Iowa State University
INDEX A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Distance Education

Got a question?

Questions about College of Agriculture courses and programs can be directed to (800)747-4478 or by E-mail. For a list of all courses and programs available from Iowa State University, call (800)262-0015 or visit www.lifelearner.iastate.edu.

Course Technologies

CALS Distance Education courses are offered and supported using various delivery formats. These offer the students and faculty options to make their courses as effective as possible and enhance the learning experience. Listed below are the most common course delivery formats for CALS Distance Education courses. Each offers different advantages, such as greater flexibility, fewer hardware or software requirements, and more contact or communication with peers. These formats are listed below. In addition, please review the CALS Distance Education Computer Requirements.

Internet / WebCT

Courses are delivered using WebCT (course management system). The majority of CALS Distance Education courses utilize WebCT for communications, testing, assignments, chat, threaded discussions, and course content.

Media Based

Media based courses primarily take the shape of CD-ROM's or DVD's. Special software (RealPlayer - free download) may be required to view the video lectures. Assignments may be delivered to the instructor by email, FAX, mail, or via WebCT. Interaction with the instructor is strongly encouraged and should take place on a regular basis either by phone, email, WebCT chat or threaded discussions. Media will be sent to the student prior to the course starting date if the course is a pre-recorded course or shortly after the course has been delivered to the on-campus audience.

Streaming Media

Courses delivered in this fashion may be live or archived lectures. Usually links are provided in the WebCT portion of the course. Courses using this technology require a fast Internet connection. You will see and hear audio and video files as they are "streamed" over the Internet to your computer. Dial-up Internet connections are not recommended for this type of delivery format. Special software (RealPlayer - free download) may be required to view the video lectures.