Distance Learning Endorsement

Purpose

The Department of Instructional Technology is one of eight academic units in Utah State University's College of Education & Human Services. The program is designed to prepare students for careers involving distance learning.

Among the areas of growth and change in education, few are having the impact of distance learning. Today's technologies make it possible for students to participate in a wide variety of learning experiences despite the barriers of time and distance. Experiences that allow students to exchange ideas and access information all across the world are becoming commonplace through the use of computer networks and satellite technologies.

Utah has been a pioneer in distance learning. Since 1985, the Utah Education Network (UEN) has connected schools through EDNET and UtahLINK. Over 5000 students participate annually. Around the state, there continues to be a growing interest in distance learning and a demand for additional teacher preparation. The Utah State Office of Education, in conjunction with the College of Education & Human Services (CEHS) at Utah State University (USU), offers an endorsement in distance learning to meet the demand for well-qualified distance educators.

To apply for the USOE distance learning endorsement, students must have a current and valid Utah teaching license. The complete list of state requirements may be found at http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/cert/endorsements/DISTLEAR.htm

Program Goal and Objectives

The goal of the Distance Learning Endorsement Program is to provide public school educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective teachers of students who are participating in distance education programs. The program will prepare master teachers to meet the challenges of teaching and learning at a distance in the K-12 setting by aiding them in becoming: (1) effective communicators with distant learners across the barriers of time and distance, and (2) proficient users of telecommunication technologies in instruction. Through the program participants will:

examine theory, research, and practice relating to distance learning,
explore issues associated with instructional planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of distance instruction,
develop skills in using instructional technologies and tools to facilitate distance learning,
create learner-centered instruction, and
apply instructional strategies and facilitate learning in a distance environment.

Audience for the Program

The program is designed to serve the needs of professional educators at all levels. Individuals who have an active teaching license at any level or in any subject through the Utah State Office of Education are eligible to pursue the distance learning endorsement. This program will offer interested teachers, in-depth training to acquire an understanding of the issues surrounding distance learning and to develop the necessary techniques for effective instruction and facilitation of learning that takes place at a distance.