GenEdWeb featured as an
Exemplary Instructional Technology Program

In 2000, through an initiative by University of Minnesota Vice President Robert Bruininks Office, the Office of Distributed Education led by Professor Billie Wahlstrom and the Digital Media Center, an Exemplar Instructional Technology Project Team set about identifying and describing unique and creative instructional technology programs at the University of Minnesota. GenEdWeb was one of the programs featured at the University of Minnesota because it was a comprehensive distance learning program that serves citizens from all over the state of Minnesota and beyond.

Videotape interviews of Dr. Greg Thorson and still photos of past GenEdWeb students were featured on a multimedia CD-Rom which will be shown to select groups including the University of Minnesota Regents, State Legislators and others.

Here is what was said about GenEdWeb:

Distance learners trying to complete general education requirements need look no farther than "GenEdWeb."

Short for "General Education for the Liberal Arts Online," GenEdWeb offers interactive, media-rich introductory courses in mathematics, writing, political science, physics, education, psychology, and the humanities. Created by faculty and staff at the University of Minnesota, Morris, GenEdWeb brings the offerings of a nationally-recognized liberal arts institution to online learners looking for excellence. GenEdWeb contains eight online courses providing learner-centered, Internet instruction.

Class size is limited to twenty participants. Students get prompt and personalized attention from the instructor and opportunities to interact with others in the class.

GenEdWeb makes access to the University of Minnesota possible by allowing learners to begin or continue their college educations anywhere there is a computer and a modem. Working adults bound by time and distance and advanced high school students looking for a head start on college can find what they need in GenEdWeb.

GenEdWeb courses carry full credit and exemplify the University of Minnesota's commitment to excellent teaching, cutting-edge technology, and outreach.

As an exemplary project, GenEdWeb brings together sound educational practice and cutting-edge technology to create a high quality, online learning environment. GenEdWeb courses use threaded discussion boards and interactive writing resources to encourage dialog and build critical thinking skills. And because class sizes are limited to twenty students, interaction among participants and with the instructor is extensive. GenEdWeb courses take advantage of the strengths of the Internet and make use of audio, streaming video technology, and online testing to bring a satisfactory classroom experience to students at a distance.

GenEdWeb was created through a collaborative effort of University of Minnesota, Morris faculty and staff. A steering group consisting of Craig Kissock, Karen Johnson, John Bowers, Roger McCannon, and Tom McRoberts met weekly to guide program development. Faculty from several disciplines worked together to develop individual courses: Jon Anderson, Ty Buckman, Craig Kissock, Jean Richards, Erica Rosch, Engin Sungur, Greg Thorson, Seung Ho Joo, and David Craig. Technical support was provided by John Bowers, Mike Cihak, Pam Gades and David Wuolu and a Student Web Corps of advanced UMM computer science students who worked individually with faculty to teach web design skills.