Group #1 – Descriptions of Distance Education Institutions:

Center for Distance Learning (CDL), Empire State College, State University of New York (SUNY): www.esc.edu

Center for Distance Learning (CDL) has been providing degree programs to students across the U.S., Canada and at U.S. military installations around the world since 1979. Designed for students with busy lives through term-based independent study courses especially for the adult learner. There are more than 10,000 course enrollments each year including 1,000 students per year who work entirely through distance education.  Over 200 courses are currently available in print format and 100 courses through the web.  Some courses also use computer, video and/or audio components.  Students may take individual courses or may pursue associate or bachelor degrees in the areas of: Business & Management, Community and Human Services, Interdisciplinary Studies, Cultural & Historical Studies, Educational Studies, Public Affairs & Labor, Science, Math & Technology, Social Theory & Human Development.  Clusters of courses in: Fire Service Administration, Health Administration and Criminal Justice.

Four learning formats:

1.	Online courses via the web through the SUNY Learning Network (SLN).  The computer network serves as the primary environment for course discussions, assignments, and interactions between instructor and students.
2.	Print-based courses supplemented by electronic communication: This format includes both independent study and courses that feature learning activities by more than one student, (bulletin board/computer conferencing).
3.	Print-based courses:  Guided independent study with a course guide.  Communication between student and instructor takes place through mail and phone calls.  Some courses may have computer, video or audio components.
4.	Enhanced learning contracts:  Similar to print based courses, but offer more flexibility to explore topics of student interest.  Faculty mentor/advisor works with the student to decide a contract that will best meet the student’s particular interests and is appropriate to their degree program. Contract can be implemented via any of the three learning formats.  They do not necessarily contain as much detailed information for students as do regular course guides, so they carry with them the expectation of more intensive faculty-student involvement.

Every student is appointed a faculty mentor/advisor who maintains regular contact by phone, e-mail and mail.  Faculty are specialists in course content and are available to help in studies, evaluate assignments and monitor progress through a course. 

Mentoring and advisement regarding degree planning is offered as well as access to extensive online resources including library and writing resources and other academic databases.

Students are expected to enroll in Educational Planning (usually 2 courses, two credits each) early in their program.  Educational Planning is intended to teach the processes of self-assessment and informed decision-making.  The first course is on a wide, “macro” level within the context of what the student needs to know in order to be an educated person and an educated worker.  The student completes a variety of assignments including skills, knowledge and interest inventories, a learning autobiography; an essay on education and an essay on goals.  The second course is on a “micro” level as the student plans specifics of their degree.  Students review usable degree credit; identify courses, and professional and educational goals.  This culminates in a final degree program and rationale essay explaining students’ choices for their particular degree.

Open & Distance Learning In Lithuania: www.nsc.vu.lt

The University of Vilnius, Vilnius Distance Education Study Centre (VDESC)

The main objectives of the Open & Distance Learning In Lithuania are: to help professors and lecturers prepare distance training courses in different fields of science (teacher training); to accumulate and disseminate information on various events and projects in distance education sphere; to accumulate information about distance training courses and programmes that are run at Vilnius University and in Vilnius region; to investigate distance training market supply and product quality; to hold seminars for distance training providers, professors and lecturers together with distance education support centres, such as Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius College of Electronics and Lithuanian Distance Education Centre.  DE courses are prepared in subdivisions of Vilnius University: Biomedical Sciences, Humanities, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences and Technological Sciences.

VDESC participates in the implementation of the state project "Distance Education Methodical Research" coordinated by KRDEC; fulfilling the task "Researching of possibilities of expansion of distance education courses through new educational methodologies”. In cooperation with the universities of Turku (Finland), Tartu (Estonia) and University of Latvia, the students of history and geography are taught with the assistance of Wet Course Tools (CT) and audio conferences among students and lecturers of four universities.

WebCT.com — the e-Learning hub— contains teaching and learning resources. It also offers access to a community of peers across WebCT courses and disciplines. Within these communities, students, instructors, and course designers can share information, ideas, goals, and WebCT resources. WebCT.com has discipline-specific communities, as well as areas that focus on general topics, all of which support teaching and learning for instructors, course designers, and students alike.

