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Experience Penn State everywhere.
Penn State's Real-time Interactive Classroom (RIC)
The RIC is based on advanced video conferencing technology. Anywhere a high bandwidth connection can be made through a browser, the student experiences a dynamic learning environment where the instructor and students have real-time multimedia sharing of PowerPoint presentations, documents, streaming videos, demonstration software, white boards, Flash animations, and shared annotation privileges.
The RIC provides a compelling learning environment with high-definition video and integrated audio. Up to six live simultaneous video feeds in the main session create a true online classroom experience. The video experience includes active speaker, which switches the video automatically to focus on the current speaker.
Students engage in a high level of participation and interaction with polling, threaded questions and answers, and lively real-time group or private chats. Stimulating learning and group collaboration through online breakout sessions provides an exceptional educational experience.
Benefit from the technology
Convenience
Students in accelerated seven-week courses meet online with their instructor and their classmates for two hours per week, while additional coursework and homework assignments are completed online throughout the week using Penn State's course managment system.
Cost Savings
Students enrolled in real-time interactive courses avoid costly commutes to campus. Students attend online sessions at home, the office, while traveling, or anywhere there is a high bandwidth connection. There's no complicated software to install or costly hardware to purchase. VoIP (Voice over IP) is used, so the student does not incur costly telephone toll charges.
Quality
Real-time interactive courses are Penn State credit courses taught by Penn State faculty. Students benefit by having live access to faculty and their classmates. Labs, help sessions, and instructor office hours are available online to support the student's progress in the courses.
Connecting is easy
To successfully participate in these courses the student needs a PC or Mac laptop or desktop, Web cam, sound card and speakers, screen resolution of 1024x768 or higher, video card and monitor configured for 32-bit high color or better, updated plugins, the current release of Firefox or Internet Explorer, and a high bandwidth connection.
For more information
Please contact our Adult Student Enrollment Coordinator, Solange Israel-Mintz, at 610-396-6222 or [email protected].