| ||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
|
|
 First Williston students complete MSU social work degree using IVN Eight students in Williston are completing their social work degrees from Minot State University in a new program where they take classes over the interactive video network (IVN). These students have been able to enjoy the best of both worlds, as they are able to earn their degrees without having to leave their hometown and uproot their families. Many of the students continued working while taking classes, helping them to advance in their career field. For Williston, the program has provided the added benefit of providing trained social workers to an area that needs them. "The program is a creative way to meet the labor shortage in the Williston area while at the same time giving these students experience in the field and moving them toward graduation with a degree in social work," said Deb DeWitz, MSU faculty member and field coordinator for the program. One of the advantages of IVN is that you still have the support of being in a classroom, including interaction with the faculty member and other students. The video being fed to Williston was captured during a live class on the MSU campus. The students said that even though this was the first time this program was offered from Minot over IVN, the MSU professors and staff were well organized and adapted well to teaching and accommodating students from a distance. The group also praised the partnership with Williston State College. After completing two years of general education courses at WSC, they then continued two years taking the MSU social work courses and earning their bachelor’s degrees. Charlene Bruley, director of the MSU social work program, said the idea for the program came about entirely from student interest. "A student called me to discuss the idea and there was enough interest in it to develop a program. You never know what the possibilities can be at a university, and this program has been like a dream," said Bruley. Minot State’s goal is to offer the program every year because of the high demand for social workers in the area. For more information on the MSU social work program contact Bruley at 858-3814, charlene.bruley@minotstateu.edu or DeWitz at 858-4259 or debra.dewitz@minotstateu.edu. | |||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
