This month, DLI released its first-ever annual report detailing the accomplishments and notable initiatives that have been achieved for non-credit courses and certificate programs from January 2020 through May 2021. During some of the most challenging months for higher education, their staff has provided meaningful instruction to a global learning community, including the students, faculty, and staff of the University of Miami.
Courses offered by DLI cover a wide variety of subject matter like public health management to plant-based nutrition to cybersecurity. With a focus on partnerships and accessibility, successful distance learning has become a reality at the University of Miami.
In addition to these learning opportunities offered by DLI, the Institute also provides online course development services to University of Miami faculty and an Instructional Design and Technology Certificate for educators and corporate trainers to enhance their skills in both academic and professional instruction. It is a resource within the University to work side-by-side with faculty to develop and strategize the most effective learning environments for the unique needs of their student population.
“The Distance Learning Institute was founded with the mission of fostering continuous improvement in traditional, blended, and online education through the most cutting-edge principles in instructional design,” says Rik Bair, Associate Dean of the Distance Learning Institute, “The pandemic has only accelerated the need for our services and offered more opportunities for our staff to be a catalyst of change and critical support system for educators.”
A hallmark of DLI’s course offerings is the “We Are One U: COVID-19 Safety Principles” training that was completed by 25,918 University of Miami employees and students during August 2020. This custom course was designed as a collaborative effort between many entities including the Office of the President and the Office of the Provost. The hourlong training promoted trust and safety during a time when recommendations were changing daily, and individuals often struggled to stay up to date with protocols. By designing an engaging training session that allowed learners to interact with the material, DLI successfully disseminated the behaviors and procedures that kept the ‘Canes community safe
With relationships across the University, including the University of Miami Alumni Association, Mailman Center for Childhood Development, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine’s Department of Public Health Sciences, Miami Herbert Business School, and Frost School of Music, DLI creates tailored learning solutions for a variety of academic areas and needs. For full access to the Distance Learning Institute’s Annual Report, please click here.
