UW-Superior Distance Learning Center News and Events

2/10/2012 Distance Learning Student News

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:02:46 +0000

ElEd Students - Got a Minor?

The Educational Leadership Department has notified us that many students pursuing the Elementary Education Major do not have a declared minor. The minor is required to be declared at the time you are admitted to Teacher Education, following successful completion of TED 200 Introduction to Education. For your reference, minors offered through the DLC that can be used with the Elementary Education Major are Adaptive/Special Education, Early Childhood, Geography, Health Education, Library Science, Reading/Language Arts, and Social Studies. Your Degree Progress Report in the E-Hive shows your declared minor. If you are admitted to Teacher Education and you don't see one there, you'll need to make a declaration. How do you declare your minor? E-mail your choice to registrar@uwsuper.edu.

Time to Apply for Elementary Education Scholarships

The Educational Leadership Department has announced applications for scholarships for 2012-13 are being accepted. Elementary Education students may download applications from www.uwsuper.edu/acaddept/edl/forms/ted/index.cfm. Applications are due March 9th, 2012, by 4:30 PM. Watch upcoming newsletters for announcements about Communicating Arts, Health and Wellness Management, and Library Science Minor scholarships, as well as UW-Superior Foundation Scholarships available to all Distance Learning students. Sustainable Management scholarships were awarded in January.

Follow Us on Facebook

In addition to this e-newsletter, you can see our major news and announcements at www.facebook.com/uwsdlc.

How's It Going?

We're now wrapping up the third week of the term, and we're wondering how it's going for you. Are your courses what you expected? Were you pleasantly surprised, or just surprised? Are you tired or energized? Let us know how it is for you. Post a comment in the Cyber Cafe, send an e-mail to your advisor, or send it to me at pnordgre@uwsuper.edu. You'll get a response from us.

Important Dates

February 15th - Last day to apply for graduation in Spring 2012

February 17th - Last day to receive 50% refund

April 5th - Last day to withdraw without academic penalty

May 19th - Spring Commencement, 2 PM, Wessman Arena

1/20/2012 Distance Learning Student News

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:50:13 +0000

Happy New Year!

The Distance Learning Center staff hopes you enjoyed a bit of a holiday break, with just as much family, food and fun as you needed. We've been busy preparing for the Spring 2012 semester, with new classes and newly enrolled students. It all begins this Monday.

We welcome 75 new students to our online programs. We're grateful you've chosen UW-Superior for your education. We pledge to do all we can to ensure your success and help you reach your goals.

Top Ten Tips for You

In the spirit of new beginnings, here are our suggestions for success in the new semester.

10. Check the due dates for your class assignments, then put them in your JacketMail calendar.

9. Check your JacketMail regularly for important information from the DLC and the university - like this e-newsletter.

8. Review the Academic Calendar for other important dates and deadlines. Put those in your JacketMail calendar, too.

7. Use the Jim Dan Hill Library's online resources for your papers and projects. Did you know they'll mail books to you, too?

6. Connect with your fellow students in the Cyber Cafe. You'll get support, and answers from others who have been there before you. You might also be able to swap books and resources.

5. Tutor.com is there when you need extra help understanding challenging concepts or principles. The UW-Superior Writing Center will review your writing, make suggestions, and do online consultations for your writing projects.

4. Make sure you communicate early with your instructor in each class.

3. Plan your time. You'll need regular time to concentrate on your academic work. Reserve time for family and work needs, too, but make sure you can meet the needs of your studies.

2. When you need to contact the Distance Learning Center, email dlc@uwsuper.edu or call 877-528-6597 for a prompt response. We're here to help you succeed.

And the #1 tip for Distance Learning success.....

1. When you have a question...any question...and you don't know who to ask, ask your advisor!

Distance Student Job Opportunity

Our Cyber Cafe Mentor, Tracey Inglimo, received her Bachelor's Degree last month. We thank Tracey for her work in keeping you connected by writing and posting in the Cyber Cafe. We therefore have an opening for a new Cyber Cafe Mentor. The job involves regular management of the Cyber Cafe activities, including response to questions, research as needed, and communication with the DLC to keep students informed. We pay $10/hour for 5 hours per week, so if you could use an extra $50 each week, consider applying. The job can be done no matter where you're located. To apply, send an e-mail to Jim Shelquist, jshelqui@uwsuper.edu, describing your interest, and any applicable experience such as participation in the Cyber Cafe, Facebook groups, or similar online communication systems. The position is open until filled.

The Student-Centered Virtual University

UW-Superior has a Faculty and Staff Enhancement Day during the week before each new semester. Our Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning organizes opportunities for faculty and staff to learn and share expertise on a number of topics, to help improve their work. This spring's theme was "Being a Student-Centered Campus". The Distance Learning Center sponsored two panel discussions about "The Student-Centered Virtual Campus", one focused on academics, the other on student services. We had two excellent discussions about what we do, and ways we can improve our services. Thanks to our panel members!

