Is Distance Education Right for Me?

• What Is Instructional Systems Technology (IST)?
• IST at a Distance
• Is Distance Education Right for Me?
• IST "Try It Out" Courses
• Comparison of Options

What Is Instructional Systems Technology (IST)?

IST at Indiana University includes the study and practice of analysis, design, development, evaluation, and implementation/management of instructional systems and other learning environments. Our theoretical research is interdisciplinary, encompassing: instructional design theories and models; learning and cognition; instructional strategies and tactics; visual design, media design, interaction design; usability testing and evaluation; educational systems design; production and management systems; and human performance improvement.

IST considers settings for learning to be broader than K-12 and higher education. These contexts include adult learning in business, industry, government, health institutions, and other environments. We consider technology to be much broader than hardware and software development. In short, our focus is on improving human learning and performance in diverse contexts.

The Department of Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University prepares practitioners and researchers to build and test processes, products, systems, and services for use in education and training settings. Graduates of our programs typically assume design/development roles in public or private organizations -- about half in corporations. The program has consistently been ranked as one of the top programs in the nation for Instructional Technology for over 15 years. The breadth and depth of resources, faculty expertise, research interests, together with high percentages of job placement for graduates makes IST at IU a prime choice. Some of the most talented students from around the world apply to this program, which creates an invigorating and challenging atmosphere of growth, support and learning in the courses. In addition, a degree from Indiana University is recognized as high quality, both nationally and internationally. Learn more about the history of IST at IU.

IST at a Distance

The Instructional Systems Technology department offers two academic programs designed specifically for students studying at a distance:

• 36 credit-hour Distance master's degree in IST
• 15 credit-hour Distance Certificate program in IST

Students in both programs share the same courses; the certificate program is meant for those who do not have the need for a full degree program. All courses in the program involve students working in teams on instructional projects. The content and teaching strategies used in our distance programs parallel our residential courses, and in fact, we are experimenting with combining the distance sections with the residential sections to create "blended learning" experiences. Thus, in thinking about enrolling in an IST distance program, your primary consideration should be whether the distance learning approach is right for you.

Is Distance Education Right for Me?

The following questions may help you in making your decision:

• Can you dedicate 10-20 hours a week to learning? (starting an educational program part-time is like having a part-time job)
• Are you a self-paced learner? Do you like classroom learning because it helps you organize your time better?
• Are you OK with not having face-to-face interaction with the professors and other students? Is one of the things you value most about classroom experiences the personal interaction?
• Will you have regular and reliable access to a computer with the following minimum capabilities (see detailed computer requirements):
  • Internet access with at least a DSL modem
  • Pentium III 250 Mhz or G3
  • 128 MB of RAM
  • 4 MB video RAM
  • Sound card (either integrated or separate)
  • 4 GB Hard Drive (1 GB free)
  • Super VGA compatible monitor
  • 3.5 inch floppy drive and/or 100MB Zip drive
• Do you have the financial resources to complete the MS or Certificate program?

The "Successful Distance Education Student" is:

• Self-disciplined
• Committed
• Able to learn without face-to-face interaction
• Strong in reading and writing skills
• Well organized
• An independent worker
• Goal oriented
• Able to work well in groups
• Flexible
• Willing to communicate regularly with professor and other students

IST "Try It Out" Courses

These course are provided to help you make better sense of what the IST distance courses would be like.

Note: These "Try It Out" courses do not count toward the program requirement. You must register for them through the IU School of Education Distance Education Program. 

R503: Application of Instructional Media and Technology (3 credits)
Surveys the characteristics of widely used types of audiovisual media and technologies of instruction, and develops media presentation skills.

F500: Teaching with the Internet across the Curriculum (3 credits)
Learn about issues relevant to teaching with Internet resources, and develop knowledge and skills in designing and evaluating online learning environments.

Comparison of Options