Core Modules

The self-paced core modules are in a print format, with CD-ROM supplements, and serve as handbooks for current learning and future reference. Each module includes a knowledge base of concepts and principles, examples of current practices, application guidelines and procedures, optional activities for applied learning, and a work-related project. A course advisor provides consultation and feedback.

The online core modules include print handbook, CD, web resources, online instructor, online discussion forums, and interactive online activities.

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 ateaching 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. You also learn through examples how each technology is applied, its benefits and limitations, and support needs.

0103 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.

Standard Electives

Print-Based Elective

0201 Learner Support Services
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.

0350 Online Facilitation Techniques (Web-based format)
This elective is an online course that is designed for self-paced learning on an individual basis. The course has 11 lessons, or tutorials, that introduce a variety of practical strategies for managing online discussions and communicating with students. Each lesson includes an overview, objectives, content, practice activities and/or self-check quiz, and summary. Each lesson was developed as a Sharable Content Object (SCO) and requires that you have Flash Player plug-in to view Web animations/interactions.

Personalized Experiential Learning

These learning experiences provide opportunities for individualized and hands-on activities to advance your knowledge in particular areas of practice.

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).

0002 Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning
Attend the annual conference held in early August in Madison, WI. This three-day event is widely recognized as a leading forum on distance education. The program involves more than 150 different sessions as well as exhibits and networking events. Travel costs not included.

Audioconference 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 Courses
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 Settings
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.

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.