The way students take classes is quickly changing at Iowa State with the technology of ICN classes and classrooms on campus. ICN, which stands for Iowa Communication Network, utilizes fiber-optic lines installed throughout Iowa. “We have the ability to conference with anyone in the world, and having over 700 classrooms in the state makes this program a success,” said David Anderson, supervisor of media resources for Extended and Continuing Education. “We have connected to many different places in the world, including Belgium, Mexico, the Galapagos Islands and India.” Nine classrooms on campus are currently used by students for classes and other activities. Anderson said the classrooms can be found in Lagomarcino Hall, Carver Hall, Howe Hall, Curtiss Hall, the College of Design, Veterinary Medicine and the Scheman Building.Students can arrange to use an ICN room for non-class activities for a small hourly fee. However, students can take different ICN classes where fees are covered by tuition. More information on the ICNs and classes are available at www.lifelearner.iastate.edu.Mindy VanGorp, sophomore in child and family services, is currently enrolled in Human Development and Family Services 373 in an ICN classroom. The class focuses on death as a part of living.”The difference between this class setting and others is that we pick what we want to do,” she said, “and the whole idea of using microphones to talk separate the ICN from normal classes.”Instructors have also noticed the differences between the ICN and the normal classroom. Sherry Washburn, graduate assistant in human development and family studies, is teaching the Human Development and Family Services 373 course, which VanGorp is enrolled in.”You can teach the same way,” Washburn said. “However, more creativity is involved to do group work between where you are and the students in the other ICNs.”The ICN also provides new opportunities for rural Iowa residents unable to commute to a college town. “It is an efficient way to take classes, and you escape the idea and expense of having to live in or near a college town to take classes,” said Craig Hertel, who was able to finish his education by taking courses from Iowa State via the ICN. “The ICN that I used was four blocks from my home, and it was quite convenient that the classes are within my community rather than making the sacrifice of driving to a college,” he said. This program has proven itself to be a success in Iowa, even with some of the slight changes in teaching style, Hertel said. “I would recommend the ICN program to anyone that would like to take a class but is not thrilled about the commute,” he said.