Online Certificate in Sustainable Business: How does distance learning operate?
Online Format
1) Narrated presentation:
Each unit starts with an online presentation narrated by the instructor. To view a brief sample please click the video below:
[Requires QuickTime; if it's not on your computer, download it for free at www.apple.com/quicktime -- don't worry if the file doesn't open; the introductory unit offers instructions and a computer hotline to help you set up your computer.]
A more widely viewable version of the video is available on YouTube at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8PjXI30AC0
2) Supplemental on-line material:
Each unit has links to media clips, documentaries, readings, and Web resources.
3) Online discussion board:
Each unit has its own discussion forum in which participants post comments and reply to the comments of others.
Note: an optional tour of a green building (LEED gold) in Portland provides an opportunity to meet fellow participants.
TIMING
Each unit is scheduled for a specific one- or two-week time period. You can complete a unit after the designated week, but you will not receive replies to comments you post on the discussion board. The unit will still count toward the certificate -- the course's online platform documents your participation.
In a given week, you'll need 3 hours or so to cover the basic material, but you'll no doubt want to spend extra time exploring optional material and engaging in online dialog. Everything in the program is asynchronous, which means that you never have to be on the computer at a specific time. You'll have access to material in previously completed units until spring 2010.
High-speed internet access is strongly recommended.
Return to program description
