Distance learning for non-traditional students to study, near home, toward a UNC Charlotte BSET degree

The author considers the problem of whether UNC Charlotte could offer Engineering Technology courses to their Applied Science graduates, who could not afford to come to UNC Charlotte for the full two year Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BSET) degree program. The solution was to offer UNC Charlotte Engineering Technology courses over the North Carolina Information Highway (NCIH). The need for this 'virtual' classroom service to be provided to non-traditional students within North Carolina would provide a win-win situation for the students, UNC Charlotte, and the state of North Carolina. Two courses, one electrical engineering technology and one calculus, are to be offered via distance learning. Multimedia and expert system/knowledge based techniques will be applied where appropriate. The course delivery paradigm will improve over time with: (1) the development of new software to provide immediate display of student answers to course questions using inputs from wireless student response units, (2) inclusion of expert system/knowledge based programs to improve the course quality, (3) operational experience incorporating input from both the students perspective, and the logistics for course presentation, and (4) expansion of the North Carolina Information Highway (NCIH) and the evolution of the National Information Infrastructure.