Subscribers to Heartland Wireless Systems (formerly Ultra Vision and Omni Vision) and Charter Communications can participate in classes from the comfort of home. Non-subscribers will be able to take the course in Manning Hall, Room 211.
Heartland Wireless Systems reach areas that would not be able to pick up cable otherwise, according to Dana Fahnholz, office manager/conference coordinator for the Center for Continuing Education. Heartland Wireless Systems coverage extends to areas as far north as Woodsboro, as far west as Agua Dulce, east to Ingleside, Aransas Pass and Port Aransas, and also include the communities of Robstown, Odem, Sinton, Taft, Bayside, Gregory, Portland, Fulton and Rockport. Rivera, Premont and Hebbronville will also fall within the broadcast perimeter. Kingsville residents will be able to view the class via Charter Communications.
Technology is rapidly changing the face of institutions of higher learning and A&M-Kingsville is no exception. Implementing interactive television college credit courses like the one offered broadens the scope of traditional classroom teaching methods.
The benefits of television courses, explained Fahnholz, include the ability to reach a greater number of students, and greater convenience and accessibility for the students.
"Television courses are geared for the non-traditional students who find it difficult to attend campus courses due to family obligations, employment obligations or perhaps physical restraints that don't allow them to participate on campus," Fahnholz said. "This sort of thing has been very successful in the Houston area and the Dallas area, and throughout the country."
The course, taught by Dr. Joe S. Graham, associate professor in A&M-Kingsville's Department of Psychology and Sociology, will be aired live from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Aug. 27. A re-broadcast will air from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Both classes will be re-run from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. A telephone line will be available for students to call in questions during live broadcasts. Exams will be taken on campus.
Questions concerning course enrollment may be directed to the Center for Continuing Education at (512) 593-2861.
Plans are also being discussed to take instructional television one step further, according to Fahnholz. A&M-Kingsville faculty are in the process of communicating with area school districts to provide sites for viewing locations for those who may not have cable television at home.
-TAMUK-
-Mary McAdam