Portland
State University began offering online courses in 1996. Previous to
the widespread use of online curriculum, the university reached out
to distant students through two-way video conferencing, televised
courses, correspondence study and at remote campus locations around
the Portland metropolitan area. Courses were designed with the needs
of the student foremost in mind - the student whose work, study, or
parenting responsibilities prevented them from traveling to the main
campus.
Today
Portland State University is a leader in distance and alternative
education in Oregon. With over 1,300 courses using WebCT, students
enjoy a variety of options for learning that include face-to-face
traditional classroom experiences using WebCT as an enhancement, as
well as fully online options where students never come to campus. Many
programs use a hybrid approach which ask students to come to campus
perhaps once per term, but the remainder of the course is online. With
the addition of our web-conferencing system, even these occasional
campus requirements may be waived in some programs. As many as 200
different distance courses and 12 degree and certificate programs are
offered fully online via WebCT. Another 250 more courses and 4
additional degree programs require only part-time campus attendance.
Courses are taught by expert instructors who emphasize educational
excellence in a student-centered environment. They do this by
incorporating online discussions, group work, and one-on-one
assistance, all at a distance.
Whether
you live in Portland and your schedule precludes your attendance at
regularly scheduled classes or you travel or live in Shanghai or Amsterdam,
you may still have the opportunity to complete courses and a degree
program at Portland State University.
