‘My Horse University’ Available for College Credit
‘My Horse University’ Available for College Credit
4/11/08
Contact: Kate Koltvedt
517-432-8115
or
Laura Probyn
517-432-1555, ext. 171
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The Michigan State University (MSU) online horse management program, My Horse University (MHU), was offered for college credit for the first time to Pennsylvania State University students during the fall 2007 semester.
Twenty equine science students at Penn State had the opportunity to take the MHU course on horse behavior and welfare last fall. Camie Heleski, MSU animal science department instructor and MHU contributor, was the lead instructor.
“The students kept me on my toes,” Heleski said. “I really enjoyed watching the videos they sent me to document their application of learning theory for an assignment. It was an interesting blend of using technology to demonstrate hands-on efforts.”
Karen A. Vines, Penn State equine science minor coordinator, said she was very pleased with student responses.
The behavior and welfare course uses online videos and interactive course components to help students learn to assess horse welfare and psychology. Participants learn how to interpret horse senses and body language, understand how a horse learns, including the key factors for the foundation of training, and how to recognize and manage stereotypic behaviors.
The course has been offered as part of a non-formal online educational series that also includes programs on horse breeding and selection and evaluation. A new offering in equine nutrition will be added this summer.
It was modified for use as a for-credit course with the addition of Dr. Heleski’s regular feedback and assignments of homework and graded tests. In the nonformal version, homework is not collected and tests are not graded.
To learn more about any MHU courses for credit or nonformal education, e-mail info@myhorseuniversity.com or visit www.myhorseuniversity.com.
My Horse University was established at MSU to provide horse enthusiasts a convenient way to continue education with online science-based courses designed by recognized equine experts. Founded by the MSU Department of Animal Science, MSU Extension and MSU Global, it offers equine education courses and resources that can be tailored to meet individual goals.
#lp#