Online Learning Programs Address the Needs of Adult Students

Dr. Kenneth Hartman, director of academic affairs at Drexel University Online, will present, "Online Versus On-Campus: Balancing Academics, Family and Work," at the 4th Annual Pittsburgh Blackboard Users Conference at Duquesne University on March 5th and 6th. This year's conference will focus on e-learning technologies in the classroom as well as the online environment, the use of Blackboard, WebCT, rich media innovations, and personal response systems.

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) February 15, 2007 -- Dr. Kenneth Hartman, director of academic affairs at Drexel University Online, will present, "Online Versus On-Campus: Balancing Academics, Family and Work," at the 4th Annual Pittsburgh Blackboard Users Conference at Duquesne University on March 5th and 6th. This year's conference will focus on e-learning technologies in the classroom as well as the online environment, the use of Blackboard, WebCT, rich media innovations, and personal response systems.

Last year's conference drew over 150 attendees from 22 different institutions. This year's event, "Re-inventing the Classroom of Today and Tomorrow" will feature presentations by faculty members, librarians, Blackboard administrators and IT groups and topics on the design and use of spaces found across campuses, the use of online tools like blogs, streaming media, and gaming, and the changing needs of students and faculty in these new environments.

"Online learning is the fastest growing area in Higher Education today," said Dr. Hartman. "As more and more adults look to high education to expand their knowledge base for promotional or new career opportunities, they will look to online learning as a convenient and viable way to continue their education," said Hartman.

Hartman's presentation will feature results from a recent study, conducted by researchers at Drexel University, between part-time adult learners who earn their degree online or those who earn their degree on-campus. The study found that on-campus students were more likely to report that pursuing their degree had a negative impact on their time and activities with family and work schedule while online students were less likely to report that pursuing their degree has a negative impact on their stress level.

For more information about the presentation, visit www.drexel.com or contact, Ken Hartman at 215.895.0501 or email.
    
About Drexel University Online:
Drexel University Online is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Drexel University, specializing in innovative, Internet-based distance education programs for working professionals and corporations in the U.S. and abroad. A pioneer in online education, Drexel has offered programs online since 1996.

About the Pittsburgh Blackboard Users Group:
The Pittsburgh Blackboard Users Group was formed in April 2003 to promote collaborative opportunities and the exchange of ideas, experiences, resources, and documents relating to the instructional uses and support of Blackboard among Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania area Colleges and Universities.

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