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Faculty stipend offered through the Online Course Development Program

January 28, 2015

Distance Learning is offering a faculty stipend  of $750 per credit hour, or up to $3,000 per course, for online course development that meets University priorities.

The Online Course Development Program (OCDP) will run for 12 weeks with six workshops highlighting various areas of distance learning course development. Courses given special consideration include, but aren't limited to, Core 39, the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program, and other online program courses. The application deadline is February 4, with award recipients tentatively being announced on February 6. The program is a cohort-based partnership program, where faculty can give and receive feedback from their peers throughout the process.

Megan Linos, assistant provost for Distance Learning, recognizes the diversity of the student population and the growing need for a variety of learning options. "Online education is not meant to replace face to face learning, but as educators, we are obligated to offer more options to allow students the freedom to choose how they want to learn," she said.

The availability of online courses is essential to help USI retain students and attract new students. Linos said having the option for students to take some of their coursework online helps alleviate some of the scheduling stress for students working one or more jobs, provides time during the day to do internships and can be especially beneficial for adult learners, veterans or students with disabilities.

OCDP is not merely a lesson in technology, but rather takes an individualistic approach to best fit the teaching needs of faculty. A professional staff is available to guide faculty through a variety of options they may use to personalize and make their online course user friendly and efficient. "We focus mainly on pedagogy - the strategies and tools that can be used. Faculty can decide which strategy they want and we tell them which tools support those needs," said Linos.

The initiative is made possible through campus collaborations between the Provost's Office, Academic Affairs, Outreach and Engagement and Distance Learning.

For more information about this program, contact Distance Learning at (812) 228-5124, DLHelp@usi.edu or visit the program website.

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