Academics: Christina Kline and Karen Plass, DLC; Kristen Lindquist, Distance Learning Librarian; Dr. Deborah Schlacks, Director, Writing Center; Scott Smith, lecturer, Communicating Arts.

Student Services: Beth Constance, Jim Shelquist, and Tom Tu, DLC; and special thanks to Kate Anderson, Distance Learning student in Elementary Education, for serving on our panel!

New rankings for our program

US News and World Report has issued its first rankings of online learning programs. A total of 190 online universities and programs nationwide were evaluated in three categories. Here's how UW-Superior's programs were ranked.

Faculty Credentials and Training - 48

Student Engagement and Assessment - 123

Student Services and Technology - 15

These rankings appear to align with what you tell us in the annual Priorities Survey for Online Learners. Overall, we feel positive about our initial rankings, while continuing to focus on improvement.

You can see how we compare to other UW programs at

http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/search/name+University%20of%20Wisconsin

and the overall rankings at

http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education

Important Dates

January 23rd - Spring 12 classes begin

February 3rd - Last day to add or drop classes in E-Hive

February 3rd - Last day to receive 100% refund

February 15th - Last day to apply for graduation in Spring 2012

February 17th - Last day to receive 50% refund

April 5th - Last day to withdraw without academic penalty

May 19th - Spring Commencement, 2 PM, Wessman Arena

Distance Learning students attend Winter Commencement

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:37:40 +0000

"We share in the pride and joy that our graduating students experience with their families and friends - knowing an important milestone has been achieved," said Dr. Peter Nordgren, Associate Dean for Distance Learning and Continuing Education.

"Distance Learning programs," Nordgren explains, "have made it possible for students to earn a University of Wisconsin degree while continuing their regular activities, ranging from family responsibilities to work commitments, no matter their location."

The Distance Learning Center has been serving students for more than 30 years, and currently offers five fully accredited undergraduate degrees: Communicating Arts, Elementary Education, Interdisciplinary Studies (Individually Designed), Sustainable Management, and Health and Wellness Management.

"With 18 percent of UW-Superior's enrollment being distance learning students and growing, online learning is a learning delivery system that bundles all kinds of learning experiences in a structured, interactive way for the learner," continued Nordgren. "The future is bright for online learning."

12/16/2011 Distance Learning Student News

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 02:53:04 +0000

Congratulations to our Fall Graduates!

Here's the graduation list as of December 15th. Note the list is subject to change with completion of requirements. A special acknowledgement to our first Sustainable Management graduate, Susan Goodman of Albany, Oregon.

Each of you has a unique story of your journey to your degree. Each of you has new goals and dreams to accomplish.

Associate Degree

Amanda McKown

Danielle White

Communicating Arts

Rodney Lampton

Michelle Nowak

Daniel Pickles

Lisa Sorvik

Erin Van Quill

Elementary Education

Kristine Baker

Jill Burfield

Joanie Dickerson

Janeen Fait-Herkert

Kari Hyde

Angelea Moore

Sharon Nokovic

Stephanie Sandberg

Tracy Saylor

Individually Designed Major

Jessica Arnold

Nicole Boyd

Christina Frost

Rose Glesener

Tracey Inglimo

Julie Johnson

James Lombardo

Becky Lonetto

Jennifer Longhenry

Tricia Neubarth

Julie Peterson

Becky Stone

Dawn Stoner

Tashonda Townsell

Social Work

Holly Jensen

Sustainable Management

Susan Goodman

Visit the Virtual Graduation

Celebrate your accomplishments online at www.uwsuper.edu/virtualgraduation.

Stay in Touch!

"Like" the Distance Learning/Extended Degree Alumni on Facebook.

Individually Designed becomes Interdisciplinary Studies

It's the same degree, just a new name. The title "Interdisciplinary Studies" has been adopted to better describe the major we've offered for more than 30 years. The new title is more widely used in colleges and universities.

Spring 12 Enrollment is Underway

Check your E-Hive to see your enrollment day/time for Spring 12 courses. Now is the time to contact your advisor to set up an appointment if you haven't yet enrolled. You can track space remaining available in spring courses at www.uwsuper.edu/classschedules.

Need to Reach an Advisor?

If you need to speak with an advisor at any time, just call the Distance Learning Center toll free at 877-528-6597 during our regular hours of 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday-Friday, or email dlc@uwsuper.edu. You can speak with any of our advisors, or ask to have an advisor call you back. You'll receive a prompt response.

