While USD's increased enrollment came primarily from the larger than usual freshman class, the flexibility distance education affords has also helped to raise student numbers. This year, 2,271 students are participating in distance education, increasing enrollment in the program
16 percent.
As students begin to register for classes for the spring semester, many will overlook distance learning courses. Distance Education is offered through the Division of Continuing Education, formally known as SWES (State-Wide Educational Services). The Division of Continuing Education offers four flexible options for students to earn credits without having to be in a classroom.
Typically, distance education courses are most popular with non-traditional students who need to have a flexible schedule and may not be able to be on campus every day. Yet distance learning courses can be a positive alternative for traditional students with schedule conflicts.
One option for distance education is taking a correspondence course. Correspondence courses allow students to sign up for a semester or year based course and complete material at their own convenience. After students have adequately covered material and completed assignments, they can mail in the material. The correspondence option eliminates the lecture portion of a course meaning students have to rely heavily on text books.
Another option, telecourses, incorporate the lecture portion of class via television. South Dakota Public Broadcasting airs courses for one hour once a week.
An even more interactive option is offered through Dakota Digital Network, more commonly referred to as DDN. Students are able to participate in two-way video conferencing allowing students from across the state to still obtain the benefits of class room learning without being on location.
The last, and most popular option, is taking an online course. Taking courses online allows for students and professors to interact through chat rooms. The flexibility provided by online course can allow on campus students to take a class that may otherwise not fit into their schedule.
"Students on campus sometimes like flexibility that on-line courses afford," said Laurie Becvar, dean of continuing education.
For sophomore Ashley Lilleholm, a drug use and abuse major, the flexibility that taking a course online provides, allowed her to fit an additional class into her next semester schedule that otherwise would not have fit.
"I went to go visit my adviser, and she told me that they were offering a class I need for my major online so I won't fall behind in requirements."
Students interested in online courses can be assured that the course will be of as high a quality as a classroom course.
"All of the online courses go through a rigorous quality assurance process," said Gary Girard, the Continuing Education program manager. "Professors go through a two month workshop, there is a faculty review process, and each class is certified."
Despite the positives of Distance Education, it is not for everyone. "You definitely have to be disciplined and self motivated, it requires a lot of self discipline" said Girard.
Reach reporter Robb Schlimgen at jschlimg@usd.edu.
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