolled in for-credit, videoconferencing courses are graded on an A-F scale, and they can obtain a university transcript showing grades and credit hours at the end of the semester. These courses may apply towards a university degree (check with an academic advisor for confirmation and planning). Enrollment in videoconferencing courses usually requires a student be admitted to a Virginia Tech degree program or be affiliated with one of the videoconferencing centers.

In an IVC course, students meet in a traditional classroom. The difference is that several classrooms may be involved in the course at the same time. Each classroom is video-taped and televised (in real-time) to all participating locations. The student and instructor may be across the state from each other, but they can see and talk with each other as if they were in the same location. Students can also see other students ask and answer questions.

IVC courses require students to have access to one of the sites where the broadcast is being received and to be present at that site at a specific time (most IVC courses meet one evening a week). Click here to see a list of IVC locations affiliated with Virginia Tech. Refer to our course descriptions to determine which locations are involved in a particular course.
 
IVC courses will most likely be supplemented by print material such as textbooks. Most IVC courses are supplemented by a course website. Quizzes and exams are usually taken during the lecture period in the lecture room.

Requirements

To participate in an IVC course, you would need the same materials you need in a regular face-to-face lecture. In addition, you'll need:

You may need:

  • to download or purchase additional software (your instructor will tell you).
  • to access the proxy server if you are off campus and can't connect to certain library materials.
  • to obtain textbooks or other print materials not available online.

Timetables

Virginia Tech's Academic Calendars consist of two semesters (Fall and Spring) and four different Summer options. All courses begin during the first week of the scheduled term and end on the last day of the scheduled term. Within that time frame, your instructor will provide details of other important dates. Unless otherwise specified, instructors strictly enforce assignment deadlines, and students are expected to attend each session. IVC courses generally meet once per week for about two hours, and for convenience, most classes are scheduled in the evenings.

Expectations

Instructors expect IVC students to:

  • submit assignments by the specified deadline and in the format requested
  • participate by asking and answering questions during class
  • obey the Virginia Tech Honor Code (graduate or undergraduate)

Students can expect instructors to:

  • return emails promptly (within a day or two)
  • notify them immediately of any changes to the course format
  • communicate clearly both audibly and visually while on camera
  • provide a way for students to interact with other students
  • direct them to appropriate university resources for technical or research support

Keep in mind that clear communication requires more effort in a distance environment. It is your responsibility to let the instructor know when you have questions, are confused, or need technical support.

Enrollment

With a few exceptions, enrollment in IVC courses is only open to students at Virginia Tech or centers affiliated with Virginia Tech. You must have approval from a program or extended campus site to enroll in a course.

If you are on the Virginia Tech campus, register for IVC courses just as you would any other course. First, make sure you have the required pre-requisites and that the course is not restricted to students in other majors, then access the Hokie SPA during the course request period. Make sure you select the Virginia Tech campus section of the course.

If you are at one of the regional IVC sites, you may be able to register using the Hokie SPA (if you already have a Virginia Tech PID). Make sure your selected course section corresponds with your desired location.

If you don't yet have a Virginia Tech PID, check with the director or coordinator of your IVC location to determine how to enroll. If necessary, contact us for instructions.

IVC courses cost the same as other Virginia Tech courses and the credits are identical. Tuition depends on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student (in-state students will need to submit proof if not already on file) and whether you are classed as a graduate or undergraduate student. Off-campus students do not pay comprehensive fees, but they instead pay 'Extended Campus' rates.

When you apply and/or enroll, you will be asked to create a PID (VT personal identity/username). You must use this PID to access certain university services and possibly your course website. Your PID will also serve as your email address (PID@vt.edu). If you choose to use another email address during the course, you must have your vt.edu email forwarded to the address you choose to use. See www.computing.vt.edu to set up email forwarding.

To be admitted to a degree, certificate, or licensure program that delivers by videoconferencing, you must apply for regular admissions to the university for either spring or fall semester. Applications must be submitted several months in advance. Check with the department or organization administering the program and the Graduate School for details.