Some examples of what WebCT.com offers:
1) Discussion Forums where students ask questions of experts or discuss vital issues with fellow students. 2) Discipline-specific Web site directories that pinpoint online information relevant to class assignments. 3) Discipline-specific web searches (by course topic or discipline) that minimize irrelevant search results. 4) Resource Library to help you create a WebCT course or share something students have designed. Areas where instructors, course designers, and students learn about WebCT, view WebCT Content Showcase (demos), and product support options. 5) Online store where you can buy WebCT course material.

In Open & Distance Learning various technologies are used. This depends on DE course, users and course authors.  Some examples of these tools and libraries housed in this university are: CD’s, Books, and video and audiotapes.

For communication between learners and tutors these means of intercommunication are used: post, short-time sessions, phone, fax, computer networks, teleconferences, videoconferences, e-mail, etc.  Learning materials are presented in various media: printed materials, audio-video cassettes, TV (satellite, on cable) and radio transmissions, computer discs, Internet, e-mail, CD's.

This university uses support systems which: organizes courses (promotion, registration, informational support etc.), provides learning materials (video and audio cassettes, compact discs, printed materials, etc.), finds and prepares (for specifics of distance learning) tutors, etc. Regional distance education study centres are organized to perform role of support system.

The University of Vilnius: 

The University of Vilnius, one of the oldest and most famous establishments of higher education in Eastern and Central Europe, was founded in 1579. Functioning for a long time as the only school of higher learning in Lithuania. During more than four centuries of its existence, the University of Vilnius has seen periods of growth and decline, revival, and closure.   In 1943, the University was closed down by the Nazis, and resumed its activities in the autumn of 1944. Though restrained by the Soviet system, Vilnius University grew and gained force. Vilnius University started to free itself from the Soviet ideology in 1988 even before Lithuania regained independence in 1990. The University got back its autonomy and adopted its own statute.

The University of Vilnius is a member of the International Association of Universities (IAU), The International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), the Association of European Universities (CRE), and the Conference of Baltic University Rectors. It also acts as a signatory to the European University Magna Charta.

The University faculties and departments co-operate extensively with other foreign universities. The University has signed agreements of cooperation with 40 foreign establishments of higher education in Europe, America and Asia. The University takes part in 14 projects of TEMPUS program and has begun preparations for the participation in the SOCRATES program. The researchers of the University are taking active part in the following EU programs: COPERNICUS, PECO, INCO-COPERNICUS, and COST.

Hong Kong CyberU: www.hkcyberu.com

Hong Kong CyberU (HKCyberU) is an advanced learning institution on the Internet co-founded by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Pacific Century CyberWorks (PCCW).

HKCyberU integrates PolyU's expertise in research, consulting and pedagogical development with PCCW's telecom and broadband capabilities to create the first Hong Kong-based virtual university. For students in Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, the South East Asian region and other parts of the world who have access to broadband Internet services, HKCyberU offers: programs leading to PolyU academic qualifications, including PolyU degrees and professional awards; quality Web-enabled academic programs designed, developed, and delivered by faculty of PolyU; a multimedia-enabled, interactive technology platform for a rich and robust learning experience; and a self-directed and self-paced mode of learning complemented by online guidance from faculty, tutors, and support staff.

HKCyberU's objective is to help students fulfill their needs by designing and developing online interactive multimedia-enabled education programs and delivering these right to students’ web space, whether you at home, at work, or even while traveling.
HKCyberU is committed to: developing quality education programs that are relevant in content and substantial in applied research; delivering lectures, resources, tutoring and coaching, study guides and course documentation over the Internet directly to web spaces; and presenting students with a full spectrum of interactive facilities so as to create the best combination of a flexible and collaborative learning culture.

The subject content of these online programs is equivalent to that of programs taught on campus at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

HKCyberU degree programs are offered and operated under a Credit-Based System. Typically a student is expected to spend about 35-45 hours of study to earn a credit, and must complete the specified number of credits required for an academic program in order to graduate.

Computing facilities - HKCyberU students will be provided with e-mail accounts for remote dial-up access to electronic mail, web facilities and information services on the Internet. Students may also apply for PolyU user accounts that, upon approval and subject to payment of a monthly fee, allow them to visit the Student Computing Centres on campus where full access to PolyU's complete range of central computing facilities are available.

