News releases

E-learning opportunities expand in central Indiana
Released: December 18, 2001  
Contact: Carol Brunty, 317.263.8846

INDIANAPOLIS —E-learning opportunities for residents of central Indiana will increase this January through a new collaboration between the Indiana College Network (ICN), Indiana’s “virtual university,” and WFYI TV20.           

Beginning on January 6, WFYI Public Television will broadcast overnight five college courses on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 1-6AM . The programs may be viewed live or recorded for playback at a later time. The courses include:

• Total Quality Management (3 cr.), Indiana State University
• International/Cross Cultural Training (3 cr.), Indiana State University
• Children’s Literature (3 cr.), IUPUI
• English Composition II (3 cr.), Ball State University
• Bridge to the Test (noncredit), Ivy Tech State College

Students interested in earning college credit may pre-register for these courses online at www.icn.org or by calling the ICN Student Services Center at 1.800.ICN.8899 (800.426.8899).     

 “WFYI Public Television is committed to providing central Indiana residents with lifelong learning opportunities. Through this unique collaboration, WFYI viewers can obtain college credits from the comfort of their living room,” said Lloyd Wright, president and general manager of the WFYI TelePlex. “With the onset of digital broadcasting in 2002, viewers will be able to access educational programming around the clock on WFYI.”     

Through ICN, a gateway to information on distance learning opportunities from Indiana colleges and universities, learners can get information about courses and programs offered at a distance as well as support services, including assistance with registration, advising and online tutoring. A collaborative service of Indiana Higher Education Telecommunication System (IHETS), ICN does not itself offer degrees. Instead, classes are from the following fully accredited institutions:

• Ball State University
• Indiana State University
• Indiana University
• Ivy Tech State College ( Community College of Indiana partner)
• Purdue University
• Taylor University
• University of Southern Indiana
• Vincennes University ( Community College of Indiana partner)                                   

According to Susan Scott, director of the Indiana College Network, “For over 30 years, Indiana's colleges and universities have worked together through IHETS to extend access to formal learning via television, video and the Internet. We're proud to join forces with WFYI in crafting visionary strategies that take advantage of new digital technologies.”     

Adds Dave King, IHETS executive director, “This project is the first step toward a statewide Lifelong Learning Channel, which will begin airing on public broadcasting stations in central Indiana in summer 2002.”          

In addition to the courses offered on WFYI Public Television, ICN also offers courses via satellite television, videotape, two-way interactive video conferencing, CD-ROM, cable television and correspondence. ICN provides a searchable database of 1,600 individual courses and 70 full degree and certificate programs in an extensive array of subjects from art to personal health to zoology.