June 20, 2016
By Paul Joseph, Paragon News Director –
SWOUS’s distance learning continues to expand with new programs that will assist students in becoming more active in online courses.
Distance learning concentrates on online courses, interactive video and e-learning. The Southwestern Oklahoma State University Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning is in charge of programs such as Respondus, Canvas and Turnitin.
Director of the center on the Weatherford campus, Marci Grant, says distance learning makes sure the online experience for students is on par for this century as it aims toward being up-to-date for the next century, as well.
Grant recently created a “Resources for Student Success” tab in Canvas. The resource has several links for students to access questions they may have or tips on the best ways to study or lessen outside distractions while studying.
New students and returning students will notice that the center has updated Canvas to be more navigational and visually appealing.
Beyond the new updates and added resources, distance learning is implementing a program for at least five to six General Education courses this fall and spring semesters. The program is called, “Three Pillars of Learning in Undergraduate Education” and concentrates on involving students more in their general education in both classroom and online courses by focusing on three learning proficiencies.
Another program is the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). It’s collaboration between SWOSU and other states to allow students access to other programs or courses.
For example, some out-of-state students may obtain a full RN to BSN online nursing degree from SWOSU by utilizing the SARA program.
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