How are these courses delivered and designed?
Students in the online Engineering Program are expected to possess or have access to personal computers and a broadband Internet connection. (Note: Some corporate networks may block access to streaming video and prohibit downloading and installing course specific software. Make sure that you have these capabilities on the computer used for the courses offered in this program.)
Minimum system and software specifications are:
| Operating System | Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1 or higher; Mac OS X 10.5 or higher recommended |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2 GHz or higher |
| Memory | 1 GB of RAM |
| Hard Drive Space | 60GB free disk space |
| Browser | We recommend the latest CANVAS-supported version of Firefox or Internet Explorer. To determine if your browser fits this criteria and for advice on downloading a supported version, please refer to the following ITS knowledgebase article: http://kb.its.psu.edu/cms/article/6
Note: Cookies, Java, and JavaScript must be enabled. Pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. Due to nonstandard handling of CSS, JavaScript and caching, older versions of Internet Explorer (such as IE 8 or earlier) do not work with our courses. |
| Plug-ins | Adobe Reader [Download from Adobe] Flash Player (v18.0 or later) [Download from Adobe] |
| Additional Software | Microsoft Office (2010 or later) |
| Internet Connection | Broadband (cable or DSL) connection required |
| Printer | Access to graphics-capable printer |
| DVD-ROM | Required |
| Sound Card, Microphone, and Speakers | Required |
| Monitor | Monitor (Capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution) |
Penn State Access accounts will be created for the online students so that they can remote into these computers for course work.
All courses are offered within the semester time line. For specific start and end dates see the individual course site.
To accommodate the distance student, live classes are offered through interactive videoconferencing, live streaming media, and on-demand streaming media. Most distance courses are offered live simultaneously with a resident class in attendance at the University Park campus. For these courses, both live and on-demand streaming media is available. Typically four or more courses are offered per semester.
Several courses have been developed that are only offered using on-demand streaming media. Check the course sites for these details.
These courses may require textbooks, homework, exams, interaction, and projects as would be required in any graduate level course.
Penn State uses a course management/communication system referred to as CANVAS. CANVAS is a web based system that organizes and delivers all course materials including: live and on-demand video lectures, class notes, reference materials, homework assignments, quizzes and projects. The course material in CANVAS is available for you to access 24/7.
CANVAS
Click on image for larger view.
You will need internet access to take a distance course. But, we can work with you if you find yourself temporarily disconnected from the internet. Alternative ways of delivering course material to you can be worked out.
Faculty interaction may occur through CANVAS, email, phone calls, videoconferencing or face to face if you are in the area.
Student performance is evaluated through graded homework, class projects (if applicable), quizzes and/or exams. Some courses require proctored exams, in which case, it is your responsibility to work with us to obtain a proctor.
Check the course sites for samples of instructional materials.
If you have any questions, please feel to contact us.
Related Links
- How are Courses Delivered and Designed
- Getting Started
- Questions? Talk to a Real Person
- Engineering Library Resources
- Program Information
Industrial Engineering Graduate Level DISTANCE EDUCATION
Distance education involves the linking of teacher(s) and student(s), through technology rather than face-to-face interaction. Distance education serves the educational needs of people who cannot come to a Penn State campus due to job, family, time, distance, economic, or other constraints.
Penn State’s first distance education courses, developed over one hundred years ago, used the U.S. mail to link students and teachers. Today, we employ various technologies, including: the Internet, interactive video conferencing, live or on-demand streaming media, fax, and e-mail to deliver and facilitate the interaction between learners and teachers. The tremendous technological advances in recent years in computing power, storage technology, and communication links have set the stage for marvelous advances in the quantity and quality of distance education. Penn State faculty and staff are working to bring you new and exciting learning opportunities through distance education.
