- Honorary doctorates to be awarded during December commencement
- Former chancellor, wife pledge major gift to WCU
- Fraternity sends care packages to men, women serving overseas
- Cherokee Center program gets $5K boost from Smith Barney
- Board of trustees approves proposed 2007-08 fees
- Wake, WCU sign agreement with Cherokee's Eastern Band
- WCU economist: Holiday shopping will be merry
- Nursing professors win grant for international project
- MBA professor gives assistance to Canadian business group
- WCU's Sheffield wins Continuing Education award
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Bronwen Sheffield displays the plaque she received in recognition for the development and implementation of WCU's “University Experience." |
The award recognizes Sheffield for the development and implementation of the “University Experience,” a fully online introductory course offered prior to an undergraduate distance learner’s first academic course at WCU.
The course introduces undergraduate students who are new to online learning at WCU to the wide range of academic and other services available. The course uses a frequently-asked-questions format, discussion boards and assignments to create an online learning community for distance learners.
The award is given to an individual who improves the quality of teaching and learning for credit-related programs at his or her member institution. Instructional design and effectiveness, demonstrated impact on student learning or program delivery, and addressing a significant instructional, disciplinary or curricular need are some of the criteria used in the selection process.
“I was pleasantly surprised when I learned of the award, but I am especially pleased that faculty and students no longer have to deal with as many barriers in the first couple of weeks of their courses,” Sheffield said. “Faculty members can proceed with their course content with increased assurance that students are more prepared for the online components of their classes.”
The “University Experience” course has served more than 1,000 new distance learning undergraduates at WCU since its implementation in 2005.
“Recognition by the UCEA is an honor and a validation by our peer institutions,” said Pat Brown, dean of educational outreach at WCU. “Providing the support offered through the University Experience course reinforces the learning experience. Providing access and flexibility to adult learning is the first step in opening the resources of the university to the region.”
The UCEA is an international organization composed of approximately 425 institutions and 1,700 members. Region South includes 12 states, extending as far north as Virginia and far west as Texas.
Sheffield has been a member of the WCU staff since 1983. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Georgia and her master’s degree in agency counseling from WCU.
For more information about distance learning programs call (866) 928-4723 or visit http://edoutreach.wcu.edu.