Free Course Invites Ohioans to try e-Learning
Ohio Learning Network offers course for those interested in online learning. A new E 4 Me course begins each month.

Online education, or e-learning, has experienced a tremendous growth during the past year. Still, many people still have reservations about this newest way to take a college course. They wonder if they will enjoy an online course, remain motivated to complete it, or even be able to pass it.

Local residents who are curious about taking courses over the Internet can satisfy that curiosity for free! The Ohio Learning Network is offering a non-credit online course, called E 4 ME through its website at www.e4meohio.org. The course provides a basic introduction to e-learning and helps individuals decide if taking courses online is right for them.

E 4 ME is self-paced and can be taken by anyone including those who have never taken college-level courses before. Students need a computer and access to the Internet. New classes begin every month. The course is taught by an instructor who guides students through the course and answers questions. Each student can complete the E 4 ME course in as little as eight hours or space it out over four weeks.

Those enrolled in E 4 ME will learn more about distance learning in general and how to get started taking classes online. Students will explore various careers and how education is linked to career paths. Students also will learn what skills are necessary to get the most out of online learning. At the end of the course, students will know how to find online courses and degrees that will help them meet their personal and career goals.

E 4 ME was created as a public service by the Ohio Learning Network (OLN), an organization that promotes and supports e-learning in the state of Ohio. OLN has 63 member colleges and universities, including Washington State Community College.

"E 4 ME is a great way to explore online learning," said Kate M. Carey, executive director of OLN and E 4 ME instructor. "I enjoy teaching this course because the students enjoy the course. Many learners have taken E 4 ME and then enrolled at an Ohio college or university."

Those interested in finding out more about E 4 ME can visit the web site at www.e4meohio.org. To learn more about the e-learning courses offered each quarter by Washington State Community College, contact Andaz Ahmad, Director of Distance Learning, at (740) 374-8716, ext. 1710, or email dl@wscc.edu.