1.  EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

MISSION STATEMENT

 

 

The mission of the Division of Educational Technology Services is to provide materials and services in support of the teaching, research, and public services commitments of the University of North Alabama.  Educational Technology Services seeks to fulfill this mission through the activities of its four units: the Learning Resources Center (LRC), Media Services, the Distance Learning Program, and the Educational Computer Laboratory.

 

 

1.2  DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

 

 

The purpose of the Distance Learning Program is to coordinate the provision of high quality distance education opportunities to qualified individuals in support of the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University of North Alabama.

 

According to the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, distance education is defined as “a formal educational process in which the majority of the instruction occurs when student and instructor are not in the same place.  Instruction may be synchronous or asynchronous.  Distance education may employ correspondence study, or audio, video, or computer technologies.”  (COC Distance Education Definitions and Principles: A Policy Statement, p. 1)  At the University of North Alabama distance education is accomplished using a variety of educational technologies.  Generally, courses offered for academic course credit are delivered through the University’s Distance Learning Program; non-credit-bearing courses are administratively located in the Continuing Education Program.

 

The Distance Learning Program goals flow from and complement the university goals.  These measurable goals are as follows:

 

Reference:

University

  Goal

 

( 1,3,7,11)      1.  To increase access to educational programs by developing and

                            maintaining the technological infrastructure appropriate for the

                            delivery of distance instruction.

 

( 1,2,3,11)       2.   To facilitate the planning, development, scheduling, delivery, and

                              evaluation of high quality, high demand undergraduate and graduate

                              courses utilizing advanced educational technology.

 

( 1,2,3,4,11)    3.     To promote university distance education activities both within and

                                outside the university community.

 

( 3,7)               4.     To encourage the development and use of advanced educational

                                technology on campus as well as for distance learning.

 

( 1,3,4,11,12)  5.     To foster partnerships with area high schools, businesses, other

                                colleges and universities, and other organizations for the development

                                and delivery of distance instruction activities.