The Distance Education Professional Development program builds knowledge, skills, and leadership in distance/online education and training through a curriculum of core modules and electives that cover distance teaching, learning, technology, instructional design, evaluation, learner support, and management. A Professional Development Certificate in Distance Education is earned upon completion of 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

The DEPD Certificate Program is offered by the School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison, in affiliation with the Department of Administrative Leadership & Policy Analysis (ELPA) and the Office of Education Outreach.

The program provides distinctive features designed to fit the schedules and continuing education needs of working professionals:

• distance learning formats. Our courses use distance learning formats to provide the convenience of at-home learning, including online courses via the Internet, audio conferencing, Web conferencing, and print handbooks with CD-ROM supplements.
  
  
• a comprehensive, practical emphasis. Through core and elective courses, the program covers all major components of distance education. Courses emphasize best practice principles and the application of knowledge to decision making in everyday practice, so you'll be able to apply what you learn to your own work situations.
  
  
• a widely respected program. The University of Wisconsin System is recognized worldwide for its distance education programs. Wisconsin's distance education spans more than 100 years of experience, leadership, and research with a wide range of technologies. The Distance Education Certificate Program, offered since 1993, builds on Wisconsin's experience as well as the expertise of course developers and instructors from organizations across North America.
  
  
• choice of self-paced track or collaborative track. In the self-paced track, you can start the program at any time and complete the courses at your own pace. In the collaborative track, you enroll in an established schedule of courses as a member of a collaborative, online learning group.

• hands-on distance learning. Because the courses use distance learning formats, you gain hands-on experience as a distance learner. Such experience provides valuable insights into best practices for course design, teaching, and learner support.
  
  
• individualized support services. Services for course planning, advising, feedback, and networking are available by phone, e-mail, fax, and computer conferencing. Your questions and coursework receive personalized attention from an experienced advisor who provides consultation and feedback throughout your work in the program.
  
  
• website resources. Our Certificate Program Website (http://www.wisc.edu/depd/) provides an online learning center for access to a variety of additional resources to support your learning and enhance skill development. Our website includes areas devoted to references and resources, online discussion forums, orientation materials, tutorials, and other learner support services.
  
  
• peer networking. If you are a collaborative learner, both the self-paced and collaborative tracks provide for peer interaction and group networking opportunities through electronic mail, computer listservs, web discussion forums, and telephone conferencing.
  
  
• evaluation. The knowledge and skills you develop in the Certificate Program are evaluated through projects, reports, and online activities reviewed by your advisor who will provide consultation and feedback.