More students discover distance-learning benefits

In 2005-06, approximately 3,000 Purdue students participated in a distance-learning program, through which they took an accredited course online through the Indiana Partnership for Statewide Education. There were 333 people enrolled in distance-learning courses in 2000, the first year courses from Indiana colleges and universities were available through the Internet.

The Office of the Provost is funding an initiative to increase the number of Purdue distance learning courses. Purdue currently offers more than 20 different courses each year. They include:

• Airport Security.

• Applied Leadership.

• Aviation Law.

• Business Writing.

• C Programming.

• Developing Project-Based Learning with Technology.

• Enrichment in the Classroom.

• Integrating and Managing Technology in the Classroom.

• Internet Foundations, Technologies and Developments.

• Introduction to Agricultural Biotechnology.

• Introduction to Educational Technology.

• Leading with Integrity.

• Procurement Management for Food Service.

• Production Planning.

• Reading in Middle and Secondary Schools.

• Readings in Gifted Education.

• Terrorism and Aviation Operations.

• Turfgrass Management.

A complete listing of course schedules is available online.

Dennis McElhoe, distance-learning courses coordinator, said Purdue is placing an increased emphasis on reaching out beyond campus to non-traditional students with specialized interests.

"Convenience is the key. People can plug into a Purdue course right from their living rooms," McElhoe said. "Those who have full-time jobs can update their skills during the evening. Purdue students who can't get into a specific course also find distance-learning handy."

Adam Metzger, a social studies education major from Battle Ground, Ind., visited Mark Pagano, Continuing Education and Conferences dean, to thank him for offering distance-learning. He said taking two political science courses online helped him graduate on time this spring.

"These courses allowed me to work at my own pace, turning in work when I had time," Metzger said. "I also did not have to worry about these classes interfering with my other Purdue classes because the assignments did not have specific due dates. "

Metzger said he feels confident in pursuing a career as a social studies teacher.

"Purdue has prepared me to enter the field of education with a vast array of knowledge," Metzger said. "I have been very well informed in my subject areas and will be able to pass my knowledge on to my future students."

The fee for each three-credit course is $694.60, plus a $30 application fee. The aviation and horticulture courses also may be taken as non-credit courses for $385.

Students, who are not required to be enrolled at Purdue, also may be asked to purchase a textbook and supplemental reading material. Continuing Education and Conferences also recommends that students have a high-speed Internet connection.

To register, contact Dennis L. McElhoe, Purdue distance-learning coordinator, at (765) 494-1434, dlmcelhoe@purdue.edu, or Marta Read, Continuing Education's Distance Learning Center administrative assistant, at (765) 494-2746, mlread@purdue.edu

Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu

Sources: Mark Pagano, (765) 496-2321, mapagano@purdue.edu

Dennis McElhoe, (765) 494-1434, dlmcelhoe@purdue.edu

Adam Metzger, (765) 589- 7059, mmetzger@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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