Overview of the VIP

In 1974 the College of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, in conjunction with industry partners, developed the Video Instructional Program (VIP). As a distance learning facility, the VIP addresses continuing education and advanced degree needs. The VIP videotapes and broadcasts courses as they are taught by resident graduate faculty members before an on-campus student audience. The videotapes are then delivered to VIP students across the country and the world - the quality of a university education without the sacrifice in time.

Through the VIP, the same University instruction and academic credits available on campus are accessible to students, regardless of their geographic location. The VIP offers over 50 credit courses each semester in addition to a summer session of over 40. Three graduate degree programs can be completed through the VIP - a Master of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Engineering Management, and Computer Science.

Video-based learning provides the flexibility and convenience of receiving instruction at a time and place that fits any work schedule. Credit courses operate on a schedule which parallels the on-campus semester. While VIP students have considerable flexibility in when they view courses, they are expected to complete them within a provided schedule. This ensures the academic integrity of each course and replicates the actual classroom experience. VIP students have easy access to the faculty member teaching a course. The faculty have reserved telephone office hours to answer questions and share ideas. Faculty are also accessible through electronic mail or fax. Many courses are supported by websites. VIP courses are also delivered by Ku-band satellite transmission in cooperation with the National Technological University (NTU). Through NTU, many VIP courses can be viewed during actual class time. A two-way audio bridge allows interaction between the faculty and off-campus students during the live broadcast.

In addition to video and satellite delivery, the VIP offers certain courses via interactive compressed video (ICV). ICV technology compresses the audio and video elements and digitally delivers them through fiber optic telephone lines for a real-time, interactive educational experience. Compatible equipment at each site is required. For more information about course availability and cost, please contact the VIP.

The VIP also operates microwave transmission systems for course distribution.

By eliminating time and distance factors, the VIP is an extremely cost-effective educational alternative. The basic fee for a three-credit course is $1,275. International students are assessed additional charges (see Program Logistics, for details).

All semester-length courses can be taken on a noncredit basis or for regular University of Massachusetts' credit. Ten (10) academic departments in five schools and colleges participate in the VIP:

• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Environmental Health
• Isenberg School of Management
• Mathematics & Statistics
• Mechanical & Industrial Engineering
• Polymer Science & Engineering

How the VIP Works

Credit courses are taught by resident graduate faculty members before an on-campus student audience.

Tape Delivery	Broadcast
The courses are recorded onto SVHS and VHS videotapes.	The courses are broadcast over NTU's Ku-band satellite network directly to the company.
Videotapes and course materials are shipped weekly.	Printed course material is shipped weekly to the company.
View classes at a convenient time and place.	Take the course during actual class time.
Communicate directly with faculty during reserved phone hours, via electronic mail or via fax.	Communicate directly with faculty during reserved phone hours, during live broadcasts, via electronic mail or via fax.
Students return videotapes to the VIP after a two week viewing period.

Training and Short Courses

Other learning options include a variety of VIP training and short courses. These courses are taught by College of Engineering and other faculty, but do not carry academic credit. They are designed to provide quick, topical training in a variety of disciplines. VIP short courses are available for rental or purchase. Semester-length courses are also available on a noncredit basis for rental or purchase and are effective, on-site training options (see Training and Short Courses for details).

Copyright & COPY; 2001 University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Produced and maintained by the University of Massachusetts, Video Instructional Program, comments to: mcculloch@ecs.umass.edu. This is an official page of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Campus. Updated: Spring, 2001.