Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has nearly doubled its online degree options, offering undergraduate and graduate programs for students who may not be able to pursue traditional on-campus classes. The university offers blended-distance education, with a significant portion of courses taking place asynchronously online through Distance Learning (D2L), with less than 50 of the course occurring in-person on-ground.
With the emergence of COVID-19, most colleges and universities began immediately working to move their classes to a digital format. Distance learning classes are taught online by a professor through D2L, and if labeled hybrid, they may meet in person several times during the semester. MTSU offers the same services to distance learners as on-campus students, many of which have been web-enabled to allow distance learning.
Faculty teaching at MTSU online courses are required to provide students with an interactive learning experience by answering student questions with 24-48 hours. Online courses are taught primarily over the Internet through email, newsgroups, distribution lists, and the World Wide Web. Some classes are taught at their normally designated times using teleconferencing applications, while others professors are recording their lectures.
MTSU Online courses began in fall 1997 with seven classes and 53 student enrollments. The institution has grown significantly since then, with Martindale leading the MTSU Online team, which includes a director, instructional designers, and support staff to facilitate faculty transition from in-person to online instruction.
📹 MTSU Online now offers students more than 50 online course options
Middle Tennessee State University has nearly doubled the number of online degree options, reflecting the institution’s …
What are the advantages of studying a distance learning course?
Online courses offer numerous advantages, including convenience, flexibility, individual attention, meeting interesting people, and providing real-world skills. The primary advantage is the availability of the classroom and instructor 24/7, allowing students to access announcements, access notes, review assignments, take practice quizzes, discuss questions, chat with fellow students, and study at any time. Students can make their own schedule for completing course requirements, and can study with whomever they want, wearing any attire they prefer.
While flexibility may be a disadvantage, online courses are ideal for those with changing work schedules, frequent business trips, parents with small children, students caring for others, or those with unexpected guests. This method of course delivery is particularly beneficial for those with unpredictable schedules, health issues, unexpected visits from friends or family, or challenging weather conditions. Overall, online courses provide a convenient and flexible learning experience that caters to various needs and preferences.
What is the difference between online and distance learning?
Distance learning and online learning differ in teaching methods, with distance learning focusing on recorded sessions and no face-to-face interactions, while online learning involves live online sessions, recorded lectures, and chat sessions. Learning material is also different, with distance learning courses traditionally relying on static materials like physical books and PDF files, while online learning degrees use dynamic and interactive materials like videos, quizzes, and quizzes that change based on quiz performance.
The pros of both modes of learning are similar, as they allow students to attend their preferred university without sacrificing their careers or family lives, study at their own pace, and are more cost-effective than full-time campus education. However, the content of learning material should remain consistent regardless of the delivery method.
Is MTSU worth it?
MTSU is a respected institution of higher learning known for its academic excellence and student success. It has been recognized as one of the Best 385 Colleges in the U. S. by the Princeton Review four years in a row, 2019-2023. Southwest Airlines and MTSU have partnered in the Destination 225° pilot recruiting program. MTSU’s Aerospace Collegiate Institution has the 2nd most accredited concentrations/majors by AABI, 13 of 25 Best Aviation Schools, 17 Best Drone Training Colleges, and one of the original eight universities selected to partner with Delta. It is also one of 31 FEPAC accredited undergraduate programs in the U. S., the only one in Tennessee, and one of the best forensic science colleges in Tennessee.
What is considered distance learning?
Distance learning is a teaching strategy that doesn’t involve in-person interaction between teachers and students, but instead relies on digital communication methods like messaging apps, video calls, discussion boards, and learning management systems. Online learning is intended to be used alongside other in-person teaching methods, providing a supplemental way to mix things up in the classroom.
What is the definition of distance education?
Distance Education refers to instruction between a teacher and students who are separated by physical distance and communication is achieved through technological means. Distance Education courses are required for programs where students are separated by time and/or space from the instructor and/or the campus. The policies and procedures outlined here will apply regardless of the format or method of Distance Education.
Distance Education programs are degree, certificate, and minor programs where course work is available to students in technologically-based formats. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education’s Credit Hour Policy ensures that the combination of classroom time and online activities should be adhered to.
What is difference between distance learning and correspondence?
Distance learning and correspondence courses are two popular types of online education, with the former being self-paced and the latter being delivered by instructors. In correspondence courses, learning materials are provided by the school before the course begins, while in distance learning, the majority of the course material is delivered by the instructor. This approach allows students to follow along with the instructor’s presentation, rather than receiving learning materials at the beginning.
The internet has expanded the accessibility of course materials, allowing them to be accessed through an online portal or emailed to students. The evolution of course materials has also allowed for the use of videos, audio recordings, and interactive websites.
In conclusion, distance learning and correspondence courses are both methods of learning that have evolved over time, with the former being more self-paced and the latter being more interactive. Both methods offer unique advantages and challenges, but they both provide valuable learning experiences for students.
What is the difference between open university and distance education?
Open education is free, self-paced learning without formal instruction, while distance education involves structured courses with set timelines and technology for geographically separated students. Distance learning uses various methods, such as mail and broadcast, for real-time education and student-teacher interaction. Open universities offer flexible, inclusive education accessible to anyone, often with open admissions policies.
Distance education delivers structured courses remotely, utilizing technology to teach students who are not physically present on campus. The main difference between open and distance education is the focus on accessibility and flexibility.
How does long distance learning work?
Long-distance learning provides students with the opportunity to complete high school, continuing education, and college courses remotely through a variety of modalities, including online instruction, audio/video cassette, or mail.
How much is 1 semester at MTSU?
The eRate is a tuition and fees program for students who are non-residents of Tennessee and are enrolled exclusively in online courses. To qualify, students must be verified as out-of-state students and must be enrolled in online courses. This excludes undocumented students living in Tennessee. Students enrolled in other types of courses, such as blended, clinicals, conventional, correspondence, dissertation, independent study, or other non-conventional media, will not be eligible for the eRate and will incur traditional out-of-state fees. Students who enroll in both online and other type courses and drop them will not be eligible for the eRate. The billing statement will be updated after schedule changes have been made.
What is a distance learning course?
Distance learning, also known as online learning, is a flexible alternative to traditional university courses. Students study at home or work, with all teaching, materials, and support delivered online. Assessments are also submitted online, although in-person exams may be required. Courses are broken down into bitesize modules, each worth a specific number of credits and study hours. Credits are awarded as students complete each module until the total credits for the course are achieved.
How much is the distance learning fee at MTSU?
The tuition fee for distance learning programs for both graduate and undergraduate students is $30 per credit hour.
📹 MTSU online courses offer expanded opportunities in tough times
Dr. Dianna Rust, associate dean of continuing education and distance learning, talks about online degrees and distance learning.
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