Digital library - HKCyberU students can access information services at the PolyU Pao Yue Kong Library over the Internet using their e-mail accounts. Mail order of books and magazines - HKCyberU students can use their e-mail accounts to contact the PolyU's university bookstore to purchase textbooks, reference books, and magazines.

On enrolling in HKCyberU academic programmes, students' progress and performance are normally monitored on a continuous assessment basis by using some or a combination of online tools and methods. These may include, for example, Web-based checkpoint reviews and tests, unit examinations, online tutorial feedback sessions, fieldwork, group study, written assignments, team projects, research reports, and written examinations.

University of South Africa (UNISA): www.unisa.ac.za

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the old and largest university in South Africa and of the 11-mega distance teaching universities.  The university was established in 1873 as the Cape of Good Hope; the name was changed in 1916.  In 1946 UNISA pioneered tertiary distance education in the western world for students who could not attend conventional residential universities. Its motto means hope through difficulties. This motto is realized everyday for thousands of people who are able to improve their life and the life of their family by continuing their education.

Recently, the university launched the first phase of students on-line (SOL) giving those who have access to the Internet the ability to communicate with instructors and fellow students and controlled access to personal records, assignment information, and library catalogues. 

Some of the services offered to students at UNISA include access to tutors at the learning centers. A limited number of lectures are given at the learning centers, and students can discuss problems experienced in their studies. The university also offers student counseling and career development and online payment of fees.

Athabasca University (AU): www.athabascau.ca

Athabasca University (AU) is dedicated to the removal of barriers that traditionally restrict access to and success in university-level studies, and to increasing equality of educational opportunity for all adult Canadians regardless of the geographical location or prior academic credentials.  The university is committed to the principle that everyone with a will to learn deserves the opportunity. AU is Canada’s leading distance education institution and was created by the government of Alberta in 1970. 

AU is an open university and provides individualized study, flexible instruction, and has no admissions deadlines.  Programs are offered in Arts, General Studies, Science, Administrative Studies, Commerce, and Nursing. There are also masters programs in Business Administration, Distance Education, and Health Studies.

Once a student has registered, the university provides students with a home study package that includes a student manual, study guide, textbooks, and if appropriate, CD-ROM, audiocassettes and videotapes; a collect call link with a tutor is also included in the fees.  Seminar and teleconference delivery modes are also provided and several programs are offered with Computer Mediated Communications.  Students have access to a tutor who may be contacted by e-mail or telephone.  Tutors give subject matter assistance, discuss scholarly issues, mark assignments, provide feedback and help students prepare for examinations.

Undergraduate students return assignments by mail, fax or through the Internet. Undergraduate students can enroll in a class at any time; however, graduate level students study as part of a group online with specific start and end dates.  Class interaction takes place through the Internet.

The Open University (OU): www.open.ac.uk

The Open University (OU) enrolled its first students in 1971 and is the UK’s largest university. The university follows four main principles: open as to people, open as to places, open as to ideas, and open as to methods.  Pursuant to its principles, the OU does not require entry qualifications for undergraduate level courses.

OU offers more than 360 undergraduate and post-graduate courses; 14 delivered via the Internet. The courses use a range of teaching media; specially produced textbooks, TV and radio programs, audio and videotapes, computer software, and home-experiment kits. Personal contact and support is provided through tutors. Tutors are provided at a network of regional study centers.  Tutor contact is also available via e-mail, telephone, or computer conference.

Charles Sturt University (Australia):

The over all mission and goal of this university is to provide its distance education students with the same access and privileges as it’s on campus students. There are campuses at Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga in addition to centers at Broken Hill, Canberra, Goulburn and Manly. Charles Sturt University offers more than 300 courses to almost 25,000 students, by on campus and distance education study. Its distance teaching and training programs include numerous Bachelor of Arts degrees and master degrees.

