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Welcome
to our MS Online in PEHLS with an Emphasis in Physical Education and Health
Education When will the program begin? We are now accepting applications to begin this new program in summer 2001. We will begin reviewing applications April 23rd. How long will the degree take? This will be a 45 credit graduate program leading the award of a Master of Science in PEHLS. The program will take approximately two years to complete. Students who begin in summer 2001 will graduate spring quarter 2003. Students will be permitted to substitute up to 9 credits of previously completed graduate level work with the approval of their advisor and committee. Will the entire program be taken online or will I need to come to Ellensburg, Washington? Participants in this program will be required to spend two weeks on the CWU campus in the summer of 2001 (June 25th - July 6th) and two weeks in the summer of 2002 (June 24th - July 5th). In planning for the success of this program we felt it was essential that participants first had the opportunity to become familiar with the instructional technology involved in the online delivery of this program. Perhaps even more importantly, these intensive two-week sessions will allow faculty and students time to interact face-to-face and become acquainted. Because of the practical focus of this program these sessions will also allow time for the discussion and planning of relevant in-school projects. Participants will receive information about on-campus housing opportunities. Any out-of-state participants will also receive travel information. Where is Ellensburg, Washington? Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain range, Ellensburg is a small rural town of approximately 15,000 inhabitants - including about 7000 students who attend Central Washington University. The closest major city is Seattle located approximately two hours west of Ellensburg. The closest airport is in Yakima, about a 45 minute drive from Ellensburg. Unlike Seattle, because of the mountain range separating the two communities, Ellensburg enjoys a dry and mostly sunny climate. It is a wonderful location for all types of outdoor activities and participants attending the summer classes should plan some time to enjoy the local environment. How will I take the online classes? You will be able to take these classes using a home or school based computer that is linked to the web. As with most experiences a faster connection will enhance this interactive experience. Central Washington University uses an instructional program called "Blackboard" for its online courses. Blackboard is widely used nationwide and has established itself as a user-friendly interface between faculty and students. Participants in the program will use Blackboard and email to complete course assignments and to communicate with classmates and faculty. You will also be expected to have the suite of Microsoft Office programs on your computer (Word, Powerpoint, & Excel) and a web editor such as Front Page, Dreamweaver, GoLive or similar. What will I be expected to do in these classes? The scheduled classes in this program have been selected with a focus on the types of knowledge and skills that will enhance your effectiveness as a teacher of physical education and health education. You can anticipate that the readings and assignments will be directed toward application in your local teaching environment. Wherever possible you will have the opportunity to explore issues and design projects relevant to your school setting. You will also be encouraged to learn more about issues facing teachers nationwide and learn more about the many challenges facing our profession. Will I learn as much in an online MS program as in a regular program? There has been much debate and investigation on this topic. Current opinion seems to support the conclusion that online learning can be just as effective as regular classroom instruction. Researchers point out that in classroom settings students are able to avoid participation and let others interact. In contrast, with online instruction there is nowhere to hide! The learning experience requires constant interaction between instructors and students and students and their peers. Online instruction is not for everyone but for the motivated learner who is comfortable with using technology, online instruction can be equal to or even more effective than traditional classroom teaching. Will I be required to write a thesis or project, or take an examination? In our regular MS program, students have the opportunity to choose from three options to complete the degree: thesis, project, or examination. The thesis option will not be available to students in the online program. How do I apply? If you are interested in participating in this program you must first complete a CWU Graduate School application. With this letter of application please include an additional letter explaining your interest in this program, your professional goals, and your past and present teaching experience. Please remember that this program is designed for teachers who have an interest in both physical education and health education, rather than only one specialty. The application fee is $35. Applicants should have a 3.00 GPA over the last 90 quarter hours (60 semester hours) of graded course work. Once the complete application has been received it will be submitted to the Department of PEHLS for full consideration. The CWU Admissions Office will not forward applications to our department until they are 100% complete! At this time a decision will be made on acceptance into the online program. It is our intent to limit initial participation in this program to approximately 10 people. You are urged to submit your application as early as possible to receive full consideration. All applicants will receive notification regarding their status in mid May. To begin the application process please contact CWU Admissions and return your application to this office. If you are planning to apply please email us immediately so that we can anticipate receiving your application. Remember that places this year will be limited to 10 successful applicants. To avoid disappointment you are urged to apply immediately if interested. ***** If
you have questions about this or any other program please contact the
Physical Education Program Director
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