Welcome to What's the DL?

So what is distributed learning (DL) anyways?  According to 'WhatIs.com': "Distributed learning is a general term used to describe a multi-media method of instructional delivery that includes a mix of web-based instruction, streaming video conferencing, face-to-face classroom time, distance learning through video, or other combinations of electronic and traditional educational models."

Not much clearer, is it?  In a practical sense, distributed learning can be executed in a variety of ways but is consistent in that it always accommodates a "separation in geographical location" between the instructor and learner for part (or all) of the instruction.  Here at SPH we like the term because we feel it is inclusive and encompasses what you might already know as online learning, digital education, e-learning, distance learning, and flipping the classroom.

The School of Public Health has been engaged in many forms distributed learning over the years with  some examples being the Executive Master's Program, the online Certificate in the Foundations of Public Health, the Graduate Summer Session in Epidemiology, flipped classroom initiatives in the residential Master's programs and other individual faculty projects and teaching efforts.  So, we know there are veteran, experienced faculty and staff at SPH who have opinions to share on DL.  We also think there are faculty out there (somewhere?) contemplating incorporating digital education in to their courses, but aren't sure where to start.  Hence, this blog!

The Distributed Learning team at SPH knows that DL is not easy or intuitive, and take intensive ground work to be successful.  We want to help provide information, resources, and conversation  to help with this process and learn how we can support you better in our work and to help you make sense of this complicated "thing".  Our hope is that with your input the information and resources on this blog will evolve to create what you need to be successful.  We also hope to bring news, new technologies and new ideas to your attention if you are not already involved in these efforts.  Maybe we will even convince you to try some new things when teaching your next course!

So, please follow us and get involved in the conversation, and hopefully in a little while you will feel confident that you know what the deal is with DL is at SPH!