UB Joins Consortium To Market Distance-Learning Programs To Worldwide Audience Via Web Directory

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- UB has joined with a consortium of elite universities that will market to the world their online distance-learning programs via a directory on the World Wide Web.

George J. Lopos, Ph.D., dean of UB's Millard Fillmore College, led the effort that resulted in UB gaining membership in the consortium of 26 public and private universities designated as Research I universities by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

The initiative, known as "R1.edu," will maintain a Web site at http://www.outreach.washington.edu./r1/.

The site will allow users to view a listing of participating consortium members and to search their online distance-learning offerings by subject area, program type and institution. Credits and degrees for completed coursework will be awarded by the member institutions.

Lopos said he is particularly pleased with the "showcase" pages to be featured on the site that "will give member institutions an opportunity to highlight a different program each month."

He noted that MFC, which has taken the lead role in developing UB's distance-learning efforts, will coordinate registration for UB academic departments and units interested in listing online distance learning courses through the R1.edu initiative. "This process will facilitate an integrated university-wide effort," he added.

Mary H. Gresham, Ph.D., UB vice president for public service and urban affairs, praised Lopos for taking the initiative to secure UB's place in the consortium.

"I commend Dean Lopos on seizing this opportunity to partner with other Research I universities, while, at the same time, reaching out to a previously untapped, non-traditional student audience. Additionally, he has placed UB and its comprehensive continuing-education program in the forefront of programs offered by public research universities in the Northeast," she noted.

"In only two years, Dean Lopos' 'Distance Learning Team' has demonstrated what a strong service orientation and student-advocacy focus can mean for an institution's online program -- success."

Dave Szatmary, acting vice provost at the University of Washington, the coordinating university for this effort, said "the R1.edu site will provide a gateway to information about high-quality distance-learning programs from large, well-financed, established institutions."

Lopos said that to be included in the consortium, universities must demonstrate a commitment to the next generation (Internet 2) of networked-based, distance-learning programs and materials, have a minimum number of distance-learning course/program offerings and be a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and the Research I universities.

In addition to UB and the University of Washington, participants in the consortium are: Columbia University, Cornell University, Indiana University, The Johns Hopkins University, MIT, Michigan State University, New York University, Penn State University, Rutgers University, Stanford University, University of British Columbia, University of California at Berkeley, University of California at Los Angeles, University of Colorado, University of Florida, University of Illinois, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Pennsylvania, University of Texas at Austin, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Vanderbilt University.

While it would seem that these institutions are in direct competition for the same students, Lopos maintains that "the online offerings differ among the respective institutions so competition is not a concern. Besides, students as consumers will choose what best fits their educational needs."

Since its inception in 1997, MFC's distance-learning program has grown from three online courses and 20 enrolled students to 21 courses with 362 students. This fall, MFC's Internet-based offerings include a certificate program in computing and network management, and courses in paralegal studies, writing, public relations and nutrition.

"It's about outreach and providing a flexible, convenient means by which students can continue their education without leaving their world -- home, office or community," added Lopos. Accordingly, MFC recently introduced a new tag line for its distance learning program: "Your World Our Classroom."

While UB's participation in the "R1.edu" initiative focuses upon online opportunities, MFC also offers programs and courses via other distance-learning modalities. Journalism, psychology and American cinema are among six telecourses that will run on local cable access channels (Adelphia Cable and Lockport Community Television) this semester. Additionally, MFC, in conjunction with the UB School of Nursing, will offer interactive video courses to students at Jamestown Community College pursuing a UB bachelor's degree in nursing. In another initiative, the college will partner with the Graduate School of Education's Center for Continuing Professional Education to facilitate a series of interactive video seminars for officials of the Lancaster, Pioneer and Niagara Falls school districts.

The SUNY Learning Network is another way in which MFC is marketing its distance-learning courses statewide.

To learn more about MFC's distance-learning offerings, current or prospective students can contact the college by phone 716-829-2202, fax 716-829-2475, the Web http://www.mfc.buffalo.edu or email at mfc-inquire@ buffalo.edu.