How Distance Learning Works

How the Courses Are Delivered
 

The health coaching program is offered in a “blended” format, with the weekly content and assignments done online and the practice and application of the skills learned done in two in-person weekends.

Online Classes

The online class content is delivered using WebVista, which is a learner management tool that delivers online presentations and content and lets you have online discussions with your instructors and other students, do quizzes and submit journal entries and assignments.
In a typical online session, you would do the following over the course of a week:

• Listen to an opening guided imagery
• Print out the workplan for the week as a guide to what you need to do
• Watch a presentation (i.e. PowerPoint with audio)
• Read articles or book chapters and participate in an online discussion about them
• Participate in a small group phone call or webmeeting
• Post journal entries for all to read
• Post an assignment

For information on how to set up and use WebVista, see Once You Are Admitted.

In-Person Weekends

People admitted into the program will be required to attend two weekend sessions in Minneapolis per course. These weekends start on Thursday at noon and end on Sunday at noon. Dates will be determined and posted several months in advance of the course.
Weekend sessions will consist of interactive exercises, experiential practices, large and small group discussions, and modeling of health coaching practices.

You Will Need the Following Equipment to Complete This Program:

• A computer running Windows 98, ME, NT, 4.0, 2000, XP or Mac OS X
• Soundcard and speakers and microphone attached to computer
• Webcam and headset with microphone.
• Software: Word, Adobe Reader, Email
• Phone with long distance capability

You also need the following software required by WebVista (the online course delivery system):

• A supported browser (Netscape, Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari – the version may depend on which operating system you have)
• Browser plug-ins (Sun Java and Flash Player 8.0 or higher – you can download these for free if you don’t have them)
• Internet connection (56k V.90 modem or better)

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word (or other word-processing software that saves in Word format). When you buy Word, you will get a tutorial you can complete.
• Ability to use a web browser to find specific websites and search for information.
• Ability to send and receive emails.
• Proficiency in WebVista, including ability to: navigate through course content, post to discussions and read posting, submit assignments attaching a Word document, complete a quiz and review quiz results. You can do an online tutorial at: http://umconnect.umn.edu/wv4stuorient. See Once You Are Admitted for other WebVista resources.

Personal skills necessary for Distance Learning:

• Self-direction
• Good time management skills
• Tolerance of computer glitches and willingness to try again!