Technological Innovation VMCP is unique in its use of the Internet. Students use the Web to learn about the program and assess their own skills. Once enrolled, they complete exercises as part of each module that can be shared with other students working on the same module. Assignments at the end of the module are submitted via the Internet to a faculty member for critique. The planning team was alerted to the need for strong technological support by the needs assessment survey done before the program was launched.
Many students have low-end computers and are often inexperienced with the Internet.
It was designed to provide clear and consistent content presentation, student interaction, on-line testing, and management data for instructors. The CMS program instantly recognizes the student's computer features and modem speed, and detects technical problems automatically. A staff member then provides technical support, answering questions about hardware, software, and how to send an attached document. Students thus have a person who can help them over the mechanical hurdles of on-line, as well as the intellectual ones. Frequently Asked Questions are posted to the site to help the students and avoid redundant phone calls and emails.