2011 Master Gardener Training Online Information
The University of Illinois Extension will offer Master Gardener training online as an option for those who would
like to take the Master Gardener course, but due to work schedules or travel concerns are unable to attend one of the faceto-face training programs. The online option may not be offered in every county- so check with your local extension
office to be sure that it is offered in the county in which you live. The 2011 class will run from mid-January through early
May coinciding with spring semester on the U of I campus.
Applicants for this course MUST have at least some previous computer experience and feel comfortable with
navigating the Internet and using email as well as basic programs such as Microsoft Word. Please, please DO NOT sign
up for this course if you are a computer novice! Students will need to have access to a computer for extended periods (i.e.
don’t count on an Extension office or public library computer for working on the course). Computer specifications may
be found on the “System Requirements” document. You must have a MINIMUM of 256 bandwidth, DSL or betterInternet connection in order to view the lessons on this course- no exceptions. Please keep in mind that if these
specifications are not met- the course may be hard to access and download time is slow- leading to student frustration.
Please make sure that proper computer specifications and internet access are taken care of before registering for this class.
The first week of the course all enrollees will participate in an online orientation session about the Master
Gardener program and U of I Extension, as well as an introduction to Illinois Compass, the computer program that is the
framework of the on-line course. The 12 major course units will include Botany, Soils, Plant Diseases, Entomology,
Integrated Pest Management, Herbaceous Ornamentals, Woody Ornamentals, Grasses, Houseplants, Small and Tree
Fruits, Vegetables and Landscaping. Each unit will include a reading assignment from the manual, a PowerPoint
presentation and notes to view, external links to visit, a homework assignment and a quiz. The course also includes an
obligatory discussion board tool for communication between participants and with the instructor. Participants may work at
their own pace but should be aware that the course has specific deadlines for completion of homework and quizzes.
Students should plan on spending between 8-10 hours per week on the course. NO EXTENSIONS ON QUIZZES OR
TESTS WILL BE GRANTED WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE INSTRUCTOR.
Those interested in taking the On-Line course as a Master Gardener should apply through their local
University of Illinois Extension Unit Office, following the same initial procedures as face-to-face Master Gardener
applicants --- filling out an application form and completing an interview. Applicants must receive approval from their
local Unit Director and/or Master Gardener coordinator to take the training as a Master Gardener. Master Gardener
candidates must serve their volunteer hours to the unit in which they register and are accepted into the class.
Those applicants choosing Non-volunteer /personal study option may take the on-line course as well. Indicate
on the Online Registration Form that you are taking the course as: Non-Volunteer/personal study option. Return your
registration and fee to the local University of Illinois Extension office for forwarding to the state office. You cannot
change your mind later and decide to become a Master Gardener if you choose this option.
The training fee to become a Master Gardener volunteer is $250 and the fee for the non-volunteer option is
$300—payable to the University of Illinois. This training fee includes either a print or CD-ROM copy of the Master
Gardener manual. Registered participants will receive their manual(s) and additional class materials, and course password,
along with information about accessing the course for the first time prior to the start of the course.
General questions about the course itself may be directed to the Master Gardener State Coordinator-Monica
David, 1201 S. Dorner Drive, Urbana, IL 61801, Tel. 217-265-5256 modavid@illinois.edu.
Registration form on next page.
2011 Master Gardener On-Line Registration Form
Name (please print) __________________________________________________________
Mailing Address _____________________________________________________________
City __________________ County___________________ State _____ Zip ___________
Telephone (_____)_______________ E-mail ______________________________________
I will be taking the course as (check one):
_______ University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteer trainee. I have submitted an
application to the local unit office, I have been interviewed and accepted into the
program. I understand that the Signature of the Extension Unit Director, Unit
Educator or Unit Master Gardener Coordinator is required below.
_________________________________________________________________
Extension Representative providing approval
_______ Non-volunteer/ personal study option
Training fees--Choose one option.
Master Gardener volunteer training fee including a print manual $250
_______
Master Gardener volunteer training fee including a CD-ROM manual $250
_______
Non-volunteer option training fee including a print manual $300
_______
Local county fee (varies by county so be sure to ask)
_______
Total enclosed (Make check payable to University of Illinois)
_______
APPLICANT PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM, THE FEE AND IF APPROPRIATE, THE TRAINEE
AGREEMENT TO YOUR LOCAL EXTENSION OFFICE BY DECEMBER 6, 2010.
PLEASE BE
SURE THAT YOUR COMPUTER AND INTERNET HOOKUP MEETS THE MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE.