International Programs offers Internet courses

by Mary Lisa Russell

Going global in its endeavors isn't anything new for the International Programs Office (IPO). Last spring, for the first time on campus, students in Japan were able to take a course on the Internet via the program.

According to Dr. Peter Klassen, director, involving technology like the Internet course could mean a greater expansion of the program.

"Since this was a 'first' in this context, we monitored the course carefully to see how well this technique served the needs of the students, and also maintained university quality standards," he said.

Klassen said a university in Korea has already asked to have this course made available to its campus as well. Dr. James Walton, professor of English, taught the course. Other course offerings in mathematics and geology are also available online for students in Japan and Korea.

IPO hosts a variety of interdisciplinary activities involving faculty, staff and students on our campus who interact with their counterparts in higher educational institutions across the world.

"We are involved in study programs that combine travel and on-site instruction, student exchange programs, sister city programs as well as visiting scholars and so much more," said Joanne Atwell, coordinator of study abroad and exchange programs.

Throughout the year, the Fresno State campus is enriched by visiting professors and researchers from countries around the globe. Fresno State faculty and staff also travel abroad as guest lecturers and visiting professors in semester-long programs and day or weeklong activities. Some of the foreign countries on the itinerary last year were Iran, Israel, Japan, Korea, China, Thailand and Poland.

"Most students, faculty and staff find the thought of studying in another country very intriguing," said Atwell. "It opens up new avenues and experiences that enrich the educational experience."