Distance Education
Kachemak Bay Campus-KPC, in conjunction
with all divisions of University of Alaska, supports
a variety of distance delivered courses each semester.
Distance delivered courses are offered by KBC through
various media including: audio-conference, computer/web-based,
correspondence/print through the mail, Elluminate Live (E-Live),
or video-conference.
Audio Conference
Classes have specific meeting times. Home work is submitted
electronically, faxed, or mailed. Interaction with instructor and
students happens both electronically and through telephone
conferencing. Tests are administered by a proctor.
Correspondence
Students work independently, receiving direction from the s
yllabus and instructor generally via US Mail. Homework is
submitted by mail. Interaction with instructor and students occurs
electronically. Tests are administered by proctors at student
locations. Check with test proctoring sites for fee information.
Elluminate Live (E-Live)
Classes meet online at specific meeting times. Students can use a
computer from any location; homer, campus, etc. Interaction with
instructor and other students takes place electronically in a real
time virtual classroom designed for distance education formats.
Live Interactive Video Conference
Classes meet at specific meeting times in a campus classroom.
Interaction with instructor and other students takes place via UA’s
video conference network and is transmitted on a TV.
Web-Based
Interaction with instructor and other students takes place
electronically in an asynchronous format at your home or on campus.
Most courses are instructor paced (students meet deadlines set by
the instructor). Tests are typically conducted on-line or
administered by proctors.
Textbook Ordering for Distance Education Courses
Students taking KPC distance courses need to order their books online through MBS Direct (http://www.mbsdirect.net) or via phone (1-800-325-3252). The web site also gives information about refunds, online buyback, eBooks that may be available and other course materials they can access. Students need to plan ahead when ordering their books and take into consideration shipping times:
MBS Direct ships via UPS because it is trackable; US Postal Service (USPS) is available, but is untraceable and can take longer.
- USPS Priority Mail typically takes 3-7 business days and delivery time is not guaranteed.
- UPS Ground takes about 2-7 business days, which costs about $10.
- UPS 2-day shipping costs about $15.
MBS ships within 24 hours, Monday-Friday
FAQ’s
Should I take a distance-delivered course?
Distance education requires special consideration by prospective
students. Generally, students who are successful in traditional
classroom settings also do well in these non-traditional classes.
It can be the best option for courses and programs unavailable
locally.
What else should I know?
A distance education course often requires more time and effort than
a face-to-face course. Distance education courses generally recommend
8 to 10 hours of study each week for a three-credit course. Keep in
mind that distance education courses require more self-discipline and
more study time to complete. Additionally, costs may be higher than
face-to-face classes and communication with the instructor may be
limited, especially in correspondence based courses. Excellent time
management and self-discipline skills make for the most successful
experience.
How do I find the course I need?
KBC- sponsored distance-education courses are listed in our
campus’s course schedule. Most courses are listed at
http://distance.alaska.edu
providing a great search tool to find the classes you need.
Inquire at SES or with your advisor regarding additional offerings.
You may register for most of these courses at the East Campus.
What support is available to me?
Support services are provided for many of these classes including
computer lab access, test proctoring (additional fees may apply,
see the course schedule for details) and facilitating communication
with the sponsoring campus. Students requiring specialized
accommodations should contact the Disability Support Service office of
the originating campus.
Policies and Procedures
Each major campus of the University of Alaska (UAA, UAF, and UAS) is a
separately accredited university. It is important to be aware of where
your distance delivered course originates from. Registration dates,
policies and procedures vary across the UA system. Make sure you
are familiar with the policies and deadlines for the campus where your
classes originate from. Degree seeking students should not assume a course
offered by another university will satisfy degree requirements.
Students can query the UA Student Transfer Credit Resource Site database
from UAOnline at http://uaonline.alaska.edu
to discover how courses have been evaluated from within the State,
and from regionally accredited universities and colleges across the US,
Canada, and Australia.
Contact Information
Each campus should be contacted for information regarding the purchase
of textbooks, deadlines, test proctoring, technical support, academic
support, disability support services, financial aid, and information
regarding full or partial degrees obtainable through distance delivery.
Visit University of Alaska websites:
Check out the UA Distance Education Online Student Handbook.
Distance Delivered Degrees
There are several books in the SES office at East Campus on programs
offered by other colleges in the U.S. and abroad. The Internet is another
valuable source of information. Some distance degree programs require
little or no attendance on campus.
For general information call 235-1651 or toll free 1-877-262-0330.
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