Product Trials

'07-'08 DE Annual Report / Product Trials

"I have been able to make friends and associates in my chosen career field via the TWU distance program that I would otherwise not have.  Distance education is not difficult if you are willing to put in the time and energy to learn and experience it." - Margaret Marquis, Library Science

The Office of lifelong Learning partnered with several units of the University this past year to test different technologies that could benefit our distance learners.

Smarthinking

A partnership between the College of Nursing and Lifelong Learning provided nursing students the opportunity to receive online tutoring. The tutoring was provided through a trial of Smarthinking - a virtual tutoring service that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days out of the year. The tutoring is conducted online by knowledgeable, experienced professionals in different content areas such as English, science and math. The initial trail project was concluded in December, 2007. The formal proposal and product review are currently underway.

Synchronous Interaction Technology Trials

Instructional Support Services and Lifelong Learning teamed up to find a product that will provide synchronous communication technology for distance education courses. This spring, ISS and Lifelong Learning conducted a six-month trial of two products: Wimba and Elluminate. A final decision about which product, if either, will be used by the University will be announced soon.

Course Capture Trials

The Office of Lifelong Learning worked in partnership with academic departments to explore specific uses for course/event capture technology in their distance education programs. These technologies are still under review.