Lifelong & Distance Learning

http://www.ohio.edu/lifelong/

Haning Hall

Lifelong & Distance Learning offers a variety of innovative and alternative educational opportunities and experiences for both traditional and nontraditional students. With its mission of outreach and access, Lifelong & Distance Learning (LDL) extends the services of Ohio University to learners of all ages, throughout the world. LDL is the home for all continuing education and professional development programs, independent and distance learning options (graduate and undergraduate), and summer sessions. It also offers a variety of learning options in unique formats through Ohio University Without Boundaries and OU Online.

Classes and independent learning courses can lead to a degree. If you are interested in seeking an Ohio University degree, you must be admitted through normal University procedures. Participants in designated noncredit courses may earn continuing education units (CEUs).

Options for learning online are offered through the programs in Lifelong & Distance Learning. These include credit courses in both term-based and independent learning formats, as well as self-paced noncredit courses.

Lifelong & Distance Learning

The Division of Lifelong & Distance Learning provides learners of all ages a variety of programs and services.

Each year, it offers a wide range of diverse programs, including independent study, professional development, and distance learning courses.

Noncredit E-learning opportunities focus on new career and professional development courses and certificates. Web-based E-learning offers individuals the opportunity to learn new skills at their own pace and on their own schedule. Many courses and all certificate programs provide CEUs upon successful completion. A complete list of all noncredit E-learning programs can be found at http://www.ohio.edu/lifelong/.

Correspondence Courses are offered in print format and online, developed and graded by University faculty, and structured independent learning options. Most are presented in a printed course guide or on the Web; other media may include audio cassettes, video cassettes, CDs, and computer disks. Content is divided into lessons with submitted assignments at the end of each lesson, allowing students and faculty members to participate in a dialog that may be conducted by postal mail, fax, or e-mail. Supervised examinations are generally required, although in some courses, a project or paper may be required instead. Students may arrange to take examinations at locations near them. A complete list of courses and programs is available at http://www.ohio.edu/independent/.

Independent Study Projects can sometimes be arranged in undergraduate courses not currently available as distance learning courses. These arrangements are made on an individual basis and are contingent upon the approval of the department in which the course is offered and the availability of a qualified faculty member willing to direct the project. Students and faculty members agree upon the conditions that must be fulfilled for credit to be awarded. The work may include a variety of readings, papers, projects, and examinations. This option is most successfully used by experienced students.

Course Credit by Examination represents the least structured method of obtaining college credit. Students enroll in a course and receive a brief syllabus that describes the nature of the course, the textbooks and other materials to study, and the type of examination. Students prepare for the examination without assistance from a faculty member. Letter grades, including failures, are recorded. Credit is awarded for a passing grade.

The External Student Program is for adults who are interested in a degree without residence on campus. The program provides help in evaluating previous college coursework and in planning a degree program. Students can work on one of several associate degrees, the Bachelor of Specialized Studies, the Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies, or the Bachelor of Criminal Justice, by taking courses by correspondence, Course Credit by Examination, or various online options. Many students also take advantage of portfolio-based assessment.

The Experiential Learning Program, or portfolio-based assessment, helps qualified adults document and receive credit for learning that has occurred through employment or volunteer activities. A maximum of 48 credits may be earned toward a four-year degree. UC 203, Credit for Work Experience: Portfolio Development, which focuses on the development of the learning portfolio and is required for the submission of a portfolio, is offered on the Athens and regional campuses online.

The College Program for the Incarcerated serves incarcerated adults who wish to earn a degree or college credit. Students receive guidance in evaluating previous college work and planning a degree. The Bachelor of Specialized Studies and three associate degrees are available. Students can also transfer credit to other institutions. Most credit is earned through correspondence courses or Course Credit by Examination. Comprehensive fees make college-level study more accessible to incarcerated learners.

The Lifelong & Distance Learning Office of Ohio University Without Boundaries designs, develops, and delivers learning experiences that integrate life, work, and learning on a continual basis, regardless of physical location, for professional working people and other adult learners. Offerings include graduate-level degree programs for targeted professionals, executive or professional education and certificate programs for individuals or partner organizations, and online learning communities that provide enrichment opportunities featuring prominent faculty and alumni. Undergraduate course credit is also available through some programs. Many programs are built upon a learning architecture that combines the convenience of online collaboration and content acquisition with the proven benefits of face-to-face interaction through a small number of high-intensity residencies. Interactive learning modules and enrichment opportunities are presented in a multimedia format, including video, animation, and sound, and 3-D virtual world experiences, as well as text. Graduate program offerings include the Master’s in Athletic Administration, Master’s in Coaching Education, Executive Master of Public Administration, Executive Ph.D. in Higher Education, and Master of Leadership in Educational Administration. For additional information, go to http://www.ouwb.ohiou.edu.

The Real Estate Certificate Program consists of four undergraduate courses in Real Estate Technology. Completion of these courses qualifies students to apply for the Ohio Division of Real Estate state exam.

The Office of Summer Sessions offers undergraduate and graduate courses, workshops, and special programs on the Athens and regional campuses and online to traditional, nontraditional, visiting, and high school students. Students on campus experience a relaxed campus atmosphere, smaller classes, a friendly and diverse student body, unique and specialized classes and formats, and many extracurricular events. Summer Sessions provide students with an extra quarter to begin a degree, earn a teaching certificate, learn a new language, update professional skills, or catch up on courses. This office also administers the Winter Intersession program, which allows students an opportunity to complete required courses during the long holiday break in December. A variety of courses are available primarily to juniors and seniors. For complete information about Summer Sessions or Winter Intersession, please visit http://www.ohio.edu/summer/.

Ohio University Online delivers into your home the same dynamic, hands-on instruction that characterizes the best on-campus classes. All lesson content for these term-based classes is on the Web, and all communication is by e-mail, including lesson submission and the instructor’s responses. Also, we provide the support you need so you will not be left to “go it alone.” Ohio University Online means:

Ignoring the clock–come to the online class whenever it’s convenient for you
Quality education without giving up quality time
Small class sizes with one-on-one instructor guidance and personalized communication
A large selection of online course options each quarter.

For complete information about Ohio University Online, please visit http://www.ohio.edu/ouonline/.

For further information about any of these programs, contact:

Lifelong & Distance Learning
Ohio University
Haning Hall 102
Athens, OH 45701-2979
740.593.2910
http://www.lifelong.ohio.edu