The methods of development and delivery of the material include printed study notes, which is the most common teaching method and include subject outlines, study guides, readings or laboratory manuals, and anything the lecturer feels will guide the student through their studies.  Prior to class students receive a study package in the mail with details of academic regulations subject materials, assignment coversheets for each assignment to be submitted, along with any audio and videotapes that are used to present course material. Normal study load is two subjects per 18-week study session. Students must submit regular assignments, which are marked and commented on by the lecturer.  Written essays, short answer questions, practical work, fieldwork, verbal presentations, are used to assess skills. Examinations are held at the end of each session that are given at examination centers in regions throughout Australia, no student will be required to travel more than 120 kilometers to take the exam

Interaction with the students can be done by telephone tutorials and are used as conference calls by up to ten students; a teleconferencing officer will contact students if a conference is to be held, videoconferencing can also be used.  Use of the World Wide Web (WWW) is also part of the program.  Students can access the bookshop, student services, student’s records, they may also communicate with each other and their subject coordinator via Forum and List Servers

Special services offered by the university are; orientation and information sessions held in different parts of Australia.  The lecturer provides consultation by informing students on when he/she is available to receive student phone calls; the lecturer may also be contacted by email, fax, or WWW.  Study Groups are formed by students wishing to participate, which provide a means of personal contact and two-way communication.  This is done by a student telephone contact list.  The institution coordinates, advises and assists with the contact list, but it is up to the students to form their own groups.  Some courses and subjects have residential schools that require or invite students to attend lecturers and tutorials on campus. These schools are scheduled for a certain time of the year and are often a highlight for many students.  

Open Universiteit Nederland:

The Open Universiteit of Nederland was instituted in 1984.  It is an Independent government funded institution for open higher distance education.  The purpose is to make higher education accessible to anyone with the necessary aptitude and interest regardless of any formal qualifications.  The Open University Charter has two other aims: to create a more cost effective form of higher education and to encourage innovation in curriculum and teaching methods.

Its distance education program is open to anyone 18 years or over regardless of prior schooling Students are free to choose when and where they choose. Instruction is based on guided individual study and there are generally no compulsory classroom or tutoring sessions. Students study at their own pace and may enroll at anytime. Often times they decide on when they are ready to take examinations.  The modular system of instruction allows the student to enroll in either full-length degree programs or individual courses.  Later they can apply their course credits toward a degree in one of the following: Business and Public Administration, Cultural Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, Dutch Law, Psychology, and Information Science.  

In addition, there is an open degree program that students may select a combination of courses tailored to their individual aims and wishes. Also offered are a number of shorter practiced based diploma programs in cooperation with various institutions for higher vocational education. Such programs are based on the fact that the student already posses a certain level of prior knowledge.

The methods of development and delivery include courses which are self contained units consisting of “modules” i.e. a specific quantity of instructional material requiring 100 net hours of study.  There are three difficulty levels for courses. Instructional material may consist of printed matter supplemented by CD-ROM, video and audiocassette, practicals, tutoring in groups, and courseware. Each course is awarded a certificate worth a certain amount of credit points. There are five departments, three of which are responsible for developing and producing educational material and running the educational programs Each faculty is headed by a dean of studies who supervises teams of subject specialist, and educational technologist who develop programs in conjunction with external experts from other educational institutions or from trade and industry. 

Examinations may take one of several forms; final paper or project, multiple choice or open essay tests or an oral exam. Course examinations are administered three times a year. Also examinations can be accessed on line for certain courses. All exams must be administered in the Netherlands, at one of the Open Universities eighteen-study centers.

University of Phoenix:

The history and mission of this university, which was formed in 1989 currently enrolls adult students from all over the world.   It is a group-based learning environment that offers interaction and support like a face-to-face seminar style classroom. Basically this program works allot like we are in at the UMUC.  Program is designed to benefit adult professionals. There are15,000 students currently taking part in the University of Phoenix Distance Education programs.  The average age of the online students are 36. Among these 20% are executives and own their own business, 30% are middle managers in industry and business, and 44% are technical or licensed professionals.

The methods of delivery as stated above is allot like ours.  It uses the Internet to deliver online learning that is independent of time & location.  Students sign on any hour of the day. Classes are offered one at a time, in sequence.  There are no semesters so the student can begin their program at any time.  Students concentrate on one class at a time until degree requirements are met. Each class last 5-6 weeks. Instructor sends introductory material the first day of the week & confirms assignment such as reading, completing case studies, or paper preparation. The instructor also posts a short lecture, elaborates on the material, & provides discussion questions. The students then works on material throughout the week, use computer conferencing to participate in classroom discussions, ask questions/ receive feedback. When assignments are due the student sends them in and they are returned with grades and comments from the instructor.

