Selp-Paced Track

Enrollment Plan A-SPT $2800
Covers all the courses needed to complete the Certificate Program:

Orientation, 0.5 CEUs
4 core modules, 12 CEUs
Choice of electives, 7 CEUs
Capstone report, 0.5 CEUs
Total: 20 CEUs

Plan D Individual Courses
Pay on a course-by-course basis. See the curriculum for course costs.

Enrollment deadline: You can enroll at any time
Program starts: You can start at any time
Enrollment plans:

Plan A-SPT, Core Modules & Standard Electives, $2800

Plan D, Individual Courses

Features

The Self-Paced Learning Track (SPT) provides a flexible and individualized approach to completing the Distance Education Certificate Program. You may enroll in the SPT at any time and set your own pace in working through the four core modules 0101, 0102, 0103, and 0104. The four core modules are in a print/CD-ROM format, with work-based projects tailored to your interests.

To round out your coursework, you choose up to 7 CEUs in electives. The electives not only focus on particular topics but also provide hands-on experience with various media formats. The electives include four-week Internet courses, two-hour audio/web seminars, and web-based training materials. Electives may be taken while working on the core modules.

Your work is supported by an advisor who provides consultation and feedback. You also have access to our Certificate Program Online Center at http://www.wisc.edu/depd/ with support services for informal online discussion forums and study groups for those wishing to interact with other learners in the program.

If you enroll in the Self-Paced Track, you first complete the 0099 Orientation Module, which includes forms for planning a program of study and selecting courses. After completing 0099, you may begin work on the core modules (starting with 0101 is recommended) and electives.

See comparison of features for a summary of how the self-paced and collaborative tracks differ.

Features

The Self-Paced Track offers the following features:

An individualized learning experience where you work independently on the core modules, with consultation and feedback from an advisor.

Each of the four core modules is designed as a self-learning package of print handbook, CD-ROM, and application project. Each module provides a knowledge base of concepts and principles, examples of current practices, application guidelines, and optional self-check activities. Integral to the module is a work-related project for applied learning.

Access to our Certificate Program Website for supplementary online resources, informal discussion forums, and optional study groups.

Your choice of electives to experience other distance learning formats and to tailor course selection to your needs.

A two-year completion time limit of all certificate requirements (an extension is possible, if needed).

Time commitment: Each core module is designed to be completed in a minimum time of 30 hours. However, most people spend an average 40 to 45 hours per module because of the value of the project to their own needs or work settings.

Technology: You will need a modern PC (Pentium or equivalent) or Macintosh computer with ready access to the Internet/World Wide Web via a modem speed of 56K or faster to participate in the elective Internet seminars and to access the Certificate Program Website.

Software: A Web browser, such as Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape 6.0, to access the World Wide Web. The Internet electives will use the Learn@UW course management system for threaded discussions and online learning activities. You will not need to purchase or download the software. You will simply log into Learn@UW using your Web browser.