Distance education evolves

September 5, 2012

by Carol Gering, interim director

For more than 25 years, we operated as the Center for Distance Education. We have a proud history of serving geographically distributed students throughout the state of Alaska and around the world. Our method of delivery has evolved over the years from print-based correspondence courses to robust online learning environments. As a reflection of that transformation, our programs are now under the name, UAF eLearning and Distance Education.

This is an exciting time. We’re actively working with UAF academic departments to expand our course menu and to offer more degree programs completely online. You’ll find several brand new online courses in our course bulletin, including:

CHEM F100X—Chemistry in Complex Systems

ENGL F272—Creative Writing: Poetry

FLM F334W—Movies and Films

JUST F251—Criminology

SWK F320W—Rural Social Work

We’re also pleased to announce Online Innovation and Design as the newest concentration of courses in the Master of Education degree program. This program is designed for classroom teachers, instructional designers, school administrators, IT professionals and others who want to create and facilitate rich online learning experiences for students.

UAF eLearning also has several exciting new faculty development events, grants and awards open for registration and application. More information and approaching deadlines are available online.

While we have a new name and a growing list of educational offerings, the same friendly personnel are available to serve you. An ever-increasing student demand confirms our belief that you, as a student, staff or faculty member, are looking for flexible options to fit the demands of your busy life. UAF eLearning is here to help you, whether it be for immediate professional development, general interest or more flexibility in completing a degree.