Interaction between students and instructors is in a forum online, or offline.  
Communications is many to many; each class shares a mailbox, which serves as an electronic classroom.  Communications between individuals is common; each class uses a group forum where students put their work & ideas before classmates for comment.

Its programs include distance education certificates and diplomas in accounting, administration, business, education, management, marketing, nursing/healthcare, and technology.  Approximately 60 % graduate and receive degrees.

Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and the Member of the North Central Association

Pennsylvania State University: http://www.outreach.psu.edu/de/

Since its inception in 1998, Pennsylvania State Universities (Penn State) on-line web based portion of their university has been extremely successful.  “Penn State’s commitment to distance education and its programmatic vision will ensure our ability to meet the needs of learners around the world far into – and beyond – the 21st century.”  This also allows learners with personal and work commitments to participate in their virtual campus.  Penn State offers a myriad of courses and degree programs along with certificates and non-credit courses.  Each of these courses offers a combination of independent study along with a classroom component and each is highly interactive.

The training encompasses a variety of distance education tools such as: videoconferencing, Internet interaction, etc.  As stated before, each course has face-to-face (classroom component) meetings that can be carried out in person or through an interactive means.

The students are viewed as a “class of one” however the Internet has brought them together to provide an online support system for all students.  Whether the student is studying from home or work, nationally or internationally, they can be assured to obtain the support needed to complete their studies.  

Money.com listed Penn State’s program as one of the top ten leading “virtual campuses” in the US.  They bring learners from across the US and at least six other countries together to study virtually.  Penn State also offers training to be brought into corporations or organizations, which can tie communities together.  

University of the Highlands and Islands: http://www.uhi.ac.uk/index.htm

Established in the 1990’s and focuses on “improving standards and performance of local managers and employees through its courses, related to the competitive needs of industry and commerce and organized to meet training and location needs of the business world.”  The university can teach virtually any subject matter, which is, tied to the geographical area primarily “its modern industries, its heritage and culture, its environment.”  

This university is student centered and each student is required to create a learning contract, the teaching is tutor based, which gives guidance rather than knowledge transfer.  The university maximizes on communication and learning technology, which capitalizes on cost saving techniques.  “It is fully committed to quality, in course material, teaching and tutoring skills and in student support.”  The facilities are open year round.

The university has campuses throughout the Highlands and Islands, which provide a home base for the students.  This concept also allows teachers to network and share new ideas.  They also provide social activities and support for all students and faculty.

By sharing the campuses with other universities and colleges, this allows for the campuses to be networked together and provides video-conferencing services for all students enrolled.  Each college is built around a pre-existing community and allows for the social aspect of distance education to be entertained.

Open Polytechnic of New Zealand: http://www.topnz.ac.nz/index.html

“Educating the workforce of today – and tomorrow – is a key focus” along with supporting learners of various ages and stages in their life.  The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand has a history going on 55 years.  The university is compiled of full and part time employees looking to enhance their employment opportunities and most students are over the age of 25.

The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand offers a large variety of programs and courses varying from certificates to degree levels.  “The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand is government-owned and funded and accredited to deliver courses throughout New Zealand and internationally.”  The autonomous learning approach of Open Polytechnic allows learners to work at their own time and pace and students may enroll at any time.  The courses also supply additional support from the tutors and many library services.

Consulting local companies and the management of these companies develops courses.  The quality of course development is reflected in their numerous contracts for “products and services”.  Courses are delivered through various mediums such as: printed materials, audio and videotape, CD-ROM’s or disks, and the Internet.

A free phone service gives students access to a tutor along with access to lecturers, which can be a helpful study tool.  E-mail is another tool that is frequently utilized for communication between the student and tutor and there is also an increase of “Internet discussion groups” which provide a virtual conversation among participants.

The Open Learning format allows for an extreme amount of flexibility to the participants.  In addition, the call center can be a tremendous asset to its learners providing one-on-one support to its learners.  One of Polytechnics main goals is to provide quality courses while supporting its students to enhance their education. 

