ION Professional eLearning Programs

What is State Authorization? State Authorization refers to the process which an institution of higher education is authorized to operate and offer educational programs within a particular state or territory. Not being compliant can cause the institution not to be able to participate in some federal financial aid programs.  There are several sites that help eliminate the confusion behind State Authorization. I worked at an institution that had several areas to be aware of. We had nursing students that did their clinical training in another state. We had students from nearby states that took our courses. We had students originally from our state and planning to work in our state, living in a neighboring state. It is required that institutions have policies and procedures concerning State authorization. It is required that institutions have policies and procedures concerning State authorization.  More information can be found at https://wcetsan.wiche.edu/state-authorization-101 ...

Great article.  

This is an excellent interview that evey administrator or administrator want to be should listen to.  

 Term 1 enrollment is winding down.  I have promoted our courses a lot lately and mentioned that they are instructor led. I would like to introduce you to our  instructors ! If you have hesitated, here is a link to our courses . You can see the schedule, look at the descriptions, and enroll!  The last day to register for courses that start Monday is also Monday. Beginning on Tuesday enrollment for term 2 will be open. Here are our courses that begin on Monday! AD2311 - Creating Accessible Documents (DAE) BL2311- Blended Learning Design & Instruction (MOT)    CR2311- Cultural Responsiveness in the Online Classroom (MOT) EA2311- External Advocacy for Online Leaders (MOLA)   FA2311 - Foundations of Accessibility for Educators (DAE) ID2311- Instructional Design for Online Course Development (MOT, DAE) OERF2311 - Foundations in Open Educational Resources (OER)   OERCS2311 - Creating and Sharing Open Educational Re...

 Have I mentioned that we have courses starting next week? Enroll by Monday!   https://cape.uis.edu/portal/catalog?tab=schedule ION eLearning courses are excellent ways to improve your skills as an online teacher, administrator, or otherwise. ION eLearning courses teach concepts that can carry over to other areas.  I asked ChatGPT two questions    What makes a great online teacher? "There are several characteristics that can make a great online teacher:  Familiarity with technology: A great online teacher is comfortable with the technology they are using and can effectively use it to deliver lessons and engage with students.  Clear and concise communication: A great online teacher is able to communicate clearly and concisely, using language that is easy for students to understand and following through on their expectations and instructions. Engaging and interactive: A great online teacher uses a variety of teaching methods to keep students engage...

My latest ChatGPT question.   "What is the key to success in online learning   1. Set clear goals and expectations: Setting clear goals and expectations for yourself and your students can help everyone stay focused and motivated.  2. Stay organized: Keeping all of your materials and resources organized and easily accessible can help you stay on track and make the most of your time.  3. Engage with the material: Actively engaging with the material and participating in discussions and activities can help you learn more effectively.  4. Communicate with your instructor and classmates: Asking questions and participating in discussions with your instructor and classmates can help you better understand the material and build a sense of community.  5. Seek out additional resources: If you are struggling with the material, don't be afraid to seek out additional resources, such as tutoring or online study groups, to help you succeed.  6. Stay motivated: Stayi...

Micro-Credentials and professional training like we have at ION Professional eLearning give you an edge. It shows that you have addditional skills and that you value lifelong learning.   www.uis.edu/ion   "In contrast to degree-based credentials like an MBA or a bachelor’s, micro-credentials are acquired through shorter quality programs—anywhere from one week to eight weeks—that allow a participant to quickly gain fluency in a particular skill, whether it’s digital marketing, data analysis, or financial decision-making."  

Althgough I know the topic, this was the first time that I have heard of education deserts.

I took ION eLearning courses before I started my graduate degree. They motivated me to go on!   "Microcredentials provide motivation for an individual to continue pursuing that more encompassing learning achievement at the end of a path. They can also help an individual make use of their learning as it is acquired–rather than being forced to wait until they’ve earned a full certificate–especially when represented as digital credentials." www.uis.edu/ion  

On this edition of ask ChatGPT  How can I improve my online teaching skills? "There are several ways you can improve your online teaching skills: Familiarize yourself with the technology: Make sure you understand how to use the platform you will be teaching on, as well as any other tools you will be using, such as video conferencing software or a virtual whiteboard. Create a clear lesson plan: Plan out your lessons in advance, including what you will cover, how you will present the material, and how you will engage with your students. Use a variety of teaching methods: In addition to lectures, consider using activities, discussions, and other interactive methods to engage your students and keep them interested. Encourage participation: Encourage your students to ask questions and participate in discussions to help them stay engaged and learn more effectively. Provide feedback: Make sure to provide regular feedback to your students on their progress and areas for improvement. Stay ...

