Rising up to the challenge of shortage of middle manpower in Nigeria, the University of Lagos established the Correspondence and Open Studies Unit (COSU), now Distance Learning Institute DLI). Accounting, Business Administration and Science-Education were the pilot courses at the B.Sc. level. The Special Entry Preparatory Programme (SEPP) was…

This article describes the design and development of a professional development program based upon research on the competencies necessary for online teaching success conducted at Penn State University in 2009-2010. The article highlights how the results of this research are being aligned with various professional development courses comprising the…

This paper considers professional development in a context that is familiar and problematic to teaching teams in tertiary education everywhere, that of delivering online programmes with an ever-decreasing complement of staff. The Teaching Qualification Further Education (TQFE) teaching team at University of Dundee confronted the reality of reduced…

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University--Worldwide serves more than 36,000 online students across the globe, many of whom are military and other non-traditional students, offering 34 undergraduate, graduate, and professional education/workforce certificate programs, presented both online and via blended delivery modes. The centralized model of online…

Engagement of the online learner is one approach to reduce attrition rates. Attrition rates for classes taught through distance education are 10-20% higher than classes taught in a face-to-face setting. This paper introduces a Model for Engagement and provides strategies to engage the online learner. The Model depicts various opportunities where…

Since 2002 the "Zurich E-Learning Certificate" offers lecturers and academic staff from the three main universities in Zurich the possibility to take part in a professional development program which supports the acquirement of eCompetence. The program is the result of a cooperation between the University of Zurich (UZH), the Swiss…

George Washington University's first career certificate program was for paralegals, originally established to help women in transition. Currently, 15 programs offer a variety of curricula especially attuned to the needs of the professional community in Washington, D.C. (SK)

Outlines the broad standards for the proposed National Board Certification for teachers. This advanced certification will bring new status to teaching and has enormous potential to spur increased collaboration among teachers, reduced bureaucratic control, and more productive use of teachers' talents. (FMW)

This paper focuses on an assessment of an online certification program in K-12 library media which has a near-perfect record of retaining students. Students and graduates of the program were asked to identify reasons for enrolling (and staying enrolled) in the program as well as functions that faculty performed well. These reasons were drawn upon…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the blended learning preferences under which adult students study mathematics, electronics and industry certificate examinations like project management and e-SAP (systems, applications and products). Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on four case studies in mathematics,…

Describes the Career Associate in Special Education program at Santa Fe Community College (Florida), a one-year certificate program to train paraprofessionals to work with handicapped students. Discusses the program's emphasis on practica, classroom studies, cooperation with the University of Florida, in-service courses, evaluation, and advisory…

Describes a law enforcement certificate program at Minnesota's Leech Lake Tribal College, developed to help respond to increasing youth violence. Argues that the physical training and academics are just as rigorous as those in similar programs offered by non-tribal colleges, but that the tribal program includes a cultural component. (AJL)

In working toward a goal of encouraging all nurses to participate in continuing education programs, the Florida Nurses Association has defined its standards for continuing education certification. A certification board was established, and the purpose for certification outlined. Four concepts are explained in the standards: certification, the…

New York University (New York) will offer a 16-credit graduate program entirely through an interactive network that can transmit video files and other multimedia elements into students' homes over high-speed telephone lines; students will log on anytime on personal computers. Program leads to an advanced professional certificate in information…

Lack of accessibility in the design of e-learning courses continues to hinder students with vision impairment. E-learning materials are predominantly vision-centric, incorporating images, animation, and interactive media, and as a result students with acute vision impairment do not have equal opportunity to gain tertiary qualifications or skills…