Administrators now are looking into plans to expand University educational opportunities and become more of a global force in higher education through the implementation of new distance learning programs.
Distance learning refers to facilitating learning between students and instructors in separate locations through the use of television, Internet and other technology.
There are two main reasons why the University hopes to become involved in distance learning over the next few years, said Clorisa Phillips, special projects director in the Provost's Office.
First, the University hopes "to gain international visibility, especially by participating in recognized consortia that do things [the University] cannot do," Phillips said.
Participating in established distance learning programs will make the University a stronger, more recognized international school, she said.
Second, the University hopes "to apply what we learn about online learning to benefit our students here in Charlottesville and also our broader University community," including alumni and Virginia residents, she added.
University President John T. Casteen III said he does not believe membership in a distance learning program would reduce the value of a traditional University degree.
"Electronic is not necessarily inferior" in today's world, Casteen said.
The University does not plan to offer an online degree bearing only the University's name, Phillips said.
The University would be listed on the diploma with the other colleges and universities participating in the program. In general, few distance learning programs offer full degrees - most offer professional development programs, certificates or business degrees online.
The University now is considering three distance learning consortia - Universitas 21, UNext and Fathom. Consortia are framework organizations that enlist the membership of universities worldwide.
Columbia University, the University of Michigan, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University and the London School of Economics all participate in at least one of these three programs.
Casteen stressed the importance of maintaining a partnership, rather than a franchise, with a distance group.
Online courses, one of the main components of distance learning, are conducted similarly to traditional college courses.
Students would pay a fee for the course and would receive textbooks, a syllabus, and possibly online video lectures for the class.
Some courses allow students to chat with professors or teaching assistants online when they need assistance. Problem sets, papers and tests would be assigned and submitted via email to the professor, who would assign grades.
Most online courses last about 4 to 12 weeks, but some allow up to six months to complete the coursework.
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