Virtual Learning Community

"To be their for the global church", words from an interview with Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski in the November 11-24 issue of National Catholic Reporter.  The "Reaching learners no matter how far: Catholic universities embrace online education, see future in blending Internet, traditional classroom" article highlighted the Institute for Pastoral Initatives pioneering adventures into online learning guided by Sr. Angela Ann.   She stated, "Online education really goes back to the 1970s when cable television and satellite communications."  Today, the VLCFF initiative within IPI reaches 37 countries offering e-courses to approximately 4,000 students ... "I have to say that our success has to be God's work."   The VLCFF broadened their technological reach in February 2011 when the program's students participated in the University of Dayton's first Virtual Conference Center conference.  The VCC connects online users to the on-site conference.  This allows the participants to interact through live video, chat rooms, and Twitter feeds.  The next Virtual Conference is scheduled for March 8 and 9, 2012.

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VLCFF student assistant, Cassie Schemmel '13, made news in the online UDQuickly (University of Dayton News & Views). Cassie was one of several UD students who throughout the month of November sported a mustache (fake, of course, in her case) to raise monies for the M of UD charity event. Cassie was the only female participant, and she said she grew accustomed to people looking strangely at her. The donated money was used to support more than 500 families during the Thanksgiving holiday.  We are so proud of you, Cassie!

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