Inaugural Distance Learning Week to begin at USI November 4

This year, University of Southern Indiana Online and Adult Learningwill be hosting the inaugural Distance Learning Week Monday through Friday, November 4-8. This event, presented in conjunction with the U.S. Distance Learning Association's (USDLA) National Distance Week, promotes online and distance learning, exploring issues and trends in distance and online learning while highlighting best practices.

Virtual and in-person activities for faculty and students engaged in online learning will be hosted each day. This year's keynote speaker, Dr. Barbara Kopp Miller, Vice Provost for UToledo Online and Workforce Development, will speak about online learning, benefits and challenges associated with online learning and the need for innovation. Miller's presentation will kick off Distance Learning Week at 10 a.m. Monday, November 4 via Zoom. There will also be a question and answer session.

"The Distance Learning Week events are incredibly beneficial to students and faculty alike participating in distance and online learning," said Brian Crose, USI Director of Online and Adult Learning. "Participants will have an opportunity to explore best practices related to online learning, along with identifying how online learning can address some of the time challenges our learners face with their education. We have a wide variety of resources available for both faculty and learners, regardless of course modality, that we will highlight throughout the week."

Students participating will learn the best time management practices of taking online courses as well as tips for ensuring the best communication possible with other virtual learners and instructors. USI employees will learn new strategies and explore tools available to online instructors to foster connections with students virtually.

The full list of activities and descriptions for the week can be found online. Recorded events will be available to view after the week concludes on the webpage.