Distance education programs are an area of Continuing Education, International ‘ Summer Programs (CEISP) that can benefit the traditional students. These are classes conducted through technological means at varying locations.

They encompass web, television, or video-based classes allowing students the option of taking classes from their home, office or wherever they want. According to Bruce Edwards, associate dean of CEISP, these classes can aid the working student because they fit into their busy schedule.

Distance education is the newest program area at CEISP. The program is currently being developed to offer learners, including traditional students, more options. Courses currently offered at the main campus are in areas of computer science, special education, geography, manufacturing technology, nursing, philosophy, and technology.

“Distance education programs should be of interest to students once it gets off the ground,” said Anita Knauss, director of marketing and promotions. “It’s just a baby now and needs to expand more.”

As associate dean of distance education, Edwards is aiming to increase the number of distance courses available. One course he is specifically working on is the Swahili language course taught via the Internet by an instructor in Africa. This demonstrates what the future holds for the distance education program and students. “In the future, students will be able to return home in the summer and take courses through the Internet,” he said.

Distance education courses are currently being offered at 34 percent of the post-secondary institutes. They are mostly found in public institutions where the majority of classes offered are in areas of English, humanities, social and behavioral sciences and business and management.

Ann Betts, a 2000 University graduate student, took distance classes in supervision through the college of technology when obtaining her masters of education in career and technology education.

“I liked that the classes were convenient and flexible,” said Betts. “It was nice because I was able to be at home, instead of in the classroom.”

Betts recommends distance courses to students “if they are really motivated and like to participate.” However, she cautions prospective students that proficient typing is needed.

“I am sure there were lots of people who had a lot to say, but couldn’t type fast enough and got lost in the dust,” she said.

While Edward’s and others are working to get distance education off the ground, they have already taken a first step with the University’s Blackboard program. This program’s primary purpose is to promote distance learning at the University. It allows instructors and students to communicate and collaborate through chats, discussions, e-mail and online file exchange. This first step has set up a method for students to take classes through the Internet. With the Blackboard program, CEISP’s distance education classes have gotten off the ground, but there is still more development and expansion to come.

“The basic goal of distance education right now is to convince the faculty to offer web-based classes,” Knauss said.

Seven departments offer distance education classes currently, but CEISP is working to expand their distance opportunities into other departments.

With CEISP programs, students have the opportunity of learning from different technologies as well as in other countries. The department also coordinates study abroad programs with international students and faculty. International programs stimulate the awareness of different cultures on campus and in the community. CEISP is continually expanding its international program to give students the opportunity to learn another culture and to promote global awareness.

“Study abroad programs give students an enriching opportunity in other countries where they can learn cultures and act as an ambassador for our nation,” Balzer said.

There are 36 study abroad programs for University credit in 20 different countries offered by CEISP. Information sessions, pre-departure orientation and re-entry programs are all coordinated by the international programs sect of the department to aid students studying abroad.

“We recruit, orient and counsel students,” said Edwards, who is also associate dean of international programs.

CEISP encourages students to study abroad by recognizing exchanges and giving grants for international study. Balzer emphasizes how the department works closely with academic units to give students enriching opportunities. Through both grants and credit programs, CEISP makes it possible for students to see other cultures and experience them first-hand. Students must start the study abroad process early, at least a semester before the study abroad they want to go on.

“If a student talks to both their adviser and our international programs coordinator, they can find a way to do a study abroad,” Balzer said. “This allows them to broaden their horizons about the world and how they fit into it.”

Other programs offered by CEISP that may benefit traditional students are off-campus programs and options programs. Off-campus programs are credit classes offered at varying sites throughout Northwest Ohio.

Knauss says these courses can directly benefit commuter students.

“Off-campus programs have classes in Perrysburg and Toledo, so students who live in Toledo wouldn’t have to drive to BGSU for class,” said Knauss, “they could take a class closer to home.”

Knauss also notes that students going home for summer can benefit from these off-campus classes which bring higher education right into their backyards.

Options programs provide individual enrichment classes to the Bowling Green community, including the traditional student. They encompass an assortment of more than 50 classes in personal development and special interests. Karate, calligraphy, stained glass, and tea and tranquility, a day of relaxation, are just some of the classes offered.

While mostly adults and children in the community participate in these classes, traditional students can also enroll in them. Students can have the opportunity to learn about something of interest to them that is not related to the University degree curriculum.

“Options programs give students low pressure, enriching experiences,” said Balzer. “Both the traditional and nontraditional student can learn together.”

For example, traditional students can learn techniques to ace their graduate tests with the test preparation programs provided by options programs. These classes, directly targeted at students, are designed to prepare them for graduate tests by helping them gain confidence and learn various test-taking techniques. Test preparation sessions are available for GMAT, GRE and LSAT tests in various class length options, including 4-week, 6-week and web-based formats.

Through options, summer and distance education programs, CEISP’s educational opportunities are as diverse as their audience is.

“We are so many things to so many people,” Balzer said. CEISP takes education, and moves it away from an orthodox approach. Providing learning in numerous areas, people can take a leap outside the box of traditional University classes and see innovation and creativity in learning at CEISP. Located at 40 College Park, students can find out more information about the programs offered at CEISP, located at 40 College Park, by calling 372-8181 or visiting its website at http://conted.bgsu.edu.