What is WISE?

Web-based Information Science Education (WISE) is a unique and groundbreaking opportunity for Pitt students to take elective online courses from other ALA-accredited programs. Leading schools in the information field (see list below) have gone outside the classroom to extend their reach to broaden the online educational opportunities for students. The WISE consortium uses advanced technology as a means to enrich one’s education and foster relationships among students, faculty and universities.

WISE Global Classroom: PowerPoint presentation

Participating Institutions in WISE:

 Why be a WISE student?

Students have the opportunity to access distance education courses through WISE member schools that have met the quality bar in online education. WISE students have increased access to special topics and electives as compared to non-WISE schools.

For example, a student may access courses from a wider base of faculty and research than may be normally available within their home school. A professional who is working on their degree will have greater flexibility in scheduling and have a multitude of options when considering specialized topics. The WISE student will have the ability to select from a wide array of online courses, regardless of their location, and take courses with faculty who are highly regarded in their area of expertise.

Points to consider when selecting a WISE course

 WISE @ SIS

As a member of the WISE (Web-based Information Science Education) consortium of schools, SIS is pleased to announce the addition of WISE course offerings to MLIS students. These online courses are taught by faculty from WISE host schools using course management systems specific to their environment and academic calendar. You will have the opportunity to take electives of interest at other WISE schools, without having to transfer credits. You must note the varying delivery methods and academic calendars among WISE schools.

WISE Policies and Procedures
Guidelines for University of Pittsburgh Students

YOU MUST REGISTER WITH YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR!

Pitt MLIS students have the opportunity to select from a wide array of online courses, regardless of their location.  Approval for all students taking WISE courses rests with their home school.  MLIS academic advisors must evaluate each student’s qualifications according to the following guidelines because there are a limited number of spaces available in WISE courses.

• Student MUST meet with advisor to discuss the possibility of taking a WISE course
• Student agrees to the course parameters of the host institution including course management tools, grading, dates of term and any required residencies
• Course is appropriate to the student’s plan of study
• Student must have completed at least four (4) of the core area courses from SIS with a QPA of 3.5 (or have advisor’s approval)
• Student has access to technology necessary for completion of course
• Student has technical knowledge to complete course successfully
• Student is fluent in English
• Student may take up to six (6) elective credits in the WISE Consortium
  • Student will enroll for a Special Topics (LIS 2970) course through Pitt
• Student may NOT substitute any WISE course for a core requirement

Steps for Enrolling in a WISE Course

• Explore the WISE website at http://www.wiseeducation.org.  Log in with username WISE and password SIS.  Select the semester you are interested in from the drop-down box.  Then click on the “View Classes” button.  Click on “View Details” in green text on the right side to bring up comprehensive information about each class.
• Meet with academic advisor to discuss enrollment and fill out WISE Online Course Agreement Form.
• To enroll, go to http://www.wiseeducation.org and log in with same username and password
• Select the Semester you are interested in from the drop-down box. Then click on the “View Classes” button.
• Click on “View Details” in green text on the right side.
• Click “Request Enrollment in This Class!” on the class detail page. This will take you to a simple form..
• When you complete the form, a request ticket will be opened up for you by the WISE website. The WISE coordinator will facilitate the enrollment process and give you updates via email whenever there is a change in the status of your request.
• Make sure you remember to Logout by clicking on “Logout” in green text in the upper right.

WISE courses available for Spring 2009 Term:

Archive: WISE courses available for Fall 2008, Summer 2008, Spring 2008, Fall 2007, Summer 2007, Spring 2007, Summer 2006, Spring 2006, Summer & Fall 2005