What to expect

You will use Canvas, IU’s learning management system, in your distance courses to interact asynchronously (at different times) with colleagues through discussions or by messages. Some courses use a virtual classroom where you interact with colleagues using a webcam and headset/microphone synchronously (same time).

Just like in face-to-face courses, you will read content, access supplemental resources, participate in individual and group projects and activities, make presentations, complete assignments, and be assessed. There are many options for learning collaboratively through discussion, problem-based learning, research, conferencing, and co-authoring documents.

No matter how your course is structured, you are sure to develop lifelong relationships with other students and faculty, both near and far.

Videoconferencing

Videoconferencing allows two-way voice and video connections over the internet from installed desktop applications and hardware. Students and faculty collaborate using Zoom, a communication and sharing application that supports screen sharing, meetings, and meeting management functions.

Learn more about getting started with Zoom

Virtual classrooms allow you, your fellow students, and faculty to meet simultaneously through the videoconferencing equipment in the classroom and your remote set-up. Many School of Nursing graduate and doctoral courses use these synchronous distance-accessible virtual classrooms along with Canvas.

Hardware Requirements

Videoconferencing requires these additional accessories:

• Any built-in or external USB webcam; Cisco TelePresence Precision HD USB Camera is recommended for best quality video.
• Any standard sound card (full duplex, 16-bit minimum). An analog or USB headset is recommended for best quality audio.

Support is provided for virtual classrooms and videoconferencing by Learning Spaces.