Online Modules and Instructional Design

The DLG develops instructionally effective online learning tools on a variety of topics for students, faculty, and professionals in the field. Our modules are self-paced and available 24/7 so learners can complete them at their convenience. Learn more about online modules and our instructional design process.

Online Courses Delivered Via WebVista

For the past five years, we have been developing academic courses using WebVista—the University's course management system. WebVista allows faculty to deliver courses in a password-protected environment.

Advantages

• Course materials available 24/7
• Discussion Board for graded discussions, class participation, or Q & A
• Assessments presented in a variety of formats (multiple choice, short answer, matching, etc.)
• Timed assessments
• Paperless assignments
• Chat/Whiteboard for synchronous interaction

Early courses were developed within the School of Public Health as part of the Minnesota Center for Life-Long Learning in Public Health (MCLPH) grant (6 core courses); later NIOSH and the University of Minnesota Center for Public Health Preparedness (UMNCPHP). We are currently working with faculty subject matter experts to develop courses for the online component of the Maternal and Child Health MPH degree program, as part of a HRSA grant. Health Policy and Management also has a grant to develop courses to serve students at UM Rochester.

Exponential Growth

The academic Distance Education portfolio has grown from a handful of courses in 2001-2002 to over 30 courses across the SPH.

In addition to an increase in courses, the number of students has jumped from 133 to 1336 in the last six years, adding to the unprecedented growth of the School of Public Health.