Given the limitations of our time with our candidates and the need to establish meaningful learning and discourse, a hybrid approach to instruction and delivery of information with a focus of high tech/high touch has been designed and will be implemented in this program. Web-based instruction using 'Desire 2 Learn' as the platform will be used to provide instruction, on-going communication, and evaluation of the candidate with their K-12 mentor and the MSU instructors. Candidates are required to participate on-line in class activities, threaded discussions and some assignments. Chat-rooms will be used for 'live meetings' for synchronous discussions, and questions and answers. Likewise, discussion boards will be used for asynchronous threaded discussions and answers to questions throughout the program. Prior to starting the program, candidates are asked to investigate a location where they may have ready access to an internet connection.
In order to be successful in on-line education, candidates must familiarize themselves with the platform being used; in this case 'Desire 2 Learn'. Candidates must be self-motivated, organized, and able to synthesize and respond to material from a variety of formats.
Many distance learning courses require your computer to be connected to the Internet. Go to the following web site: http://mnsu.edu/its/standards/extend.html to determine if you have the proper equipment necessary to take an online course.
Note: Corporate or academic security firewalls may block some course content, such as chat or streaming media. Accommodations for access can sometimes be arranged by contacting the appropriate network administrators, through their security policies will ultimately dictate what is allowed.
