DH E-Learning Program Begins
Drawing Interest from University and Others
The first class of U-M dental hygiene students who will complete online courses leading to a Bachelor of Science degree came to the School of Dentistry late last year for orientation, met with dental hygiene faculty members, and received their laptop computers. The members of the first class who will receive their degrees in December 2009 are, left to right (top row): Jenny Dennings, Kelly Jackson, Veronika Stiles, and Natalie Thomas. Seated: Jennifer Stanley, Nicole Kulas, Kathleen Yee, and Sarah Thornley.
The School of Dentistry's dental hygiene degree completion e-learning program is underway and is attracting interest across the U-M campus and from other colleges and universities across the country.
The new program, which leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene, was offered for the first time in January. [DentalUM, Fall 2007].
The program is the only online program offered by the University of Michigan that leads to a bachelor's degree.
Meeting Each Other, Faculty Members
Anne Gwozdek (left) Carrie Ghaname, a member of the E-Learning faculty, discuss one of the online courses Ghaname is teaching.
Before the course began, the eight women enrolled in the program came to the School of Dentistry last December to meet each other and dental hygiene faculty and learn more about the University and the School of Dentistry.
"To build their relationships with each other and instructors here at Michigan, we thought it was important that all eight of them met not just with each other, since they will be collaborating on projects, but also the faculty members they would be interacting with during the two years they are a part of this new program," said Anne Gwozdek one of the course instructors who was extensively involved in developing the online curriculum.
"Before leaving the School at the end of their two-day orientation, we made it a point to try and build their ties and appreciation for the University of Michigan by delivering their laptop computers and giving them several functional gifts, including U-M protective covers for their computers," she added.
Still in its infancy, the online degree completion program has already attracted attention.
Gwozdek said U-M administrators, and those from other U-M schools and colleges, have called seeking more information. "I think it's fair to say that, once again, the School of Dentistry is again exemplifying that phrase 'leaders and best'," she said.
For more information about the program, visit the School of Dentistry Web site: www.dent.umich.edu/depts/pom/hygiene/dconline.html.
