January 2008 PMI - Great Lakes Chapter Newsletter Newsletter Editor: John M Schnable ______________________________________________________________________________________ PMI-GLC from Charlotte Neuhauser, VP Professional Development ______________________________________________________________________________________ According to PMIGLC’s recent member survey, podcasts, webinars, and online courses are media through which you would like to learn and earn PDUs. We have listened to you, and we’re going to pilot some new events online this year. Before 2008 is over, we’ll probably pilot some other types of formats as well, including webinars and podcasts. As you may have noticed, the PMP review course has been offered online for the past year. PMIGLC has its own site and uses a course management system which is used by many non-profit and for-profit organizations and associations. Online learning has become the mainstream course delivery method in many colleges and universities. In addition K-12 institutions have increased their online learning opportunities. For example, the State of Michigan Legislature passed a law last year requiring all students to take at least one online course before they graduate from high school. You may have asked yourself, “Is online learning as effective as face-to-face?” Many research studies have shown that online learning is as, or more effective, than face-to-face learning. In fact, there have been so many studies showing the same results that most journal editors will no longer accept publications comparing the two methods. The next question you may have is, “Is online learning effective for everyone?” The answer is “no.” The major difference between face-to-face and online learning is that the participant may be passive in face-to-face learning, but he/she must be an active learner in online events. This means the participant must actively participate through exercises, reading, and discussions in online learning for it to be effective. Participants must have the time and self-discipline to access the site three to four times per week, even if it’s only for 10-15 minutes at a time. In the final assessment of the online PMP review course just completed, 100% of those who responded to the assessment said the course met their expectations, the instructor was present and helpful, and they would recommend the course to others. One participant commented, “…It’s been a great class and I appreciate your responsiveness to students’ questions and concerns. I took my PMP exam today and passed. I’m so glad I did it on the first try.” Something different is coming!!! The February 11 Forum will cover the topic of “Standards and PMBOK Processes” and will be held prior to the dinner meeting at 5:30-6:25 pm. The power point presentation used in the session will be posted on the PMIGLC course website later that evening and available for viewing and discussion, led by an instructor, for the next three days. The Forum will be available, then, through several different formats: (1) Face-to-face only prior to dinner meeting for 1 PDU, (2) Online only February 12-14 for 1 PDU, or (3) Face-to-face and online for 2 PDUs. This does mean, however, anyone who registers for the online session will be expected to actively participate in the discussions in order to earn the PDU. In May an online course in leadership will be offered for 3 PDUs. It will include power points with audio, special activities, and discussions. Again, the participants must plan their schedules so they can access the site for five straight days for at least 35 minutes per day. This may sound like a lot of time; however, it is at your convenience rather than at a set time. The site is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. If you have any questions about online learning, please ask vp.pd@pmiglc.org. If you are interested, you may find more information about online learning from the articles below or Google “online learning.” http://www.leaonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/S15389286AJDE1602_4 http://www.ncolr.org/jiol/issues/viewarticle.cfm?volID=3&IssueID=10&ArticleID=23 http://www.ce.ucf.edu/asp/aln/sessions/sessloc.asp (scroll through presentations) ______________________________________________________________________________________ PMI-GLC Announcement – January 14 Dinner Meeting ______________________________________________________________________________________ Location: Troy - Management Education Center Title: Influence Without Authority and Navigating Through Internal Politics By: W. Don Gottwald, Ph.D. - Capella University Time: Check-in ~ 6:00pm Dinner ~ 6:30pm Presentation ~ 7:30pm http://www.pmiglc.org/pd/mtg_08_01.html ______________________________________________________________________________________ PMI-GLC Announcement – January 14 Forum (Troy) ______________________________________________________________________________________ Title: Career Exploration Strategies By: Mike Callahan, PMP, MBA, Director of the University of Michigan Dearborn School of Management’s Career Planning and Development Program. Time: 5:30-6:30 - Before the Dinner Meeting Fees: $20 (Member), $25 (Non-member) http://www.pmiglc.org/pd/mtg_08_01.html ______________________________________________________________________________________ Online PMP Review Course – January 21 to March 1 ______________________________________________________________________________________ Online learning has proven to be as, or more, effective than face-to-face learning. Advantages of online learning include: - Access course anytime, anywhere - Instructor present for individual and group assistance - Student may advance at own pace or follow structure - No face-to-face meetings This is why most universities now offer online courses and programs. Try PMIGLC’s Online PMP Review Course by clicking on http://www.pmiglc.org/pd/pmp.html to register! ______________________________________________________________________________________ Call For 2008 PMI Great Lakes Chapter Dinner Meeting Speakers ______________________________________________________________________________________ The PMI Great Lakes Chapter is looking for dynamic, informative speakers to present at our monthly dinner meetings in 2008. Contact the Director, Dinner meetings at dinnermeeting@pmiglc.org for information. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Subscription Information ______________________________________________________________________________________ To update your email address or to stop receiving electronic mailing from PMI, please go to the national PMI website (www.pmi.org) and set your preferences in the Members section.