Interactive Instructional Television

When you take a class though interactive instructional television, you are connected with classmates and instructors across the region or state through audio and video networks. Our instructors travel to many Kirkwood centers throughout the semester to teach their classes, but much of the time will be spent interacting through the television system. These are live classes — not videotaped — and they offer Iowans the convenience of continuing or expanding their education close to home.

The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) is an integral part of Kirkwood’s Instructional Television system. There are approximately 700 instructional television classrooms at K-12 school districts, community colleges, regent universities, area education agencies, public libraries and other locations throughout the state. Visit the ICN Web site to learn more.

Hybrid Courses

Hybrid courses are gaining popularity at Kirkwood. These courses are delivered through the Instructional Television system, but, some of your normal class time, as well as testing and discussion, is replaced with Internet time – freeing up your schedule. Hybrid courses are designated in the course catalog with an asterisk * and footnote (Hybrid class: 1/3 online). Check out this video animation to learn more about our Hybrid format.

Online – Anytime/Anywhere

Before (or immediately after) signing up for an online course, please complete the free online student orientation course available in Angel for all active users. You can also take our online assessment, which determines if distance programs are a good match for your learning style and needs.

The Anytime/Anywhere program offers both Online and Packet format classes. “Anytime/Anywhere” refers to anytime during the day and anywhere you want to work. Strict timelines are part of these courses.

Online courses often are delivered with the help of a program called Angel. Angel allows instructors to build asynchronous, yet interactive, activities online. Many instructors require discussion board participation, quizzes, assignments and exams. You can learn more by browsing our FAQs. A list of the courses we offer is available. Not all classes listed are offered every semester. Feel free to search our current listings.

Packet – Anytime/Anywhere

The packet format might also be called "print" format or correspondence courses.  All activities and instructions for completing the course are included in your course guide book. Guide Books are distributed through the Bookstore when purchasing your textbook. Many courses require students to take exams at a Kirkwood center or other approved site.

If you are thinking about choosing a Distance Learning course, take our online assessment to learn if distance learning is a good match for your learning style and needs. A list of the courses we offer is available. Not all classes listed are offered every semester. Feel free to search our current listings.