Delivery Options
Distance Learning Technologies
Live videocasting and videoconferencing. WPI maintains a state of the art TV studio designed to transmit live broadcasts through industry-standard Tandberg videoconferencing hardware. Two-way communication is supported to connect up to three remote sites to participate in a live classroom environment.
InterWise. This desktop based videoconferencing software allows many remote users to watch and participate in live classes and seminars directly from their desktop computers.
Blackboard. This course management suite allows for the organization and on-demand distribution of course content such as slides, audio, and video. Text-based discussion boards can support ongoing conversations between participants over the course of days, weeks, or months.
Programs Delivered at Your Corporate Site
Programs conducted through Corporate and Professional Education can be delivered at your corporate site on a schedule that meets the needs of your workforce. Credit and Executive Education programs are available at your corporate location in the New England area. Workshops are available in virtually any location. The quality of face-to-face learning is maintained while making the program easily accessible to employees. If conference room space is at a premium in your location, WPI is happy to conduct courses on our campus or a third-party location close to you.
Programs Delivered Online
A WPI program manager will work with your company to determine which technologies are most appropriate and effective for delivering online content that fits the need of your organization. Online programs are accessible to employees across the country, or across the world.WPI's online and distance learning capabilities include live videocasting and videoconferenceing, InterWise and Blackboard solutions. More information on these capabilities can be found in the box on the right.
Blended Programs: the Best of Both Worlds
WPI believes that technology is a gateway to making education available to more people in more places and recognizes the benefits of this increased accessibility. However distance learning isn't always the best solution for all types of programs. WPI's Division of Corporate and Professional Education addresses this situation through blended options that deliver some of the content via distance learning technologies and some of the content through traditional face-to-face classroom instruction. An example of such a program is below:
- Lectures are recorded in our TV studio and posted to the Blackboard online course management system, which allows students to view the lectures as many times as they wish and archive the lectures for future reference.
- Online group discussions and study sessions are led by instructors using InterWise collaboration tools.
- Classroom-based meetings are held once a month to discuss complex concepts and integrate lessons learned with group activities and projects.
- Final group-project presentations are made via InterWise to the rest of the class. Other interested employees from your company may also watch the presentations.
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Last modified: March 11, 2008 13:59:18