Embanet - George Washington University Course gets top marks in distance education competition

Toronto, Canada, November 5, 2008 - The vote is in for best practices in legal distance education and an Embanet course has been declared the winner.

On November 1st, the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) chose Embanet's American Jurisprudence course, taught by The George Washington University, as the winner of its 2008 AAfPE Distance Education Competition. Sponsored by textbook publisher Prentice Hall, the competition looks at best practices in online paralegal studies and other courses for the legal community.

"As many of our programs are turning to some distance education, it is important that we set standards of quality that other can creatively 'borrow,'" the AAfPE said in its competition announcement.

Dr. Thomas Downey, Chief Academic Officer, says the AAfPE prize is a great honour which reflects Embanet's commitment to delivering exceptional online learning experiences through excellence in Instructional Design that enables students and teachers to achieve their academic goals.

"Embanet's goal is to realize the great opportunities presented by the Internet for delivering education that is convenient to all learners regardless of where they live or work. Our award winning design engages them in ways that aren't always possible in the traditional classroom setting," says Dr. Thomas Downey "Winning this competition is a gratifying acknowledgement that we have accomplished what we set out to do."

"Developing and delivering online courses has improved my teaching tremendously. Putting my class into another medium has caused me to consider and evaluate every aspect of my teaching, to organize my courses differently, and to consider different elements of my students' learning. The students are the beneficiaries: they're engaged, they're taking control of their education, and they're really learning" says Toni Marsh, Director, Paralegal Studies Programs at The George Washington University.

"Embanet would like to congratulate The George Washington University on this remarkable achievement," says Dr. Downey. "We're proud to have such a great institution as one of our academic partners."

About GW

The George Washington University master's degree in paralegal studies, is a rigorous course of study that provides comprehensive education in corporate law, litigation, legal research and writing, and includes in-depth study of government law, intellectual property law, and international law. Courses balance theoretical, philosophical, and historical perspectives with practical applications of written and oral communication, analysis, ethics, and legal technology. Outstanding lawyers teach courses designed in conjunction with the legal, government, business, and international communities.

Located in the heart of the nation's capital, The George Washington University was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in Washington, D.C. The University offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business, and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 130 countries.


Embanet (www.embanet.com) is an integrated, full service provider of online learning services to schools, colleges and universities. In addition to safeguarding the academic integrity of these institutions, Embanet's mission is to maximize student enrollment and graduation by providing capital and expertise in program development, marketing, admissions and student services. Embanet's services allow its partners to focus on their core expertise of building their reputation as leading institutions in higher education.

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