Apply for Sustainable Management Scholarships

Scholarship applications are now being accepted for Sustainable Management majors for the Spring and Summer 12 terms. Applications are due January 9th, 2012, and can be submitted through the form at http://sustain.wisconsin.edu/aboutprogram/scholarship.aspx

The Sustainable Management scholarship program is administered through UW-Extension.

Happy Holidays!

Anne, Beth C, Dixie, Linda, Christina, Beth L, Jenice, Peter,
Karen, Jim, and Tom wish you an enjoyable and relaxing holiday season. Whether you love to ski, snack, or shop, we hope you get to do what you love with those you love.

Important Dates

December 17th - Commencement, 2 PM, Marcovich Wellness Center

December 26th and January 2nd - Distance Learning Center closed

January 16th - Preview Week begins for Spring 2012

January 23rd - Spring Semester 2012 begins

Credit for Prior Learning at UW-Superior featured in Reuters article

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:12:51 +0000

UW-Superior's program of evaluating and awarding credit for prior learning has aided adult learners in completing degrees for more than 30 years. A story by news service Reuters shares the experience of Jeff Gentz of Appleton, Wisconsin, who earned a bachelor's degree in 2007 through the Distance Learning Center. Through presentation of a portfolio documenting his professional learning, Gentz was awarded 42 credits toward his degree.

Read the Reuters article here.

Learn more about Prior Learning Assessment at UW-Superior.

Learn more about UW-Superior's Distance Learning Center and online degree
programs.

December 2, 2011 Distance Learning Student News

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 02:58:07 +0000

Graduation is December 17th

The big day is coming. We'll be recognizing our newest Bachelor's Degree recipients on Saturday, the 17th. The ceremony begins at 2 PM in the Marcovich Wellness Center, but graduates will want to be at the stage in the MWC at 12:30 PM for the Distance Learning graduate photo. Watch for a letter from us with all the details.

Graduation Video

This December's graduates have received an invitation from Chancellor Wachter: if you want to participate but are unable to make it to campus, you can submit a Quicktime or Adobe Flash 4fv video file to Tyler Rezabek at trezabek@uwsuper.edu for inclusion in the graduation video. Messages should be 20-30 seconds in length. The video will be shown before and after the commencement ceremony, posted on UW-Superior's website, and also available on the UW-Superior YouTube page. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Tyler Rezabek at trezabek@uwsuper.edu.

Spring 12 Enrollment is Underway

Need to Reach an Advisor?

Student Teaching Applications Due December 15th

Applications to student teach during the 2012-13 academic year, fall and spring terms, are due at the Office of Field Experience by December 15th. If you plan to student teach next year, make sure your application is in! Contact your advisor if you have questions about the student teaching application process.

Apply for Sustainable Management Scholarships

Important Dates

December 15th - Student Teaching applications due for Fall 12 and Spring 13 December 17th - Commencement, 2 PM, Marcovich Wellness Center

11/18/2011 Distance Learning Student News

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 03:18:01 +0000

National Distance Learning Week

At our annual instructor lunch, we recognized instructors who reached milestones in their service to you.

Ray Reinertsen, Health and Human Performance, received his ten year certificate from Chancellor Renee Wachter.

Laura Jacobs, Library Science, fifteen years, with Interim Provost Faith Hensrud.

Dr. Roger Forseth, professor emeritus, World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, was recognized for 30 years of teaching literature courses through the Distance Learning Center. Dr. Forseth noted he had been teaching 60 years - half of them with students at a distance.

We also recognized Dr. Gary Keveles, Legal Studies program, 20 years; Dr. Cindy Graham, Communicating Arts, 10 years; and Dr. Wendy Kropid, World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, 15 years.

Graduation Video

Apply for Sustainable Management Scholarships

The Sustainable Management scholarship program is administered through UW-Extension.

Spring 12 Enrollment is Underway

Student Teaching Applications Due December 15th

Important Dates

December 15th - Student Teaching applications due for Fall 12 and Spring 13 December 17th - Commencement, 2 PM, Marcovich Wellness Center

It's National Distance Learning Week - join us for E-Learning Webinars

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 02:41:41 +0000

The Distance Learning Center and its Community of Practice are celebrating the 4th annual National Distance Learning Week by sponsoring webinars on E-Learning in partnership with CETL. Bring your lunch and learn at CETL in Swenson Hall. Learn more about the US Distance Learning Association and National Distance Learning Week at http://www.ndlw.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2011
Time: Noon - 1 PM
Topic: Learning Styles: Do they really matter?
Presenter:
Dr. Jolly T. Holden
USDLA Chair Emeritus
Advisory Board Chair
American InterContinental University
Associate Professor - School of Education

