National Distance Learning Week
11/10/2014
National Distance Learning Week begins today and will continue throughout the week. Distance learning is an innovative and convenient way to help students learn from work, home, or anywhere else. The United States Distance Learning Association celebrates this week by hosting webinars with a range of different topics including “Exploring the Promise of Student Personal Learning Networks” and “The Impact of Transformational Technology on Collaboration and Innovation in the Classroom”. The goal of National Distance Learning Week is to “promote and celebrate the tremendous growth and accomplishments occurring today in distance learning programs offered by schools, businesses, and governmental departments.”
Texas A&M University and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offer a variety of distance learning options to our students.
Within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, there are eight distance master’s programs and two distance doctoral programs. In total, there are more than 130 distance courses that are offered within the College and there are six distance certificates that students can earn. Students can find out how to enroll and helpful tips for making their distance learning experience the best it can be on the college website.
Dr. Kim Dooley, Associate Dean for Academic Operations in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said that the best thing about distance learning is the flexibility for students. “Of primary importance is the flexibility for students who work to be able to take courses at their convenience,” said Dr. Dooley.
“Students who may need pre-requisite courses or to repeat a required course can find alternative delivery options so they don’t get out of sequence on advanced coursework or core curriculum that could delay graduation,” said Dr. Dooley.
Faculty members that want to learn more about converting a face-to-face course to a distance learning format or incorporating more technology in the classroom can attend the “Technology Showcase” that will be hosted in the spring during the AgriLife Conference.
Over the last three years, $640,000 in distance education and online learning grants have been awarded to faculty members in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The College provides a list of resources for faculty and staff members interested in starting a distance education program as well as details about the request for proposals.
Dr. Dooley said that some of the benefits for faculty that participate in distance learning courses include asynchronous delivery that allow them to be engaged while off campus for research or service activities. “There are options for hybrid or flipped courses that can provide continuity and consistency in content while using face-to-face time for critical thinking and problem solving,” said Dr. Dooley.
There are a variety of resources available for instructors to help improve the quality of online learning. Included are Instructional Technology Service (ITS ) and the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) who offer workshops and consultations about how to teach effectively online. Also, the University Libraries offers faculty media support and KAMU is sometimes available to assist with high-quality video capture.
By Tara Hale