Sloan ALN Summer Workshops: Learning Effectiveness and Faculty Satisfaction

Mary Beth Almeda
Director, Center for Media and Independent Learning
University of California Extension
email: mbalmeda@uclink4.berkeley.edu
URL: http://www-cmil.unex.berkeley.edu/

Mary Beth Almeda is Director of University of California Extension's statewide Center for Media and Independent Learning in Berkeley. She has twenty years of experience in the field of distance education. Ms. Almeda has been a leader in UC Extension's movement into the online arena; she has had a major role in shaping UC Extension Online and overseeing its development since its inception. The online program has enrolled more than 2,700 students since its launch in January 1996 and has developed more than 85 courses. In addition to the online program, Ms. Almeda sets strategic directions, develops new program directions, and manages the design, production, implementation, and marketing of some 175 independent learning courses and the acquisition, sales and rental of more than 3,000 media titles.

A graduate of Duke University where she received her Bachelors' and Masters' degrees, Ms. Almeda has held a variety of committee and leadership positions in related professional associations, including the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) and the American Association of Collegiate Independent Study (AACIS). UCEA's Division of Independent Study honored her with its highest individual award, the Gayle B. Childs Award, in 1993. In 1998 the Division recognized UC Extension's Center for Media and Independent Learning for its contributions to the field of independent study in its development of UC Extension Online with the Significant Achievement in Independent Study Award.