The recurring debate concerning the efficacy of learning styles and their impact on learning outcomes has been reflected in the literature for the past 60 years. Research has not overwhelmingly supported the premise that learning styles are a useful variable when designing instruction for adult learners. Since the goal of designing instruction is to attain the desired learning outcomes, the question one must answer is: Do learning styles really matter? In this his lively webinar, learning styles will be defined and differentiated from learning modalities, and based upon the research, why learning styles are not useful variables when predicting learning outcomes.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2011
Time: Noon - 1 PM
Topics: Virtual Worlds / Mobile Learning
Presenter:
Dr. Keysha Gamor
Virtual World Consultant

This webinar will explore the new mobile learning environment and how it is changing the way the world learns and interacts in a global multi-billion dollar education and training market. In addition, it will provide an overview of virtual worlds while examining popular virtual world applications. This session will also help you to frame an understanding of virtual worlds and their appropriate application.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2011
Time: Noon - 1 PM
Topic: Brain-based Learning
Presenter:
Dr. Nish Sonwalkar, (Sc.D.MIT)
USDLA, Director of Research
The International Center for Distance Learning Research and Praxis (ICDLRP)

This webinar will explore how the brain is comprised of billions of neurons (brain cells) connected with trillions of "synaptic" connections between the neurons. Recent research indicates that learning happens in a human brain when a group of neurons are able to form a network passing information between them in the form of electro-chemical signals. Brain-based learning has the potential to enable curriculum content to be adapted to individualized learning pathways ensuring an increase in learning effectiveness and efficiency as well as improvement in student engagement and evaluation measurements.

11/4/2011 Distance Learning Student News

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:54:57 +0000

National Distance Learning Week is Here!

The DLC celebrates National Distance Learning Week by hosting webinars about distance learning, by recognizing our instructors, and by holding a contest for you! Visit the Cyber Café to enter the contest. See www.ndlw.org to learn more about this annual event for everyone involved in distance learning.

Important Correction

In our last issue, we told you the deadline for Fall 11 graduation application was December 19th. Those of you closely following the "Important Dates" section caught this typo because you knew it was October 19th. Looking ahead, the deadline for application for Spring 12 graduation will be February 15th. These and other important dates can always be confirmed in the university's Academic Calendar, available through the DLC and Registrar's websites.

Registration for Spring 12 Starts November 7th

Check your E-Hive to see your enrollment day/time for Spring 12 courses. Now is the time to contact your advisor to set up an appointment to plan the next steps in your program and prepare for registration. Last Day to Drop is November 10th The last day to drop a class this semester is November 10th. If you wish to drop a class, here's what you do:

1. Go to the Distance Learning Center homepage,

2. Click 'Forms'

3. Click the white 'Current Students' tab

4. Click the 'Add/Drop Form'

5. Print this form,

6. Fill out the class or classes you want to drop and sign the form,

7. Drop it off or fax it to us (the fax number is on the form).

8. Send the Distance Learning Center a check or money order made out to the University of Wisconsin-Superior to cover the $20 fee to drop a class. Once we have that form and the fee, we'll drop the class for you.

Learn@UW-Superior will not reflect the changes in your courses for 24 hours after we process the drop. Once the course is dropped, your transcripts will record a 'W' grade, which only indicates that you have withdrawn from the class. This indicator on your transcripts will have no affect on your GPA. If you wish to drop all of your courses, contact your advisor via email to have a withdrawal form sent to you.

Important Dates

November 7th - spring registration starts

November 10th - last day to drop

December 15th - Student Teaching applications due for Fall 12 and Spring 13

December 17th - Commencement, 2 PM, Marcovich Wellness Center

UW-Superior to launch Health and Wellness Degree

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:26:43 +0000

New Health & Wellness degree featured in Business North article.

Distance Learning Center and Small Business Development Center in UW-Extension video

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:05:07 +0000

UW-Superior's Distance Learning Center and Small Business Development Center are featured in a new video about uses of broadband communication. Students share the benefits of flexible study through the DLC while managing work and family life. An entrepreneur in Price County gets face-to-face counseling from the SBDC via videoconference.

Transfer advisor to visit UW-Barron County

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:50:00 +0000

Chat with a UW-Superior advisor November 15th from 10am to 1pm at UW-Barron County.

Meet a UW-Superior advisor at LCOOCC St Croix

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0000

UW-Superior advisor at LCOOCC St Croix on November 15th, from 11am to 1pm.

UW-Marinette Transfer Fair

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:46:30 +0000

A UW-Superior advisor will be meeting with students on November 10th at the UW-Marinette Transfer Fair, from 2pm to 6pm.

Advisor to Visit UW-Baraboo November 9th

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:43:15 +0000

Learn how you can transfer from UW-Baraboo directly to UW-Superior, November 9th 10am to 1pm.