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| BATON ROUGE – The LSU Continuing Education Office of Independent Study has officially become LSU Independent and Distance Learning, or IDL. The change signals an increased emphasis on online courses and development of new distance-learning programs. LSU Independent and Distance Learning courses allow students to earn college and high school credit from wherever they are, whether in Baton Rouge or Bangkok. The courses are self-paced, allowing students to complete a course in time frames ranging from nine weeks to nine months. Students use the courses to satisfy prerequisites, to make up for lost time, or to pursue an individual goal. Admission to LSU is not required for enrollment in IDL courses, and credit earned can be applied toward a college or high school degree or used to meet requirements for a professional certification. “These courses offer students the power to plan their education around their life,” said Joe Greenberg, director of the IDL program. “Students can enroll any time of the year and complete the course at the pace that is right for them.” While many independent learning courses use a correspondence model, computers and the Internet have revolutionized the field of distance learning. Digital networks permit a faster flow of information and offer additional opportunities for interaction and enrichment of academic courses. Innovations such as pod-casting, simulations and delivery of images and sound to a home desktop computer can bring a course to life, even when the student and instructor are separated by both time and space. “Excellent course design does not mean using technology for its own sake,” said Greenberg. “Where technology can advance student learning, we want to incorporate the best new tools to move our courses and students ahead.” IDL students form a diverse group. The department had more than 19,000 college and high school enrollments last year, with an even split between in-state and out-of-state students, including international students. While some people taking IDL college courses are full-time undergraduate students at LSU or other universities, many are older than traditional students and maintain full-time employment in addition to their studies. Some are pursuing a college degree part time, and others take courses to qualify for the CPA exam or other professional certification. Most IDL high school enrollments come from full-time students in Louisiana high schools. The program also appeals to home-schooled students and to adults working to complete a high school diploma. The self-paced nature of the courses allows traditional and nontraditional students to better manage their schedules, and to earn course credit without the usual constraints of the classroom. With more than 150 college courses, 80 high school courses, and several certificate programs available, independent learning programs provide an excellent educational value for people from every stage of life, from every state in the nation and from countries all over the world. More information and online course enrollment is available at the LSU IDL Web site, www.is.lsu.edu. LSU is a vibrant, competitive university in a culturally unique setting. Established in 1924, LSU Continuing Education programs touch every Louisiana parish, all 50 states and almost 40 countries around the world. For more information about LSU Continuing Education visit www.outreach.lsu.edu or call (225) 578-6325. -30- |
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