The Distance Education Summit at the APM - A great opportunity to explore new options
Have you ever thought about using some of the 'cool' technology gizmos you keep reading about...like
maybe podcasting your lecture, or adding sound to your Powerpoint presentations? Ever wondered how you can possibly teach
social work practice online? With many BPD programs considering offering online courses and even complete programs, you are
not alone. Now there's a chance to discuss these questions and get some answers.
These and many more topics related to technology and social work education will be presented
at the DISTANCE EDUCATION SUMMIT, offered as part of the 2007 Annual Program Meeting. This one-day Summit will be held on
Tuesday, October 30, 2007, the last day of the APM. Sessions will be scheduled from early morning through 4:45 pm. There is
NO EXTRA COST for attending the sessions.
Three 'tracks' of sessions are being scheduled. Track 1, Techniques and Strategies for Getting
Started Teaching in Distance Education, has sessions for faculty who are interested in starting or just beginning their instructional
efforts in distance education. Topics will include course design, teaching strategies, best practices, special challenges
in teaching social work practice online, and support policies.
Track 2, Techniques and Strategies for Improving Teaching in Distance Education, has sessions
intended for faculty already teaching in distance education formats who want to fine-tune their instructional efforts. The
focus will be on improving the quality of instruction and improving student learning outcomes. Topics will cover discussion
forums and peer review tools, re-usable learning objects, blended learning, and the use of group projects.
Track 3, Policy, Administrative, and Investment Issues for Developing Distance Education Programs,
will have sessions for administrators, technical people, and program developers. Topics will include technology choices, faculty
development, research agendas, marketing, accreditation, and continuing education.
The day promises to be filled with interesting and exciting conversations about things that
are - and will be increasingly - part of the breadth of social work education.
If you have any questions about the Distance Education Summit, please contact Paul P. Freddolino,
Ph.D., Chair of the Summit Planning Committee, at freddoli@msu.edu
