Distance Learning
Adult & Continuing Education (ACE) in collaboration with Teaching, Learning, and Technologies (TLT) is here to assist faculty who have the desire to develop distance learning courses and programs.
Distance Learning, whether through hybrid or fully online coursework, is becoming increasingly important in meeting the needs of our adult learner population.
Successful faculty that teach online accept the challenge of gaining expertise in the tools, strategies and theories that enhance the online teaching and learning experience. These faculty understand that teaching online requires that the instructor provides students the opportunity to learn in a variety of ways through a variety of assessments that are comparable or superior to pedagogical methods utilized in traditional face-to-face classrooms.
ACE support in online development initiatives
ACE will provide the following assistance (PDF) to departments exploring development in a distance learning environment:
- Consultation meetings to define data needs that will support the viability of the program
- Consultation in development of a program plan – major map
- Access to professional development opportunities
- Access to Instructional Design support
- Assistance with marketing through the Distance Learning marketing plan
TLT support in online development initiatives
TLT provides practical assistance to faculty including:
- Training and professional development
- Project support
- Learning spaces
- Accessibility requirements and challenges
Availability and use of of Extension funds
If your department has ideas for developing or modifying courses or programs to be more accessible to a broader population of students through alternative means of format and/or delivery but lacks the necessary resources to get the ball moving, ACE may be able to provide financial assistance through Extension Funding (PDF).
Extension Funds are solely intended to broaden access to learning through innovation and collaboration. They must be formally requested, and funding will only be granted when a request meets explicit criteria. Extension funds are most appropriate during the development of a project or program.
It is expected that funded projects will stand on their own over time without the need for supplemental funding.
Online learning portal for students
In addition to supporting faculty and departments in expanding online and distance opportunities for students, ACE also maintains the public Distance Learning website for distance students.
This portal serves as a one-stop shop for all students who take one or many distance courses through Winona State. It has been designed to share a variety of resources and tips that contribute to student success, satisfaction and retention.
