Distance Education is a way for you to take advantage of the academic resources and faculty available at UMFK, even if you cannot travel to our campus. Some courses can be taken anywhere in the world over the Internet, in the comfort of a student's home, while other courses can be taken via interactive television (ITV), in conjunction with telephone conferencing, or through compressed video at conveniently located centers throughout the state of Maine. Some courses may also videotape live ITV lectures, allowing a student to view lectures in their leisure and in the comfort of their own home.
Getting the required texts for your classes is also easy. Just click here. Students may also want to contact the instructor directly for any other suggested materials.
Distance education at UMFK works with the University of Maine System Network and the University College. These provide a variety of services and course delivery infrastructure support, including UMFK distance education courses.
What are Online Courses?
Take a class at UMFK from anywhere in the world!
These classes, also called Internet, Web-Based or Asynchronous classes are delivered entirely online and require you to have computer and internet access. Upon registering for the course, you will be automatically entered into the course conference. Also, if you do not already have a university e-mail account, one will be automatically created for you.
Participants should be aware that these classes are not self-paced. Instructors will have deadlines for assignments, tests and course completion. You will be expected to keep current with readings and written assignments and to participate in on-line activities on a regular basis. Your course grade will be based on a variety of components, which may include short written assignments, longer papers, class participation, presentations, and exams. You may want to take this quick survey to better gauge how you may do in an online class.
Online courses may be taken anywhere you have access to the proper hardware, software and connection speed. These may be different, depending on the course.
- Try Blackboard
- Try WebCT
- Try First Class
What are ITV Courses?
Interactive Television courses, available only in Maine, are viewed on a television and interaction is via a toll free telephone number. Students at off-campus sites see and hear the instructor as on regular TV. However, the instructor can only hear off-campus students if they call in with questions or comments. Some courses are also available through a taped-delay option.
Most ITV classes are available at University College Centers, any of the seven University of Maine campuses and one of many Community Course Sites. For a current list of these, click here.
ITV courses may originate from any of the seven University of Maine campuses; therefore, all courses are accredited and transferable.
Students taking an ITV class must register through the facility at which they will receive or view the course.
What are Videoconferencing Courses?
These classes are delivered by either ATM or Compressed Video technology, and are limited to 3 or 4 receiving sites around the state. These sites may vary, but are pre-selected for each course. Instruction may also include internet assignments using WebCT or Blackboard
These courses meet on a regular schedule, and utilize live and interactive video and audio among all users. Instructors may choose to reduce the number of scheduled class meetings and use group work, projects or online support modules.