SPRINGFIELD – This summer the University of Illinois at Springfield will allow members of the public to experience online learning for themselves through "Taste of UIS Online" – four free, on-line, non-credit courses to be offered by UIS during July.
The four-week courses will run from July 2 through July 27 and will be taught by regular UIS instructors.
Courses are Hot Topics in Organizational Theory, with David O'Gorman, professor of Business Administration; Dealing with Diversity, with Charles Flamini, adjunct assistant professor in the College of Education and Human Services and assistant regional superintendent of schools; Emiquon: Floodplain Restoration on the Illinois River, with Michael Lemke, associate professor of Biology and director of the Emiquon Field Station, and Keith Miller, professor of Computer Science; and CSI: A Look into the Science of Forensics, with Wayne Gade, assistant professor of Clinical Laboratory Science, and Denise Cass, adjunct instructor of Chemistry.
Holly McCracken, director of Online Programs for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, explained, "This is an opportunity for people to discover whether online courses are for them, and to see that it really is possible to take college classes any time, anywhere.
"Since there is no tuition, no books to buy, and no grades, we think that most folks will find it to be a fun and productive way to explore online learning."
McCracken added that completing the shorter "Taste" courses will enable learners to find other online courses and degrees to help meet personal and career goals; link personal interests to education choices, career paths, and jobs; and gain tips to be successful in future e-learning efforts.
To register, go to www.uis.edu/its/taste. For more information, contact McCracken at 217/206-7421 or hmccr1@uis.edu, or Andy Egizi, information coordinator for UIS' Liberal Studies Online Program, at 217/206-7456 or aegiz1@uis.edu.