University of the Philippines, Manila  
http://www.up.edu.ph/about_up/upou_hist.html

The UP’s Board of Regents established the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) on February 23, 1995.  The board recognized the challenges of providing quality higher education to a growing population.  Limited resources do not allow all qualified applicants to participate in its residential program, so the UPOU were established to reach out and respond to these students needs.  The UPOU is a unit of the University of the Philippines that grew out of the need to upgrade science and mathematics teachers in the country. 
The original training program offered by distance education was known as STUDI, an acronym for Upgrading Science Teachers Using Distance Education. Subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics were developed into a task force to award a Diploma in Science Teaching (DST).  Today, the UPOU now awards undergraduate and graduate level degrees. Undergraduate degrees earned are in the Arts, Agriculture, Computer Science, and Language Studies for Teachers, Mathematics, Research and Development Management, Science Teaching, Social Studies Education, Social Work, and Environment and Natural Resource Management. Graduate degrees earned are the Arts in Nursing, Hospital Administration, Professional Studies in Development, Public Health, Public Management, Social Work, Environment and Natural Resources, and Philosophy (Education). 
Courses are delivered via audio, video, and CD Rom with Internet capabilities.  The distance program is relatively new and currently updating its delivery technologies. 
Students interact with each other and their tutors online or via the mail.  Teachers or tutors will provide information and feedback to students based on the completion of modules and projects. 
Non-formal courses are offered in the Open Learning format with this university.  

Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Bulgaria 
http://www.feb.uni-sofia.bg/distedu/courses.html

Sofia University in Bulgaria uses the Regional Phare Education Study Center (RDESC) as its distance education program.  The RDESC is a unit under the central administration of the university.  Other established branches using RDESC in Bulgaria are the New Bulgarian University, Medical University, and Technical University. Each branch is organized as local centers and defined based on the host university needs, the host being Sofia University.    
RDESC provides distance education and training courses in subjects that deal with management, business, communication, electronics, law, marketing, and pharmaceuticals.  Students will choose courses based on their specialization within their established branch of the university system.  
Distance learning within the organization of these courses is designed to combine self-study with face-to-face sessions in the distance study center.  Additional tutoring is available using email, fax and phone.  Study guides and workbooks are used to provide the guidelines for the learning activities and assignments.  
Students interact with other students in the same branch and with the tutors.  At the end of each topic and/or assignment, the tutor provides feedback through discussion and summarization of the learner’s performance on the studied material. 
Bulgarian radio and television are involved with dissemination of information and advertisement and also creates better connections between local centers and small groups.  RDESC provides distance and training programs through an established local network.  It also develops course delivery systems, tools, and services. 

University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii 
http://www.hawaii.edu/dl/general/
Because of the geographical difficulties being an “island nation”, the University of Hawaii became more involved with offering distance-learning programs.  Initially, courses would be offered at a remote location and instructors would have to ”fly” in to give a class.  Distance Education with the UH began in the 1970’s primarily to bridge the gap between students and the UH located on each island. 
UH offers a wide variety of teaching and training programs.  The majority of courses are available online.   Degrees may also be earned using the distance programs as long as completed courses meet the requirements for graduation 
Distance education at the UH includes primarily web based teaching and training to students.  UH also delivered television courses with materials licensed from the Public Broadcasting System.  In 1982, Maui Community College received federal funds to develop a two-way video system to deliver education throughout the tri-islands comprising Maui county (Maui, Molokai, and Lanai). The Hawaii Interactive Television System (HITS), through legislative funding, created a two-way, analog microwave video system between all the campuses of the UH system. The system became fully operational in the summer of 1990. Since then, connections have been made with the cable access providers, which allows for statewide cable access programming to be part of the distance learning network. New technologies were continually integrated into the delivery systems. 
At the University of Hawaii, distance learning includes telecommunications-assisted instruction (synchronous or asynchronous interaction) supported by interactive television, cable, Internet-based delivery, telephones, fax machines, teleconferencing, and mail service and off-site instruction (i.e., faculty fly to or are hired at off-campus sites). Distance learning may take place in-state or out-of-state and be credit or non-credit.
Students work together and communicate with tutors online or with the telephone.  Some courses require one or two gatherings of students and teachers during the course.  The geographical location of the islands, between the U.S. and many countries in the Pacific Rim, UH caters to a very diverse population.
Students can take courses that lead up to a degree in their respective field of choice.  Any student that meets the qualifications of UH admissions will be more or less “guaranteed” admission into the program, and when completed all course requirements will graduate with their peers.