Kent State offers continuing studies credits via cable TVs

Sarah Lelonek

The College of Continuing Studies and Time Warner Cable are working together to bring continuing studies programs home to televisions in Northeast and southwest Ohio.

Kent State On Demand provides programs in the form of television shows for those who need continuing studies credits in legal education, social work and counseling education. Attorneys and social workers can take their continuing studies courses from home instead of traveling to seminars and classes.

“It’s a more convenient alternative,” K. Marie David, director of regional development, said.

David said those who are interested in the program can check availability and register for courses at www.kentstateondemand.tv.

Course fees range from $45 to $80. There is also a small charge from Time Warner Cable for On Demand service.

Participants watch the classes on Channel 995 on Time Warner Cable, write down a password found on the program, and then return to the Web site to complete an evaluation and assessment.

When participants are finished with the assessment, they print out a certificate of completion.

Anyone in northeastern Ohio can watch the programs, but they have to register online to receive credit, said Marilyn Bokrass, Outreach Program manager of the College of Continuing Studies.

Kent State On Demand was made available last spring but before that there was a pilot program for nurses.

Nurses have a lot of options to get their continuing studies credits, Bokrass said.

“We received such an outstanding response and feedback – they loved it,” she said. “Even people that have access to many different programs like good old-fashion TV.”

Bokrass said she thinks the program appeals to busy people who have a hard time finding ways to get their continuing studies credits to fit into their schedule. Also, watching the programs on television is easy for people who have disabilities or have trouble leaving the house.

Some people take online classes for their credits, but not everyone has the knowledge or capability to use the Internet, Bokrass said.

A continuing studies program for teachers is in production and should be available sometime during the holiday season.

The Kent State On Demand program became available to southwestern Ohio, including the greater Cincinnati and Dayton area, Oct. 1, David said.

The channel for those in the southwestern region is 1350.

Bokrass said there haven’t been any real problems working with Time Warner Cable.

“They were very receptive to the program,” Bokrass said. “They want to find ways to serve their audience.”

Kent State on Demand hopes to have programs for more professions such as dentistry and nursing and to expand its viewing area in the future.

Contact technology reporter Sarah Lelonek at [email protected].