Welcome New Students
On behalf of the entire faculty of the Learning, Design, and Technology Program at Penn State University, we extend a warm welcome to the students who have recently joined our program. We are excited to have a talented and diverse student body who have an interest in improving the learning experiences in your educational endeavors.
New students naturally have many questions, and we have done our best to prepare resources so that you can navigate into your first courses of our program. Wherever an existing resource doesn’t address a need, please do not hesitate to call or write to one of us. Let’s outline some of our most helpful resources:
The LDT Online Blog
The LDT Online Blog for students, this site here, is the primary source for timely and comprehensive information. Browse using the menu items at the top, or type some terms into the search box on the right-side of the display. On this blog are a number of high-use sources:
- The New Student Information page, including how-to’s and step-by-step instructions
- Standing Advisement for Educational Technology Integration certificate students (this is required reading for all ETI students)
- LDT Course Descriptions
- LDT Online Programs FAQ
M.Ed. Student Handbook
The handbook’s title says it is for our students enrolled in the Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology program, but it is still valuable for certificate students. You can download the Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology Student Handbook from this site. The Handbook also addresses the non-credit requirements for our program, including the SARI training and the capstone portfolio.
Fall 2017 Registration
Our recent wave of students has arrived near the end of course registration season. We highly recommend that you register for your courses as soon as possible… like today, like right now!
Check the New Student Information page for instructions how to register for your first courses. Don’t forget that you must clear all holds from your LionPATH account before you can register for courses.
Who to Contact
We are virtually certain that 95% of the questions that new students ask are addressed in the resources presented (linked) above. For other needs, and especially for troubles with LionPATH, contact the people below:
Jen McLaughlin <email>
Jen is the program assistant for the LDT Online Programs. She oversees and troubleshoots everything related to applications, admission, course registration, and completion of certificates and degrees. She is also the best person to ask when you don’t know what your question even is. You can reach her at 814-865-0473.
Dr. Joshua Kirby <email>
Dr. Kirby is the coordinator of all LDT online programs, and is the advisor for all certificate students. Certificate students should email him for questions related to course selections and scheduling and program planning. All other questions should first go to Ms. McLaughlin (above), because she is a master of the technicalities that students often deal with.
Your Assigned Advisor
At the time of admission, M.Ed. students are assigned an LDT faculty member as their advisor. M.Ed. students should maintain contact with their advisor throughout their study in the program. Your advisor can discuss scheduling and other advising matters, and will also be the final reviewer for the capstone portfolio as M.Ed. students complete their degree.
World Campus Help Desk
The LDT program personnel above are your first (and only) contacts for all program (certificate or degree) matters. The World Campus Help Desk is the target for all questions about billing, financial aid, and technical support. You can submit questions by online chat (when available) or by telephone at 1-800-252-3592.
Thank You
It is our honor to have you studying with us. Thank you for choosing Penn State World Campus and the Learning, Design, and Technology online programs.
