Just the Basics...
If you're on this page, you're enrolled in a MAT-SE Online course - or likely thinking about enrolling in one or more! Recent and new information and communication technologies change our world almost overnight. The ever-growing field of science education is evolving at relatively shocking rate these days. This program provides an opportunity for a unique group of educators to advance their knowledge and understanding of a variety of areas within a particular interest. Online learning is not for everyone. Like most everything, distance education has disadvantages and advantages. Rather than simply upload the same materials used in courses taught at the University of Texas at Dallas for over 30 years, we've used them to create new lessons to leverage the power of electronic delivery and to reallocate time and effort for a student-centered approach for today's learner.
Background
This particular module is available in each of the 'basic' MAT-SE courses offered through the UT-System TeleCampus. Nine new sections (for SCE 5301, SCE 5305, SCE 5308, SCE 8398, SCE 5v06, SCI 5325-P, SCI 5325-E, SCI 5325-L, and SCI 5v06) were developed for the initial roll-out of the online strand that launched in Fall 2006. Each of these was designed and written by experienced UT-Dallas faculty ~ thanks to funding by a UT-System award. As the program continues to grow, new courses (online and/or onsite) will complement this foundation as other areas of specialization emerge.
Purpose
Because your journey through this virtually unlimited web-based adventure is equally unique and ever-evolving, we've attempted to outline 'the basics' of 'the basics'... There's a lot literally available at your fingertips! General questions may arise and specific resources may become more relevant to you later, but this is a good place to get started - and to come back to as needed.
We've included some tips and tricks from our experience that might be of use to you too!
Since you've made it this far, you are probably already somewhat familiar with the services of UTTC and a little bit about UTD. You might need to know some particulars about the Science Education department along the way. And for sure, even if you're taking this course for reasons other than completing the MAT-SE degree, you'll need to understand how these courses are structured to make the most of your online experience!
Feel free to jump to any of the pages listed in the left-hand menu at any time - or step through this virtual orientation by using the links at the bottom-center of each page.
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