November 4, 2005 Source: University College of Cape Breton:
http://www.capebretonu.ca/capebretonu_main/newsrel/NewsDetail.asp?NewsID=117 E-Learning in the 21st Century on November 8 (Sydney, NS) - Media representatives are invited to the upcoming media event "E-Learning in the 21st Century" hosted by Cape Breton University’s Distance Education Unit. On Tuesday, November 8 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. you will have the opportunity to learn about a market that is exploding the world over- Distance Education! Distance Education is worth more than 3 trillion dollars worldwide and Cape Breton University is a part of that growing global market. With over 100 courses to choose from Cape Breton University has been serving the needs of adults since 1997. Join us to meet distance students and talk to them about how they "Learn while the Live". As a central aspect of this event, Dr. James Guy, well known Political Science professor at Cape Breton University and a media personality in his own right, will launch the 6th edition of People, Politics and Government, one of Canada’s most widely used undergrad textbooks. Dr. Guy is an experienced professor of both on campus and distance courses. Below is background information. Interviews and photos can also be arranged if you are interested. (photos can also be provided). The event takes place in the Multi-Purpose Room (CE241), Cape Breton University. -30- Contact:
Marilyn O’Neil
Distance Education Coordinator
Cape Breton University
Tel: (902) 563-1808 or Toll Free 1(888) 959-9995 ext 1808
E-mail: marilyn_oneil@capebretonu.ca Kelly Rose
Communications Officer
Cape Breton University
Tel: (902) 563-1638
E-mail: kelly_rose@capebretonu.ca www.capebretonu.ca Backgrounder E-Learning in the 21st Century:
Our event illustrates the innovation of our faculty and programs. The student-centered focus of Cape Breton University’s Distance Education, is captured in our new student friendly web site offering students a one-stop shop for information they need about distance education at CBU. The web site and supporting materials highlight the people involved in distance education faculty, students and administrators. About Distance Education At CBU:
Distance Education at Cape Breton University has come of age. Beginning in 1996, it has evolved in its sophistication as technology has provided the capability to communicate with students in a virtual environment. Today Cape Breton University offers more than 75 courses that span 12 disciplines by distance delivery. Several degrees and certificates are available with more being developed on a continual basis. Students choose distance education for a number of reasons ranging from scheduling conflicts related to athletics, part-time work and other courses to the fact they cannot attend on campus courses. Students, just like the rest of us, are short on time and are trying to fit as much as possible into any given moment. Distance Education allows our University to meet the needs of students due to the flexibility that is provided in the online virtual learning environment. Students today are adept at communicating online. Their future work environment will, in many cases, demand this capability. Providing students with the experience of working in virtual groups and communicating effectively online is an added skill for them. Quick Facts:
·The majority of distance education students are female
·The average age is 30
·Schedule flexibility is one of the most important aspects of distance education for many students
·Growth since 2000 with 560 students to 956 in 2005 and growing
·The number of courses has grown from 35 in 1996 to over 100 in 2005
·The majority of students are from the Atlantic provinces but our global reach is increasing including students from locations such as students from Yellowknife to China
·Complete degrees can be taken through Distance Education
·The global distance education market is worth over 3 trillion dollars
·It is one of the fastest growing educational markets in the world About Dr. James Guy:
The launching of the newest edition of one of Canada’s longest running introductory political science textbooks by Dr. James Guy, PhD, Professor Political Science, speaks to the quality of faculty delivering distance education. Dr. Guy’s commitment to innovation and his belief in the need for classes to be current are evident in his text. This same textbook is now being designed as an e-book which will be available in January of 2006. Dr. Guy has been delivering his courses via distance education for the past eight years. ·Taught more than 2,000 students
·Has delivered courses via distance education since 1997
·Was the youngest professor hired in 1969
·Chaired the first Political Science Department
·Dr. Guy has delivered courses at University of Kentucky, Mansfield University, Pennsylvania and University of Prince Edward Island
·Recently completed a jazz CD, playing the vibraphones, for Toronto vocalist Kelly MacIntyre Dr. Guy’s Philosophy on delivering Distance Education:
"My priority as a distance education professor is to establish a very strong student professor relationship throughout the distance experience."
Dr. James Guy Please visit our website at www.capebretonu.ca/distance for additional information or contact Marilyn O’Neil at 563-1808; marilyn_oneil@capebretonu.ca.
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