Distance Education Certificate Program
Curriculum at a Glance
Core Modules
The core modules are offered in self-paced and group-based formats. See the How You'll Participate page for a comparison of the two study options.
0101 Learning at a Distance
Central to distance education is learning and the learner. Drawing practical lessons from research and experience, this module provides a conceptual framework for understanding the factors involved in distance teaching and learning. Included are guidelines on how to develop a learner-centered approach to improve learning quality and ideas on how to incorporate independence, interaction, and learner development into course design.
0101C Learning at a Distance
Central to distance education is learning and the learner. Drawing practical lessons from research and experience, this module provides a conceptual framework for understanding the factors involved in distance teaching and learning. Included are guidelines on how to develop a learner-centered approach to improve learning quality and ideas on how to incorporate independence, interaction, and learner development into course design.
0102 Distance Education Technology
Examines a variety of audio, video, and Internet/Web technologies to use for one-way and two-way course delivery, including tools for collaboration and reflection. In addition to system descriptions and costs, you learn how to match technology to learner and organizational characteristics and needs. You also learn through examples how each technology is applied, its benefits and limitations, and support aspects.
0102C Distance Education Technology
Examines a variety of audio, video, and Internet/Web technologies to use for one-way and two-way course delivery, including tools for collaboration and reflection. In addition to system descriptions and costs, you learn how to match technology to learner and organizational characteristics and needs. You also learn through examples how each technology is applied, its benefits and limitations, and support aspects.
0103 Instructional System Design
Instructional Systems Design (ISD) provides a systematic, problem-solving approach to planning and designing learning experiences. This module presents the basic principles and methods of ISD and shows you how to apply them in designing a unit of instruction. Also described are guidelines for developing instructional strategies, including media selection.
0103C Instructional Systems Design
Instructional Systems Design (ISD) provides a systematic, problem-solving approach to planning and designing learning experiences. This module presents the basic principles and methods of ISD and shows you how to apply them in designing a unit of instruction. Also described are guidelines for developing instructional strategies, including media selection.
0104 Evaluation in Distance Education
Examines how evaluation is used to assess educational programs and student performance. Describes evaluation models and discusses the six components of good evaluation design. Through guidelines and examples you learn the steps in evaluation planning and how to apply evaluation to assess instructional outcomes and to improve program quality and effectiveness.
0104C Evaluation in Distance Education
Examines how evaluation is used to assess educational programs and student performance. Describes evaluation models and discusses the six components of good evaluation design. Through guidelines and examples you learn the steps in evaluation planning and how to apply evaluation to assess instructional outcomes and to improve program quality and effectiveness.
0136 Fundamentals of Online Teaching
Course covers core competencies and best practices needed by successful online instructors, along with practical guidelines for designing and managing the online classroom, and strategies to support active learning.
Standard Electives
Print or web-based format
0201 Learner Support Services (print edition)
The print-based elective 0201 is similar to the core modules in format. It discusses resources and services learners need to be successful in distance education. Describes a variety of learner supports--from orientation aids to follow-up services after a program. Presents a step-by-step approach showing how to design and incorporate learner supports into new or existing programs. Included are strategies for preventing and solving support problems.
0201r eLearner Support Services (revised/updated 2010)
The module covers support services in the order in which they are offered by eLearning programs. You will learn four guiding principles for serving eLearners on an ongoing basis, and you will learn about specific services offered before, during, and after eLearning programs.
0315 Blogs and Blogging
In this self-paced course you'll gain an introduction to blog technology and the many ways you can use blogs in distance teaching and learning. An online study guide will provide background information and links to examples and additional resources to explore. As part of the course activities, you'll keep your own blog and reflect on your learning.
0316 Exploring the World of Wikis
Learn how wikis work and investigate many uses and examples in teaching and learning in this self-paced course. With an emphasis on exploration, this course helps you see potential applications of wikis in your distance learning context and provides some ways to get started. Course activities include completing a wiki planning form and/or setting up initial wiki pages for a course activity.
0317 Podcasting Perspectives
Explore examples and applications of podcasting in this introductory course. You'll learn what a podcast is, the basics of producing a podcast, and the benefits of podcasting in different contexts. For the course project you can develop a script for a podcast or record one that might use in your course or program.
