Newsletter Fall 2009

A Note From our Director

Author: Jim Monaghan

As the office of Online and Distributed Learning approaches its 10th anniversary, we have much to celebrate. When the Office of Distributed Learning was formed in 1999, few would have predicted the level of growth and popularity of distributed learning technologies. Where there were virtually no online course offerings, with the notable exception of a few pioneering faculty, and only a handful of videoconference offerings in 1999, now we offer more than 2200 courses annually that use distributed learning technologies.

Currently, more than 16,000 students use Blackboard; as well as more than 500 faculty.

We offer eight different programs online or in an online hybrid format, and all colleges have numerous course and program offerings that utilize distributed learning technologies.

We are actively developing the MBA program online. The TESOL Masters is also under development for regional and international markets. The university is developing programs in criminal justice and social work online. Also, much of the general studies track of the liberal studies major is available online.

CSUSB is one of the clear leaders in online learning in the CSU. We are leveraging this leadership by exploring partnerships with other CSU campuses to make opportunities available for students who otherwise would be unable to attain a college degree.

In this newsletter, we highlight the courses and degree programs offered online and through videoconference. We show the schedule of trainings that we conduct. We discuss electronic communities of practice that enable networking among students and faculty and the broader community. We highlight ways to save preparation time in classes through the use of distributed learning technologies, and much more.

Please let us know if there are other things that you would like to see in the newsletter and, as always, please let us know how we are doing and how we can best help you.

Best wishes,
Jim Monaghan, Ed.D.

Download an electronic copy of the Fall 2009 Newsletter (PDF)