Woodstock, Ontario's Fanshawe College is improving access to its programs through the development and implementation of a number of Internet and multimedia initiatives. Fanshawe College has established an interactive multimedia learning lab, where students access lessons, tests and tutorials that are supported by audio, video and print materials. Students are able to choose the speed and frequency of learning that suits them best. The college also offers distance learning through courses delivered via the Internet. Through Contact South , a consortium of colleges that pools the resources of different colleges.
Students benefit by being able to access courses from any of the consortium partners.
Three years ago, Fanshawe initiated video conferencing between its London and Woodstock campuses. Several business courses are delivered by faculty in London using this medium. These, and other Fanshawe initiatives will be aided by FutureNet, a pilot project to provide high speed, quality Internet connections to the campuses. The new infrastructure will facilitate improved connectivity from home computers to the college. Fanshawe s flexibility and innovation in course delivery has improved access to the college programs for various groups of people, including shift workers, people with disabilities and senior citizens, while allowing students to learn at their own pace.