Reflections Magazine Issue #63 - Fall 2005 | Page 7

Innovative Teaching Takes On
A Whole New Subject:

Distance Learning!

F

or more than thirty years, Siena Heights has responded to the needs of
adult learners by providing degree-completion programs at various sites
throughout the lower tier of Michigan. During this time, we’ve taken great
pride in our ability to respond to the needs of our students with innovative teaching
methods and unique opportunities for learning. In the time Siena has been offering
degree-completion, technology has changed the world, including teaching styles
and methods – and now Siena takes that evolution to a whole new level.
Siena Heights University has offered blended online courses for several years
now, allowing students to convene in the traditional classroom setting for some of
their class meetings, while participating in online learning opportunities for other
aspects of the same course. And now, the persistence and creativity of several
faculty members have made online courses, and in fact full degree-completion, fully
available for SHU students! In the spring of 2004, Siena learned our application for
full accreditation for our online distance learning program was accepted by the North
Central Association, so we’re able to provide these exciting courses, and completion
of a Siena Heights University degree to students who live and work nearly anywhere
in the world!
Distance learning at Siena Heights encompasses a set of classes where the actual
course work takes place with the teacher and students separated by physical
distance utilizing technology to bridge the distance gap. This type of course provides )