Online education has undergone a massive shift in recent years and the Northwestern Center for Talent Development (CTD) has not only embraced it, they are taking it to the next level.
“Our team has spent the past year revamping the course design. We have an innovative and student-centered approach,” says Rebecca Vonesh, coordinator of online programs for Northwestern CTD. Vonesh previously worked for Milwaukee Public Schools in the department of Advanced Academics and ran an online school for advanced students.
Broad and inclusive talent development
“CTD operates on the belief that talent is not just an innate trait but something that can be cultivated and grown,” says Vonesh. CTD’s online programs for students preK-grade 12 aim to innovate the field of gifted education by shifting towards a talent development model.
Vonesh explains: “We treat students as emerging professionals, learning the skills and strategies used by experts in various domains. This includes project management, ethical reasoning and critical analysis. The goal is to help students become transformational leaders who can make significant contributions to society, which is also a chief goal at Northwestern University.”
The emphasis on real-world applications and personalized mentorship helps students see the broader implications of their learning and how it connects to their future goals.
“We teach students how to manage the workflow of a team, take ownership of their learning and understand the ethical codes of various fields,” says Vonesh. Along the way, students receive support and feedback.
Connection with an online community
Some people may equate online learning with isolation. After the increase in online learning in recent years, Vonesh says that CTD has discovered ways to blend the convenience and capability of online education along with personal connection.
“We believe in the power of human interaction and connecting talented students,” she says. “Our programs are designed to integrate community-building activities and encourage active participation.” Connections are built through things like interactive message boards and presenting projects to classmates.
Exceptional instructors and community
Northwestern CTD boasts a team of 60 highly qualified instructors, many with PhDs and extensive experience in their fields.
“Our instructors are passionate and experienced educators who are also committed to developing talent at various developmental stages,” says Vonesh. “They love the design process, giving feedback and seeing their students grow. They are also part of the community that they teach.”
The collaborative environment fosters meaningful relationships and a shared passion for learning, which is a significant reason why many instructors and students from all over the globe seek out CTD, notes Vonesh.
Innovative and personalized course design
Vonesh explains that the program’s design ensures that students are not just isolated learners but active participants in a dynamic educational community.
“We meticulously design CTD’s online courses to offer more than just standard content delivery. Unlike other online programs that may rely on canned curricula, CTD emphasizes human interaction and personalized feedback. We can quickly alter course if needed.”
The programs include pre-assessments, exploration, application and synthesis of knowledge. Courses meet the needs of individual learners, allowing them to work at their own pace while engaging in rich, asynchronous discussions.
Vonesh emphasizes that Northwestern CTD’s online courses are anything but ordinary. “Our courses are designed to be academically rigorous, interactive, enjoyable and inclusive of the latest technologies. Plus, we are here to support students and families to ensure that their experience is rewarding and successful.”
For more information about CTD’s online programs, visit ctd.northwestern.edu.
