KCWC-TV
In 1983, Wyoming’s first public television station, KCWC-TV, went on the air. At the time, the college was awarded the largest single federal grant to operate the PBS station, and with the studios located on the CWC campus, it opened the doors for an instructional laboratory for the college’s broadcasting program. In the late 60's and early 70's before KCWC actually hit the air, the station broadcast on the local cable outlet on channel 4. CWC often videotaped high school basketball and football games in Lander and Riverton for later playback along with selected PBS programming licensed through KUED in Salt Lake City and programing from University of Wyoming. They also aired a large variety of educational films. All the programming at that time was in Black and White with the exception of the PBS video tapes. Intern radio broadcasting training before KCWC FM signed on was done through the two radio stations in Riverton and Lander, KVOW and KOVE.
Two years before the station went on the air and before the term “distance education” was coined, the college developed a plan to deliver telecourses to students in the region. Courses were also created for delivery on the college's student-operated FM radio station, and many on-campus classes were videotaped and delivered to students in the college's outreach centers. In 1982, before the advent of the personal computer, courses were offered that incorporated computers.
CWC continues to offer telecourses, and is also delivering courses on CD-ROM, videotape, online and via a state-of-the-art fully interactive distance technology network. CWC has firmly established itself in Wyoming as a leader in technology and distance learning; very important qualities to offer students who reside in this geographically isolated state.
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