Common Questions

Q. What is the Idaho Electronic Campus?
The Idaho Electronic Campus is a "marketplace" of programs and services that are offered by the state's seven publicly funded institutions of higher education through various technologies.

Q. What is distance education?
Many definitions exist to explain the complexities of being a distant learner - a student separated from a teacher by time and or geography.

Q. What are distance learning technologies?
Courses may be offered via videotape, broadcast television, ITFS (instructional television fixed service), microwave, satellite, interactive video, audio tapes, audioconferencing, CD-ROM, and, increasingly, computer networking-including e-mail, the Internet, and its World Wide Web.

Q. How does a student use the Idaho Electronic Campus web site?
Students and others interested in more information about distance learning opportunities can search for courses and programs by subject, institution, method of delivery and then link to the college or university offering the programs or courses.

Q. How much does it cost to take a course?
The colleges and universities have unique fee structures and students should consult each school for specific information. Expenses generally fall into two basic categories: tuition and fees. Tuition is the cost for taking a course. Fees are mandatory rates assessed for services. Indirect or other expenses may occur throughout the term for books and supplies or miscellaneous items.

Q. Are the programs and courses offered through distance learning technologies the same quality of programs and courses offered on campus?
All programs and courses of the seven publicly funded institutions of higher education in Idaho meet the rigorous standards of WICHE's "Principles of Good Practice for Electronically Offered Academic Degree and Certificate Programs".

Q. Do you get different credit for a distance learning course than you do for an on-campus, face-to-face course?
The credit is the same, because you are required to achieve the same learning outcomes.

Q. Will credits earned through courses listed in the Idaho Electronic Campus transfer?
Credits earned in courses listed in the Idaho Electronic Campus carry full credit from the offering college or university. Although the credits are transferable, colleges and universities set their own requirements for acceptance of credits and their application toward meeting specific program requirements. Students should consult the college or university for specific policies relating to credit transfer.

Q. What technology does a student need to take a program or course listed in the Idaho Electronic Campus?
This will depend on the program or course. If a course is delivered over the Internet, a student will need a computer with access to the Internet. Other technologies include videotape, radio, compressed video, or television. The equipment requirement is determined by the instructor and details are available from the offering institution.

Q. What kind of programs are available through the Idaho Electronic Campus?
Programs and courses are available at both undergraduate and graduate levels in many disciplines. The numbers and variety of courses can be expected to increase. IEC updates the listings and search tool on a monthly basis, so check back for the most recent additions.

Q. Do students need any particular skills or background to participate in an online course?
Students need fundamental computer skills and some familiarity with a web browser to access information on the Idaho Electronic Campus web site and to interact with college or university representatives. Students will need a desire to learn and a commitment to undertake the work; the programs and courses are challenging.

Q. Will additional programs and courses be added to the Idaho Electronic Campus?
The Idaho Electronic Campus updates the course listings monthly.

Q. Can a particular program or course be requested by a student?
Yes. Send email regarding your request to Idaho Electronic Campus. Requests will be shared with participating colleges and universities. Idaho Electronic Campus is designed to connect learners' needs with education solutions.

Q. What are the benefits of IEC for students, educational institutions and the citizens of Idaho?

Students

• The IEC increases students' options. Programs and courses available statewide are accessible through this portal.
• Students have the confidence of knowing that the programs and courses are pledged to follow the Principles of "Good Practice for Electronically Offered Academic Degree and Certificate Programs".
• Opportunities for professional development for working adults are increased.
• Students are able to compare programs and courses, methods of instruction and delivery and costs.
• The IEC will provide a central point for information about degree and academic programs and individual courses which is increasingly important as the Internet expands and becomes more complex.

Colleges and Universities

• The IEC streamlines intrastate and interstate sharing. The IEC reduces the traditional barriers that have made it difficult for colleges and universities to offer programs and courses.
• The IEC allows colleges and universities opportunities to avoid expensive new program development and operational costs by helping them see and share what is available.
• The pool of students that may enroll will increase.
• Colleges and universities form new networks and work together to improve choices and quality for students.

Citizens of Idaho

• The IEC provides educational opportunities for more people by increasing the accessibility of key information.
• The IEC promotes cooperative development to share in creating needed programs and courses.
• Areas previously isolated from the best of educational opportunities are no longer cut off because of geography.
• Quality educational programs are accessible.