July 5, 2005

Registration opens for unique distance-learning courses

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – From terrorism and aviation operations to forensic science, business writing or tropical crops, Purdue University's distance-learning courses will offer instruction on a variety of topics this autumn.

Registration for 18 classes, which will be offered online Aug. 22 to Dec. 17. Class titles include:

Dennis McElhoe, distance-learning courses coordinator, said Purdue is placing an increased emphasis on reaching out beyond campus to non-traditional students with specialized interests.

"Now, fans of TV shows like CSI can find out if a future career in forensic science really is for them by plugging into a Purdue course right from their living rooms," McElhoe said. "Farmers and business executives also can learn a new skill after a long day in the field or office. These courses make the top-notch instruction at Purdue accessible to everybody at their convenience."

David Blakesley, Business Writing course instructor and associate professor of English, said the course that he and English lecturer Charles Lowe will teach offers practical examples of how writing well can help anyone accomplish business goals.

"If you ever have wondered how businesses reach the tipping point, or what it takes to write your way into the history of entrepreneurship in the land of opportunity, this is the course for you," Blakesley said. "We'll also cover how to use e-mail ethically and efficiently to communicate with clients and customers."

The fee for each three-credit course is $694.50, plus a $30 application fee. The aviation, horticulture and forensic courses also may be taken as non-credit courses for $385.

Students, who are not required to be enrolled at Purdue, may also be asked to purchase a textbook and supplemental reading material. The Office of Continuing Education and Conferences also recommends that students have a high-speed Internet connection.

The registration deadline is Aug. 12. To register, contact Dennis L. McElhoe, Purdue distance learning coordinator, at (765) 494-1434, dlmcelhoe@purdue.edu; or Marta Read, Continuing Education's Distance Learning Center administrative assistant, at (765) 494-2746 or mlread@purdue.edu.

Purdue also will recognize Distance Education Week Aug. 1-5.

Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu

Sources: Dennis McElhoe, (765) 494-1434, dlmcelhoe@purdue.edu

David Blakesley, (765) 494-3730, blakesle@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: A complete listing of course descriptions is available online. Interviews also can be arranged with any of the course instructors. Contact Marydell Forbes. Purdue News Service, at (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu.

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