As in many RSCC distance learning courses, students in Julie's class are from all over the valley. However, in the fall of 1992, there were some very unique participants. Eight of the students were Russians living in Moscow as part of a collaborative effort between RSCC and the Russian Federation Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Technology Policy that allows students from Russia to take courses for credit at the American college without leaving their country.
Initially, students received the study guides and the textbook for the competency-based course which included the objectives for the course, lessons, and assignments. Students were asked to work through the study guide and do the assignments on the computer and send their finished product to the instructor electronically. Julie graded the assignments and returned them with feedback electronically as well. The students also had access to each other's work. The only printed materials were the study guides and tests.
Julie used primarily Electronic Forum, which also links to Internet, to communicate with her students in the valley and in Moscow. Julie finds that EF is a very useful tool. Students do not have to be on the forum at the same time or all the time to be able to communicate. They can sign on at their convenience and see what others have said, provide their input, and sign off. Julie says, "What computer conferencing does for distance learning is to allow for more immediate feedback and informal interaction. You can get an answer tomorrow or even today, instead of next week."
The only drawback for international computer conferencing with the Russian students is that they do not have direct access to the computer; messages are sent to a technician who then distributes them among the students. The interaction is not as immediate as with the local students. However, Julie says this is a temporary situation, and eventually they will be able to improve and increase interaction with the Russian students. Despite the technological glitches though, Julie considers the experiment a success.