Business Partnerships and IIT Online

Illinois Institute of Technology is a private, Ph.D.-granting university with graduate, undergraduate and certificate (for-credit) programs in engineering, computer science, architecture, psychology, law, business, design, manufacturing and the sciences. IIT has been serving the needs of business in Chicago since 1976 through IIT Online, its televised and Internet course delivery division. Long accustomed to responding to business and industry, the university seeks opportunities to provide information about existing programs, to work with a company to design new programs, and, if desired, to deliver these to corporate location(s), anywhere, via interactive instructional television or the Internet.

IIT Online has developed a set of Internet solutions and services to accommodate different instructional and managerial needs. These solutions move from one end of fast delivery, with live recording of traditional classroom courses and immediate release to the online classroom, to studio productions accompanied with full cycle of Instructional Design development. Either delivering just-in-time or fully customized solutions, IIT Online is committed to quality remote learning and to making innovative use of technology for increased learning outcomes. Placing the learner at the center of the educational practice, IIT Online has developed a methodology for taking the best out of technology and promoting quality interactive experiences to learners all over the world.

Course and Program Availability
Approximately 150 IIT courses are available each semester via television and the Internet in more than 15 academic areas. To obtain a better idea of the course formats, please take a look at the course demonstrations. The available IIT Online Programs are listed in the IIT Online Programs List. The currently offered online courses are available in the Current Semester Course Listings.

Delivery Systems
A leader in the delivery of engineering and science programs at a distance, IIT provides both synchronous and asynchronous online learning. Televised learning is delivered using FCC channels for the microwave transmission of 165 simultaneous courses to corporate and other locations. This allows working professionals real-time access to graduate level course work at a convenient location, maximizing work productivity and minimizing travel time. Televised course delivery is enhanced by access to the instructor and class discussions during live lectures. For a nominal fee one may opt to receive videotapes of missed lectures. Internet course delivery is facilitated through streaming video and audio and electronic course notes. Asynchronous online courses are available on-demand 24/7 and lectures can be revisited, as required, during the semester. These options provide the student with the flexibility to pursue advanced education, while effectively meeting work commitments and family obligations.

Costs And Benefits
IIT Online's televised courses have an extraordinary cost-benefit ratio. There are no charges for the initial or subsequent site checks to ensure the microwave signal is well received at the designated location(s), for external equipment (antenna, downconverter), for the internal set top box (which tunes-in to the course broadcasts), for technical services for online course access or support, for local courier service to exchange non-electronic course materials between locations or for twice-yearly marketing and advising sessions conducted by IIT staff. There are no class size minimums, no penalties if the system is not utilized in a given term or for having the system available. The admissions, registration and textbook ordering processes are all available online, eliminating travel and reducing on-site administrative support time. Expenses include installation of the antenna, internal cabling from the antenna to signal distribution points and the acquisition of television monitors (and headsets, if appropriate). Limited on-site administrative support is required, usually one-two hours per week to oversee IIT Online logistics.

IIT Online's Internet courses require only a PC with standard peripherals and free software. Students can access courses anywhere in the world. The admissions, registration and textbook ordering processes are all available online.

Advantages of IIT Online
With its large selection of courses--many not available from other distance education providers, its outstanding reputation, its extensive options for working with business, IIT--with the capability of IIT Online--uniquely expands the scope and flexibility of any company's access to advanced education and training.