Method of DL instruction delivery?

Hello all. I have been evaluating a few different computer science distance learning programs at the MS and PhD level. I'm familiar with the various formats in which distance instruction has been delivered in the past (mailed video tapes, for example), but I was wondering about the formats that schools with internet-based programs use.

Can anyone who has an internet-based delivery of their DL program make a quick post stating the method of the instruction delivery? I'm interested in whatever schools, degree programs, file formats, odd requirements (instruction is done via a special Java applet, for example), general details, and positive/negative feedback that you can give me. What worked for you and what didn't? What schools are most effective at delivering instruction via the internet?

I'm most interested in MS and PhD computer science programs, of course, but I think that we can all benefit from mentioning what we liked or didn't like about how material was presented to us. Personally, I'd rather spend a few hundred dollars more per credit hour if the instruction was being delivered in a format that makes it easier to learn.

I was pleased with the MS program in computer science that is offered by California State University at Chico. The school offers recorded lectures via streaming RealMedia so that distance learners can "sit in" during actual classes. I found it a bit of a bother that I couldn't cache the classes for later viewing without internet access, but that's a minor problem. I remember seeing another school that allowed a student to download a Powerpoint presentation and then either download or stream an MP3 of a professor that was lecturing on the material. This seemed a bit more limiting, but still a valid method of getting the job done.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Andrew

 

I can tell you about the following:

Columbia University - MScEE
They provide you with a huge box of VHS tapes all together.
So you get about 28 tapes or 14 tapes depeding on the lenght of the class (14 weeks regular semester or less during the summer).

Tapes are of good quality and well done. Lectures are taped during the previous semster with part-time night students on their campus. I could not sit and watch all tapes -


Colorado State Univ - MBA
CSU tapes live classes dring their parttime MBA program. Next day you get the DVD shipped to your house. So you get to benefit from the interaction in the class and the program and events discussed are up to-date. I did not attend but did a lot of research and received a sample DVD.

UMass-Amherst -MBA
Majority of the program is deliverd online, but some classes do have RealOne clips (2-10mins) during different parts of the class. One class actually ahd a 4 hours CD, that involved two review sessions with part-time stundents. I found that extremely useful and quality was ok. This was a statistics class and the professor was one of the best I have ever had.

- Overall, I think that delivering material om DVD is a great option, but I can not see myself sit in front of my TV for 4-8 hours a week watching classes. I prefer the online format w/ discussion boards and small clips here and there.

- I also like cohort programs where one gets to meet other people and develop relationships.

I make one exception: if the professor was an attractive woman and the class was interesting then having 20 or so DVDs of her class sessions would be something that I would probably watch -