Transcript Development of an Online Masters

Development of an Online
Masters
Jim Flowers
Ball State University
[email protected]
Master of Arts
• Technology Education
• Industrial Vocational / Technical Education
– (Career and Technical Education)
Logistical Parameters
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Online courses to replace F2F courses
100% online from Ball State
30 Credit Hours (thesis opt.)
9 hours may be transferred
Technology Education
– All courses offered in a 1-year period
• Industrial Vocational Technical Education
– All courses offered in a 2-year period
Current Status
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Two Masters proposed
Fourteen courses scheduled to go online
Faculty preparation
Local administration
Pilot online course in 2nd implementation
Marketing work
Inception
• Declining F2F Enrollments
• Championed Idea
• Individual Pilot Course:
– ITEDU 510: Technology, Use & Assessment
Pilot Course Development
• Contract
– 2 semesters work with Inst. Technologist
– Assigned time
– Taking an online course
– Taking workshops
– Using BSU tools
– Course ownership
Needs Assessment
• Survey sent to Tech. Ed. (ITEA members)
• Substantial need exists
• Obstacles exit
• http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE/v13n1/flowers.html
Need
• Convenience
– Place
– Time flexibility
• Continuing education credits
• Graduate degree & course in Tech. Ed.
Obstacles
• Misconceptions?
– Poor quality
– Not much human contact
• Ignorance (Where to find courses)
• Technological obstacles
• Administrative obstacles
Decision to Go Online
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Declining F2F enrollment
8 profs – unanimous decision
Both masters
Proposal:
– www.bsu.edu/web/jcflowers1/projects/onlinemasters/proposal.htm
Approvals
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Program Committee & Chair
Dean
Continuing Education Dean
“Teleplex” (funds for development)
Univ. Graduate Education Committee
Indiana Commission on Higher Education
Financial Faculty Support / Course
• $1500 + $1500 development
– Stipend or course buy out
• $1500 1st implementation bonus
– Stipend or course buy out
• $50 / student over minimum (6)
• $750 course revision
Non-Financial Faculty Support
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Workshops
Assistance in planning online learning
Assistance in using online learning tools
Reviews of course materials and plans
Administration
• Director of Online Education (department)
• Two colleges
On-Campus vs. Off-Campus
• Advertisements and course listings
• Fee structure
• Faculty load
(Program) Lessons Learned
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Find and support a champion.
Justify a need. Fill a niche.
Pilot a course.
Fit university goals & mission.
Utilize university support systems.
Provide for assessment.
(Course) Lessons Learned
• Eliminate garbage.
• Go beyond shovelware.
– Provide for student-student communication.
– Provide for student-instructor communication.
• Be prepared for non-target students.
• Be prepared for technical problems.
Sample Course
• ITEDU 510, Technology: Use & Assessment
• Info:
– www.bsu.edu/web/jcflowers1/510intro.htm
• Modules:
– www.bsu.edu/web/jcflowers1/rlo/510.htm
Blackboard 5.5.1 L3 Course Site
Discussion Board Forums
Sample Thread
Sample Posting
Learning Modules
Learning Modules
Research Opportunities
• Collaborative Online Learning
• Reusable Learning Objects
• (Stimulating faculty research)
Challenges
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Marketing
Course and program development
Ownership issues
Promotion, tenure, salary issues
Possible off-campus instructors
Technical issues (bandwidth, etc.)
Development of an Online
Masters
Dr. Jim Flowers
Associate Prof. & Director of Online Education
Industry & Technology, Ball State University
[email protected]