Interactive Videoconferencing Courses

Description |  Timetables |  Expectations |  Enrollment |  Orientation

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 or P/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.

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.

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.