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TELECOURSE/VIDEOCONFERENCE

Description

Two types of synchronous courses are offered through Boise State eCampus, Telecourses and Videoconferencing. Both have mandatory in-person requirements.

  • Telecourses blend nationally pre-produced educational programs broadcast in thirteen (13) one-hour segments on Idaho Public Television. There are also options to view the broadcasts online through streaming video or by purchasing a set of DVDs. During the first in-person class meeting for Telecourses, which generally occurs during the second week of the semester, students receive course orientation information from the instructor.

    In addition to viewing broadcast programs, students attend scheduled in-person meetings, read required texts, complete and submit assignments, and take tests as required. Information for accessing the broadcasts is sent in a welcome email at the beginning of each semester to students’ BroncoMail email accounts.


  • Videoconferencing courses allow information from one site to be delivered to another site through video broadcast technology. Instructors provide a lecture at one location, which is viewed in real time by students at another location. This technology allows students at the remote location to participate in class activities and interact with the instructor in real time.

    In-person attendance at all class lectures may be required by the instructor. Course information — such as the syllabus, assignments, or course schedules — is available through Blackboard, an instructor’s class webpage, or by email from the instructor. When exams require in-person monitoring, a proctor will be present at the remote site location.


Skill Level

Both Telecourses and videoconference courses require that students be comfortable interacting with course materials using educational technology. Students must also be available to attend all in-person class meetings, have excellent time management skills, and be able to complete tasks with little direction. Review the eCampus Course List to see what courses are available.

Requirements for Students

Mandatory attendance at all in-person class meetings:

If students must miss a class meeting due to unforeseen circumstances, it is important to let the instructor know as soon as possible.

The ability to read texts, complete and submit assignments and take exams as required:

Telecourses and videoconferencing courses have regular assignments and course requirements. Students must be able to plan their time accordingly to complete all class activities.

Frequent access to the BroncoMail email account assigned to every enrolled student at Boise State:

Prior to the start of the course, an email is sent to each enrolled student’s BroncoMail account. Students need to check BroncoMail frequently for information from the instructor.

Ability to seek assistance when there are technical difficulties:

For Telecourses, problems with the scheduled broadcast are not anticipated, but sometimes there are occasional interruptions with the broadcast schedule. We cannot assist with personal equipment failures but we do maintain DVD copies of all Telecourse programs in the Albertsons Library. For videoconferencing courses, alert the instructor or other university representative in a timely manner about any technical difficulties during class.

For Telecourses, reliable television access throughout the semester to Idaho Public Television:

The broadcast is not available over satellite or cable. Students need local television access to view Idaho Public Television, or they can purchase a DVD set or make arrangements to view a recording of the broadcast at the Albertsons Library.

For Telecourses (optional but recommended), a recording device:

Since the Idaho Public Television broadcasts occur early in the morning, it may be more practical to record the broadcast to watch at a more convenient time. To do this you will need a recording device such as a programmable VCR and blank tapes, DVR, TiVo or other similar product.