Last modified: Wednesday, December 14, 2011
IUconnectED provides one-stop resource for IU School of Education online learning
The Indiana University School of Education has launched IUconnectED, a new Web portal that conveniently coordinates access to the school's online learning programs. Through IUconnectED, students can take a variety of courses to earn credentials ranging from professional certificates to master's degrees and online doctorates.
IUconnectED includes all IU School of Education graduate-level courses and programs offered completely online, including courses from both the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses. The program is designed to serve practitioners in a variety of education-related roles through every stage of their careers. IUconnectED offers an opportunity for students to sharpen their skills through professional development coursework or take their careers to the next level by earning a graduate degree.
"Part of the IU School of Education mission is to improve teaching and learning in a rapidly changing and increasingly technological society," said Gerardo Gonzalez, dean of the IU School of Education. "This work speaks directly to that mission by providing an efficient way for students throughout the world to take courses at a nationally ranked, globally minded school of education."
"We are committed to providing the skills practitioners need to effectively prepare learners for what they will face today and in the future," said Elizabeth Boling, dean of graduate studies and professor of instructional systems technology. "IUconnectED embodies the accessibility that students need as they research their options for education and career advancement."
The entire online portfolio is designed to offer students the interactive experience, flexible delivery and challenging curriculum that will help them achieve their goals. Students may choose from over 90 courses, five professional development programs and five master's degree programs in various disciplines. Program offerings include language education, special education, instructional systems technology, elementary education and secondary education. The Ed.D. in Instructional Systems Technology is the latest program addition, which will begin in the fall semester 2012. The new program is the first IU doctorate offered completely online.
The School of Education is a leader in distance education. The first online courses and degree programs began in 1999. All of the programs are founded on rigorous academic research and taught by experienced faculty. The experience connects students as colleagues. "Online education creates a global learning environment in which students collaborate with peers near and far," Boling said. Students develop a network of colleagues whose diverse backgrounds enhance the learning experience. These are strong networks of students who have never met face-to-face. They become trusted colleagues who continue to support and challenge one another well beyond the academic program."
To learn more about the courses, academies, certificates and programs available through IUconnectED, please visit iuconnected.iu.edu. Courses are offered on a semester basis. Registration is now open for the spring semester that begins Jan. 9, 2012. Because these are graduate-level courses and programs, prospective students must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. New students may create an account by clicking "Register" next to the course listing and following the instructions.