0350 Online Facilitation Techniques
This self-paced course introduces practical strategies and techniques for managing successful online discussions. Eleven lessons present best practices and examples and engage you in practice activities and self-check quizzes.
0355 Assessment in Online Learning
This self-paced course presents an overview of the assessment process, types of assessment, assessment challenges and possible solutions, and feedback tools for the online courseroom.
0365B Using Virtual Environments in Teaching and Learning (Self-paced)
Self-paced option for course 0365.
Individualized experiences
These learning experiences provide opportunities for individualized and hands-on activities to advance your knowledge in particular areas of practice.
0002 Annual Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning
Attend the annual conference held in early August in Madison, WI. This event is widely recognized as a leading forum on distance education and e-learning. The program typically involves more than 150 different sessions as well as exhibits and networking events. Travel costs and pre/post-conference special events not included in 0002 course fee waiver.
0221 Learning Contract
You plan and carry out your own self-directed activity or project using a learning contract. A learning contract is a tool for planning your learning objectives, the resources you will use, a target date for completion, and the self-evaluation of outcomes. You may design a contract to earn from 1 to 2 CEUs (10 to 20 hours work).
Audio/web conferences seminars
You are linked by telephone into two-hour seminars with instructors and other learners to discuss course design and management issues. You also gain hands-on practice with audioconferencing as an instructional tool. These programs involve audio presentation, audio interaction, and print or web resources.
0232 Interactive Strategies for Video
Focuses on developing learner-centered, interactive strategies for videoconferencing and blended video/web technologies. Featured materials include: The Essential Videoconferencing Guide: 7 Keys to Success, a Supplementary Work Booklet, a CD-ROM of course/program examples, and web resource materials that illustrate a variety of interactive strategies and activities.
0233 Strategies for Web Conferencing
Introduces strategies to help you effectively design and teach interactive webconferences for synchronous (live, real-time) online applications. The presenters model how to facilitate active learning with polls, questions, interactive presentations, and discussion methods. A case study, interactivity tips, practical examples, and web resources reinforce principles of good practice.
0238 Managing Distance Learning in Corporate Setting
Discusses key considerations in managing the distance learning function in corporations to provide employee training and updating. Drawing on firsthand experience, the presenters describe major responsibilities and pitfalls of distance education management. Includes practical strategies, tips, and insights from experienced distance learning managers.
0239 Managing Distance Learning in Higher Education
Similar in content to Seminar 0238, but emphasizes higher education settings and issues.
Internet Seminars
Conducted via the Internet/World Wide Web, these four-week seminars provide hands-on experience, discussion forums, online activities, and readings that examine critical factors in using the Internet for distance learning.
0300 Introduction to Online Learning
Explores the key features, benefits, and limitations of the Internet as a distance learning medium. Introduces the major instructional design components essential to developing and supporting active learning environments, including major elements in course organization and interaction.
0301 Group Processes for Online Learning
Examines interaction processes and methods for effective group learning in Internet courses. Covers learner and instructor responsibilities, group facilitation techniques, and interactive teaching methods that engage students in discussion and other collaborative learning activities.
0302 Designing for Online Learning
Drawing upon instructional design principles for active learning, this seminar identifies tools and strategies for implementing effective Internet courses. Includes a sampling of tools for group conferencing, website development, and multimedia formats. Includes case studies illustrating design formats and instructional strategies.
0340 Special Topics
Broaden your perspectives and learn about new technologies and applications in distance teaching and learning with this series. Topics and guest discussion leaders change annually.
0365A Using Virtual Environments in Teaching and Learning
Explore virtual environments and the unique opportunities they provide for online teaching and learning. Learn principles of instruction for virtual worlds and investigate conditions for and assessment of learning in virtual worlds.
This is a three week online course, with activities and discussions in weeks one and three and individual exploration activities in week two.
Other requirements
0099 Orientation Planning
Completion of the Orientation Module, which includes goal-setting and schedule-planning forms, is the first step in the Certificate Program.
0400 Capstone Report
The capstone report is an opportunity to reflect upon your learning in the Certificate Program by summarizing the ideas or experiences that were most important to your professional development. The report comes after completing the 19.5 CEUs needed for certification.
0099C Orientation/Planning
Completion of the Orientation Module, which includes goal-setting and schedule-planning forms, is the first step in the Certificate Program.