Proving that online education is a valid form of instruction has always ben an uphill battle. In 2020 everyone was forced into it. It wasn't the best conditions, but we made it. Many institutions used places like ION eLearning to get their instructors up to speed on the best practices. Now we are finding that some instructors who would have never taught online before are okay with it now. Students see this as a good way to learn as well.   www.ion.uis/ion  

I was taliking about this before it was popular. I was on an HLC subcommittee when I first heard about it. Since then I have heard very little on it, until now. Not only is RSI a requirement, it is just the right thing to do!  

This week I will be asking ChatGPT a few questions. Dr. Ray Schroeder tried it out as well.   Deconstructing ChatGPT on the Future of Continuing Education The future has arrived in continuing education—however....  

Many schools have upgraded their classroom technology. "By adapting to new #ClassroomTech and meeting students and professors where they are at with #HybridLearning, IT teams are shaping the future success of #HigherEd institutions!"  

Good article. We can’t just throw up a course and think it is okay (I’m not saying that anyone did that on purpose). Now we must focus more on quality than ever before. I’ve taught courses in various formats over the years. I know how difficult everything can be. Teaching instructors the best practices and giving them the support they need along with their students is crucial. “focus on the whole student experience if we want our learners to begin, continue and succeed on their pathways through education.” https://www.uis.edu/ion http://evolllution.com/programming/program_planning/a-time-for-learning-experience-designers-2/

  Many seem to be having fun with ChatGPT, so I asked..... Why should online instructors take Universal Design? "Universal design is the practice of designing products, services, and environments to be usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their age, ability, or background. In the context of online education, universal design can help instructors to make their course materials and activities accessible to all students, including those with disabilities or other diverse learning needs. By taking a universal design approach, instructors can create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students. This can also benefit instructors by increasing the reach and impact of their courses, as well as helping to ensure that their materials are usable by a wider range of people." I have to agree with it. What do you think? Sign up for our Universal Design course that starts on the 16th! https://www.uis.edu/ion

  I asked ChatGPT.... What are the benefits of instructor-led professional development? "Instructor-led professional development refers to professional development that is led by an instructor or facilitator, rather than being self-paced or self-study. Some potential benefits of instructor-led professional development include: Opportunity to ask questions and receive immediate feedback: Instructor-led professional development typically includes opportunities for participants to ask questions and receive feedback from the instructor or facilitator, which can help them to better understand and apply the material. Opportunity to collaborate with peers: Instructor-led professional development may also include opportunities for participants to collaborate with their peers, which can help them to learn from each other and build a professional learning community. Structured learning experience: Instructor-led professional development is typically a structured learning experience, with cl...

  Going along with my ChatGPT theme.... I asked, why should higher education consider OER materials? "There are several reasons why higher education institutions should consider using open educational resources (OER) materials: Cost savings: One of the main advantages of OER is that they are free to use and distribute, which can significantly reduce the cost of tuition for students. Quality: Many OER materials are created by experts in their fields and undergo a thorough review process, ensuring that they are high quality and accurate. Flexibility: OER materials can be easily customized and adapted to fit the needs of a particular course or institution, making them more flexible than traditional educational resources. Accessibility: OER materials are openly licensed, which means that anyone can access them, regardless of their location or financial situation. This can be especially beneficial for students in developing countries or those who may not be able to afford expensive tex...

  Why should I learn about accessibility in online courses? And ChatGPT says .... "There are several reasons why it is important to learn about accessibility in online courses: Inclusivity: Accessibility allows people with disabilities to participate in and benefit from online courses. This helps to create an inclusive learning environment that is open to everyone. Legal requirements: In many countries, there are laws that require online courses to be accessible to people with disabilities. For example, in the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that online courses be accessible to people with disabilities. Best practices: Providing an accessible online course is simply the right thing to do. It ensures that all learners have an equal opportunity to participate and learn. Improved learning outcomes: Making an online course accessible can actually improve the learning experience for all learners, not just those with disabilities. For example, adding ca...