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4 November 2008

(JSU/Steve Latham photo)

 

Jacksonville State University Celebrates Distance Learning Week Nov. 10-14
 

Jacksonville State University will join institutions across the country in celebrating National Distance Learning Week (NDLW), November 10-14. A series of events will be held during that week to celebrate distance learning and to educate the general public on the future of learning at a distance.

In recognition of NDLW, the Jacksonville State University Office of Distance Education will sponsor educational events such as online webinars and virtual chat sessions for members of the university community. (See bottom of page for information about events)

Dr. Frank King, Associate Vice President for Distance Education at JSU, says, "I am very pleased that the importance of distance learning to the nation is recognized through the National Distance Learning Week. Distance learning has greatly expanded the educational opportunities to our citizens regardless of their age or economic status. It has provided an opportunity to be an active learner where one is not limited by location or time restraints."

"This week was developed to celebrate and create greater awareness of distance learning and to recognize leaders as well as best practices in the field," says Dr. Kenneth Hartman, national committee chair and academic director of Drexel University Online. "USDLA could not have found a better person to lead this initiative. Dr. Hartman's experience in education and the media will ultimately result in a very successful campaign to educate the public about distance learning," says Dr. John Flores, CEO and President of the USDLA.

Online Learning is the fastest growing segment of education with 3.5 million adults and 700,000 K-12 students taking a course and or completing their degree completely online. For more information on any of the events listed above, please contact the JSU Office of Distance Education at (256) 782-8172. For information regarding the campaign, contact Dr. Kenneth Hartman, national committee chair, at (215) 895-0501 or visit the campaign website.

About Distance Learning:

Distance learning is the acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance. National Distance Learning Week is an initiative that was developed to generate greater awareness and appreciation for distance learning within the areas of K-12, higher education and corporations; and as a means to recognize leaders and best practices in the field. It is designed to engage professionals in the day-to-day practice of distance learning in schools, colleges, corporations, military and individuals and organizations providing products and services to the distance learning world.

About USDLA:

The United States Distance Learning Association is a non-profit organization formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance education and training constituencies served include pre-k-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling as well as business, corporate, military, government, and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry. For more information, visit the USDLA website or call (800) 275-5162.


 

Webinars:

The following free, higher education-related webinars will be held as part of NDLW:

• Global Education in Higher Education on Monday, November 10 from 1-2 p.m.
• Game-based Learning, Virtual Worlds, & Simulations on Tuesday, November 11 from 1-2 p.m.
• Future of Learning on Friday, November 14 from 10-11 a.m.

These webinars can be viewed from computers on or off-campus. To register, go to http://www.ndlw.org/registration.html and select the session(s) you would like to attend. Alternatively, the Office of Distance Education will broadcast all webinars in the Self Hall Videoconferencing Classroom (Room 208). No registration is required to attend the webinars in Self Hall.

In addition, staff members from the Office of Distance Education will hold two "Ask DE" chat sessions to answer any distance learning-related questions. These sessions will be held on Wednesday, November 12 from 10-11 a.m. and on Thursday, November 13 from 2-3 p.m.. Just login to the DE Faculty Members Group on MyJSU, select "Chat" under the "Group Tools" menu, and ask DE!

Please visit the DE Faculty Members Group in MyJSU for additional information, announcements, and networking opportunities in Distance Education. Faculty members who are not yet members may simply request membership to take advantage of the resources available.



 


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